Writing advice and tips.
Writers love drafting. We love new ideas, new chapters, new angles. We love seeing that word count climb. What we don’t always love?Stopping. But if your project feels scattered, slow, or harder than it should be, the issue probably isn’t lack of “butt in chair,” but one of clarity. Before you write another chapter, ask…
I’ve never stopped to count the number of books I have on the craft of writing. They fill 3 bookshelves in my 5-shelf book case. And I admit, I haven’t read them all, nor I have finished all the ones I started. Does that mean they aren’t good books? Not at all. Just means I…
I love the way the Lord works in my life. He’ll drop an idea into my head when I least expect it. You know what I mean, those moments as you drift off to sleep or when you’re in the shower or doing some mindless household chore like washing dishes. And you have to write…
In my last post, I discussed through lines for nonfiction. Today, I’ll attempt to cover through lines for fiction. Allow me to repeat part of the last post: How many of you remember McDonald’s “special sauce” advertising for the Big Mac? I was around when they first used it in 1974. (After all these years,…
How many of you remember McDonald’s “special sauce” advertising for the Big Mac? I was around when they first used it in 1974. (After all these years, I wonder if the recipe is still the same. I’m not promoting McDonald’s.) So what’s special sauce got to do with writing? It’s my way of creating an…
As you know, I’ve had some setbacks with my latest novel. It sent me back to the books to learn more. The following are those I’ve read this year. Secrets to Writing a Series by K. Stanley and L. Cooke came recommended by a friend from my critique group. Here’s a portion of the sales…
Today, I’m turning to grammar—a topic we all love 😁. But why rehash an old subject when I’ve already written plenty about it. Below you’ll find various posts you have probably missed if you’re somewhat new to my blog, or if you’ve never searched the archive. I’ve categorized them to make it easier for you.
Research. Some writers love it, some don’t, but with nonfiction (and fiction), it is a critical part of your writing. Readers won’t hesitate to tell you when your facts are wrong. That damages your credibility, and that reader might put down your book the moment they spot an inaccuracy. That same reader may very well…