Developing Themes In Your Stories: Part 5 – Symbolism

Symbolism is a tricky element for writers to master. Its ability to represent ideas and qualities requires deeper thought than other literary elements do. But when symbolism is used effectively, it can make a story even more powerful and unforgettable. Plus, its purpose can serve as another way of nurturing literary themes. Today, we’ll look… Read more »

#5OnFri: 5 Life Problems Only Writers Understand

Every career has specific traits that only others in the same profession can relate to, like my husband, who is a service technician in the Tel-com industry. When he’s around other techs, they speak in code,  T-1, PRI, and VoIP. When we’re in public he tells me the phone system each business uses, “That’s a… Read more »

Publishing My First Book, Part 1

After I signed my book contract, I thought I’d have a few weeks to let things sink in before editing began. I mistakenly thought I’d have a month or more to do nothing but pound out the first draft of book two. Nope. The discussions on editing and the cover began within a week, and… Read more »

#5OnFri: Five Curiosities for Writing Inspiration

  Like many writers, I got the idea for my book, A Keeper’s Truth, in a dream, that four am buzz that had me giddy, watching the scene play out in excruciating detail, the characters as real as life, voices clear and strong in my head. Jotting the scene on paper wasn’t a conscious choice, but a necessity…. Read more »

A Walk-Through of the Publication Process, Part II

Welcome back, writers, to part two of my walk-through of the book publication process, in which I attempt to show how an accepted manuscript becomes a pretty, published book. Last time, I talked you through the manuscript stage—how a novel is edited, copy edited, and proofread, among other things. Today I’ll be discussing production through… Read more »

#5onFri: 5 Writing Excuses For Not Finishing Your WIP

My very first novel got published this month. I have to be honest, typing out that sentence is still really weird. Like when you get married and have to learn to start saying “my husband.” While the weight of this accomplishment is still sinking in, it’s been an incredible learning experience, from the big spark of… Read more »

7 Ways I Jumpstarted My Author Platform

I’m a marketing professional and blogger who runs an online short story publication … so I’ve been in the game of building an audience online for years. It’s what I do for clients, and it’s also been, essentially, a personal hobby. But when it came time for my first novel to get published earlier this… Read more »