Lucky is the writer whose book title is known before the first word is written. Other books may tease a vague hint or inclination, and then there are those that refuse to cooperate. At any level. If book titles are a challenge, let’s explore some possible remedies for those defiant or reluctant to make themselves known. Reflect the Book’s Tone The title of your book confers a critical first impression for a potential reader. It should provide insight into what … Read More »

There’s an ebb and flow to the pace of a story. Everything in the world moves at a pace that changes now and then, so your story needs to flow with a momentum that makes logical sense based on the setting, characters, and plot of the story. Let’s explore some ideas that will help vary the stride of your story. Word Choices Words have the power to move the reader along or slow them down, based on what is happening … Read More »

The story that you doubted about, shed blood, sweat, and tears over, and dedicated countless hours to is finally in the hands of eager readers. Much to your delight (and relief), they love the story and wonder what happens next! They raise questions about a character’s fate, a relationship, or what the future holds for the plot itself. They’re asking about a sequel to your story. Do you write one? If you decide to, how do you begin? Here are … Read More »

Have you lost control of your story? Has it decided the path you charted (by plotting, pantsing, or whatever) is not the way things are going to go? Is it a rebellion of sorts? A mutiny? Before you hoist the white flag of surrender, there are strategies to consider that can bring things back into balance and help you regain the upper hand. Plot In the Ditch? The story that was set to begin with a cruise to the Bahamas … Read More »

Have you lost control of your story? Has it decided the path you charted (by plotting, pantsing, or whatever) is not the way things are going to go? Is it a rebellion of sorts? A mutiny? Before you hoist the white flag of surrender, there are strategies to consider that can bring things back into balance and help you regain the upper hand. Plot In the Ditch? The story that was set to begin with a cruise to the Bahamas … Read More »

I’ve read a lot of social media posts by and about writers and their angst with the process. Many don’t think they’re actually writing if they’re not actively typing or putting words to paper. They lament the fact that they only wrote (insert a number here) words within a certain timeframe. Some exceeded their goal while others fell short (by their own estimation). I’d like to challenge the myth that writing is that one-dimensional, one setting pursuit. Plot-Pondering There are … Read More »