Trends in Speculative Fiction

Trends in Speculative Fiction

Trends! TikTok has some, and so does Instagram. And that is perhaps one of the few things writing a novel and social media have in common. Read on for more about the trends in speculative fiction. How trends can help you as an author  1. A Great Place to Start Let’s face it: when you… Read more »

It’s Messy in the Middle: Unpacking Cultural Appropriation

It’s Messy in the Middle: Unpacking Cultural Appropriation

As an author, does the phrase “cultural appropriation” make the tiny hairs on the back of your neck stand at attention? You’re not alone.  Some conversations about cultural appropriation can feel about as useful as a pile of hot garbage. However, intentionally making space to listen to experiences with cultural appropriation has the potential to… Read more »

Kid Lit Craft: Interview with Ritu Anand

Kid Lit Craft: Interview with Ritu Anand

Hello, fellow kid lit writers! I’m coming to you this week with another fantastic author interview. Our spotlight author this time is Ritu Anand, author of the vibrant and heartfelt picture book Kara’s Dreams. I had the pleasure of interviewing her, and I can’t wait to share her incredible insight and experiences writing for kids!… Read more »

A Few, Humble Thoughts on Voice

A Few, Humble Thoughts on Voice

As writers, we hear again and again how important voice is in our work, particularly when shopping a piece or querying agents. But “voice” itself, especially if you are just starting out, can be a tricky thing to define in unequivocal, technical terms. What is this slippery, nebulous, yet powerful creature? What are its component… Read more »

Battling the Guilt Monster

Battling the Guilt Monster

We all have those days when our best intentions and dedication to our writing get derailed. We oversleep, feel sick, have to get the trash out, and the cat throws up in the middle of everything, and the dog gets out and barks at a deer and our writing time gets spent corralling him back… Read more »

Why All Writers Should Play around with Poetry

Why All Writers Should Play around with Poetry

Everyone should play around with poetry. Period.  Your hairdresser. The mail delivery person. The landscaper, the hummingbird feeder refill person. The person who diligently washes, folds and presses your socks.  And, for sure, writers should play around with poetry.  I’m talking to you, non-fiction writers. I’m talking to you, business and copywriter, you life coaches… Read more »

#5onFri: Five Words of Encouragement for Writers

#5onFri: Five Words of Encouragement for Writers

I’ve always been a lover of inspirational sayings; through the years I’ve collected a wide variety of these words of encouragement to bolster my sometimes flagging attitude.  One of my favorites is attributed to the 30th President of the U.S., Calvin Coolidge. The gist of it is that nothing in the world can take the… Read more »

How to Use the Enneagram to Create Fictional Characters

How to Use the Enneagram to Create Fictional Characters

I recently wrote about using the Enneagram to set your own goals as a writer, but you can also use this powerful tool to help develop your fictional characters.  In this post, I’m going to show you three ways that the Enneagram can help you develop complex, relatable characters that the reader cares about.  1…. Read more »