Tips, How-Tos, and Guides

Why Silent Cartoon Zig and Sharko Offers the Perfect Writing Exercise

From time to time, I like to indulge in bad TV like Mechagodzilla or Xena: Warrior Princess. Those kinds of shows let me zone out for a while, and their absurdity serves as a counterweight...

7 Tips for Better Book Comps

Finding comps -- comparable titles -- is an essential part of the book querying process, as they are a shorthand that let agents and publishers know what your manuscript is like. This video highlights key...

Got a Lot of Browser Tabs Open as a Writer? Try This Option to Get Organized

Ah, the age-old writer problem...having so many browser tabs open your brain cries. Typically, I'm pretty time-crunched through my day. (Anybody else relate?) So, for many tasks, it's efficient for me to leave my browser...

How to Build a Content Calendar With Feedly, Trello, and Zapier

In a previous post, I recommended that writers integrate apps to improve their overall workflow. Setting this up is a highly individual process. What one writer finds to be *chef's kiss* might make another writer...

The Value of Software Integration for Writers

Making a living as a writer has become a juggling act where keeping track of multiple projects is the norm. If you can do that manually, such as with a good, old-fashioned notebook or hard-copy...

What Is Reverse Outlining?

Pacing, plot consistency, and emotional impact are critical to make your book successful. If yours is a little off, try reverse outlining. This video shares the basic steps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Ovdz1PY9E Watch/Subscribe:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Ovdz1PY9E Think of this as finding...

Using Writing to Make Sense of the World and Life

Writing always has been my haven for self-expression. It's been that way for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I walked around with a mini notebook on a string around my...

6 Resources to Help Writers Earn Money and Survive

Last week, I connected with a colleague who, like me, works as an editor and writer. In our conversation, they explained how they were financially struggling, to the point where they were facing moving to...

6 Ways to Connect With Other Writers

When you connect with other writers, it doesn't just help you improve your drafts. It can be psychologically lifesaving, especially now given the state of the industry. This video offers basic options for finding other...

5 Brilliant Ways to Respond to Bad Writing Reviews

It's a dream of mine. I'll admit it. I just want to hop online someday to see a ton of glowing reviews of my books. But as plenty of writers will tell you, bad writing...