8 Keys to Writing Spectacular Stories

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Writing a novel is hard. From character development to worldbuilding to trying to keep all of your subplots straight, there is a lot that goes into writing a novel, especially for beginners. When I was first starting out as a writer, I made a lot of mistakes, and I struggled for years to even finish … Continue reading 8 Keys to Writing Spectacular Stories

Why I’m publishing the Sitka Saga in Web3

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When I started writing my fantasy novel series, the Sitka Saga, I knew it was something I wanted to share with the world one day, but I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to do that. At first, I was dead-set on going the traditional publishing route. This was, after all, how “real” authors … Continue reading Why I’m publishing the Sitka Saga in Web3

Does your prose need to sound more “literary?”

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The other day I was browsing through an online writing group I’m part of, and someone posted a question about what makes “good writing” and why so many popular books were apparently “bad.” In response, another commenter cited a wildly popular YA series, and said something to the effect of, “The author isn’t even a … Continue reading Does your prose need to sound more “literary?”

Hustling won’t help you write better. But neither will procrastinating.

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As I look back on my last several years of being a writer, there is a pattern I’ve noticed: the more I’ve studied and learned about writing, the slower I actually get the writing done. And that’s because the more that I’ve learned, the more that I’ve started holding myself to impossible standards.

Thinking of NaNoWriMo? The Truth About Writing a Novel in a Month

Thinking of NaNoWriMo?

Well, it's October, and you know what that means: yellow leaves, a chill in the air, and a growing buzz about NaNoWriMo. If that just looked like a goofy jumble of letters and not a word, allow me to explain. NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month, a yearly event where people from around the world … Continue reading Thinking of NaNoWriMo? The Truth About Writing a Novel in a Month

Sticking it Out: When to Keep Working on Your WIP

You're the author, and you're in control of the story. If you want to keep writing, I think you can make it happen. If you want to be done, you have the power to make that choice too. It's up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether your manuscript is worth your precious time.

Breaking it Off: When to Give Up on Your WIP

There's a lot of writer advice out there that errs on the side of keeping it up at all costs. "You can work through anything!" "Never quit!" "Think of how good it will feel when you actually finish this manuscript!" Well, I'm here to say that not all manuscripts are meant to be finished. And some of them should be quit. 

When Writing Sucks: How to Deal with Writer’s Burnout

But if you're wanting to take your writing to the next level, you're going to have to learn to deal with Suck Days. It might not be easy, but here are four things I've found that make the Suck Days not only more manageable, but something you can use to your advantage.

3 Tips for Sticking with your Writing

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Would I ever really finish a novel? The answer was yes. I did finish a novel. I did start to take my writing seriously. And I believe you can, too! You can escape the endless cycle of abandonment and write something brilliant. Here are the three things that broke me out of the abandonment cycle and helped me complete my first novel.