Opinions

6 Reasons to Pants Your Book

In an earlier video, I noted the benefits of #outlining a book. But in full transparency, I'm prone to #pantsing, myself. And I want you to understand that even though outlining can be great, you're...

Does Rejection or Silence From Agents and Publishers Mean You’re a Bad Writer?

If there's one thing that makes a person think they're a bad writer and that their work is a flaming dumpster fire, it's a constant stream of rejections or -- even worse -- plain silence....

Reading This Way Might Help You Get More Enjoyment and Meaning from Books

Due to both changes in the writing industry and shifts in my personal life, I've been giving intense thought to what my goals and purpose should be as a writer. Why do I want to...

Should You Hire an Editor for Your Own Writing?

Good writers and editors work with manuscripts all the time, polishing them to the point of being ready to publish. But if you have a book of your own, should you trust yourself to edit...

Yes, Writing Is a Skill, Not Just a Passion. Here’s Why It Matters

When you engage with others about writing, what's their perception? Do they treat it as a serious, legitimate, unique skill? Or do they dismiss it as a quaint hobby, a passion that's "nice" but won't...

Are All Writers Introverted?

Writers are introverts. At least, that's the stereotype. But in this video, I argue that many writers aren't introverts at all. They want to connect just like anyone else and, thanks to industry shifts, have...

The Two Basic Stories You Can Tell

Over the past few years, I've been checking out a lot of psychology books, as well as videos online, as mental health has become one of my primary focuses. I've incorporated what I've learned wherever...

What Happens When You Depend on Writing or Other Art to Survive

Writing and other creative arts are supposed to provide expressive outlets and support mental health. But when you have to depend on writing to survive, life gets a little dicey. These are my tips to...

Copying the Style of Other Writers

How do you reach the level of success other writers have? Do you just copy what they do? That might work in the logistical sense, such as using great tools they've found or managing a...

Why You Need to Write Your First Book (Even If It’s Bad)

When I was around 16, I got the idea into my head that I could write my first book. After all, I'd been writing tons of short stories. No one was telling me no or...