When I set out to write The Hawkweed Prophecy, I was struck by the idea of two girls switched at birth and the teenagers they’d become. I had never written a novel before. At this point, I had just finished the script for The Little Prince and had worked with a team, turning in drafts… Read more »
Today I am delighted to have debut novelist Katherine Nouri Hughes on the show! Kate is publishing her debut, The Mapmaker’s Daughter, at the age of 67. Her book is a remarkable feat not only in its scope, but in its depth. Listen in as we discuss the different and largely unknown (in western culture)… Read more »
Last year, I attended a national writing conference. I settled into my seat for the spotlight author interview, pencil poised, ready to absorb lessons from this New York Times bestselling author. The moderator pulled out his list of questions, smiled at the author, and said, “I promise I won’t ask where you get your ideas.”… Read more »
I don’t know why it took me so long to read James Scott Bell’s Revision and Self Editing for Publication (it’s incredible!) but I do know it changed the way I looked at my story, my characters, and what really mattered in my plot. What did Bell say about back cover copy? Not too much…other… Read more »
Sometimes you need a break. A walk can refresh the brain cells. A change of scenery can spark new thoughts. Taking out the trash, or doing some other small but worthy action can be a perfect palliative. Quick and focused, the sojourn lets you return to the keyboard undistracted and morally superior. But this article… Read more »
Hey there word nerds! Today I have the pleasure of having bestselling author Jane Green on the show! Jane has written 17 New York Times bestsellers, and her books have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. While her latest book The Sunshine Sisters might be pegged as a “beach read” there is a depth… Read more »
All of us writers have introverted qualities about us. We wouldn’t pursue this solitary work if we didn’t prefer spending time alone with our laptops. I’ve never heard someone say, “Yay, I can’t wait to network!” But if you pay the money to go to a conference, that’s the number one thing to get out of… Read more »
As an author, your email list is your most valuable platforming asset. Why? Because it’s your most direct line to your biggest fans. With so many platforming tools, your following is actually owned by the application you’re using. Consider: When you’re on Facebook, you have to play by Facebook’s rules. If they change their algorithm… Read more »
One great way to get new story ideas or kick-start your writing is to use the five senses for inspiration. Most writers think of the senses as a way to spice up flat descriptions. In fact, I have one writer friend who used to keep a post-it note stuck to his computer screen with the… Read more »
Congrats—you finished the first draft. Yet you’ve only begun. You know you need to revise. So, you reread and cut, add, edit, restructure, and do it again and again. At some point, after several revisions, the act can become deadening and you need fresh eyes. In writing my novel, Into That Good Night, I often… Read more »
