One way to plot or structure your novel I’m in the plotting phase of my next book. Being a plotter I develop my characters and plan out a good number of my scenes before I even put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Being a conscientious, professional writer and…

Are you asking the right questions when you write? It can make your novel a page turner or something that gathers dust on a shelf. Last week I mentioned that a vital part of my plotting process was asking the right questions to ensure that I have well rounded characters…

There are so many ways to organize your work, but how to prioritize? As I think my regular readers have figured out, I’ve recently been fooling around with a lot of software recently — organizers, to do lists, and calendar apps — all in an effort to organize my life…

Last week I told you all about my creative process and the biggest problem I have with it — turning my handwritten notes into searchable text. This week I’m going to tell you about the different apps I’ve tried to do this. 1. Trello: Trello is a great app for…

I have what seems to be a never-ending quest. I love to write by hand. I do my best thinking when I do so. I’m at my most creative. I create my characters, write the story of how they received their wound, describe their goals and motivations, go into detail…

How many times do you read through your book before you’re satisfied it’s finished? How many times have a heard an author complain that they’ve read through their book at least a hundred times? …

Did what you meant to write make it to the page? When I first started writing, my husband would read my work and then ask me why I didn’t put in this or that, or he would say that he didn’t understand the characters or their motivations. I would explain…

“Art is a container for your feelings.” Jane Friedman, according to David Gaughran. We all know that the best books make you feel. It doesn’t matter whether those feelings are happiness, sadness, excitement, anguish, or disappointment (unless it’s disappointment that the book wasn’t better). But a good book, one that…

I bought myself a new toy and it is so much fun! I’ve been thinking for the past few years about buying a Remarkable 2 tablet. It’s an e-ink electronic writing tablet and it’s gotten really good reviews. It’s been recommended by David Gaughran and other authors I know, but…