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Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Writing bigger speculative fiction stories

In his 2017 best seller, You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Story, Houston Howard admonishes writers to create larger stories…
November 7, 2020
Screenwriting
Almost There!

By the time you read this, Halloween will be over; which means the year is almost over—more specifically 2020…
November 4, 2020
Writing for YA
Do’s and Don’ts When Forming Your Launch Team

Congratulations, your book baby is now ready for release! What comes next? It’s time to celebrate your book release…
October 27, 2020
Romancing Your Story
The Romance Promise

Every book written begins with a promise. No matter if it is fiction or nonfiction, there is a promise…
October 23, 2020
Kids Lit
Writing Books that Matter

I was in the window seat, thumbing through my recent issue of “Writer’s Digest,” just waiting for the plane…
October 21, 2020
History in the Making
Using Your Research for More than Your Novel

Writing a novel is hard work and takes time. Writing a Historical Fiction novel may require more time and…
October 20, 2020
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
When You Feel Like Giving Up

Somewhere along the way doubts may have bubbled up and spilled over. Is the mystery, suspense, thriller genre still…
October 17, 2020
Mastering Middle Grade
Ten Ways to Be a Great Critique Partner

It cannot be overstated: Critique groups are vital for writers. The critique group is to a writer what coaches…
October 16, 2020
Magazine and Freelance
The Value of a “Write Away”

I have a good friend who often says, “I’m going to be gone this week to a “write away.”…
October 14, 2020
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
How to Defeat the Dream-Stealers

I hadn’t been careful enough, and the creature had my scent. Fight or flight, but there’s nowhere to run.…
October 7, 2020
Screenwriting
New Heights (The Climax)

At this point in 2020, we are over halfway through the year and it seems like a new setback…
October 4, 2020
Writing for YA
Writers Gotta Read: Where to Find Book Recs and A Short List of Suggested Reading for YA Authors

I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have…
September 27, 2020
Romancing Your Story
Should Your Romance Contain a Trope?

In case you’re unfamiliar with the word trope, let’s define it. A trope is a character trait or plot…
September 23, 2020
History in the Making
Reverential Capitalization, or God and Pronouns

An interesting thing happened to me on my way to being traditionally published. During my most recent edit, the…
September 20, 2020
Devotional/Christian Living
The Cold Call: How to Approach a Church or Women’s Group for Speaking Opportunities

Recently in a devotional/Christian living blogger Facebook group, a woman asked how she could find speaking engagements. She has…
September 19, 2020
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
The Power of Facial Expressions

Facial expressions speak louder than words, and yet, they don’t make a sound. In most cases, faces convey an…
September 17, 2020
Mastering Middle Grade
Middle Grade Goes Back to School

Ready or not, September means it is time for heading back to school. As an adult, the phrase “back…
September 16, 2020
Magazine and Freelance
A Writer’s Bio – The Most Valuable Piece of Real Estate on the Block

Many writers assume that the value of their article is the payment they receive for writing it. The opposite…
September 14, 2020
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
How Genre Impacts Your Character Development

Sometimes it’s easy to think character development looks similar across genres. And for the reader, it usually does. Even…
September 7, 2020
Screenwriting
On the Rise

Six months ago when the pandemic first came to America, scientists and medical professionals thought that once the temperatures…
September 4, 2020
Writing for YA
Building a Compelling Fantasy World: Q & A with YA Author Amy C. Blake

It’s not always easy creating a whole world from scratch. Amy C. Blake agreed to give a few words…
August 27, 2020
Romancing Your Story
Romantic Tension

In the romance genre, it’s a given that your hero and heroine will end up together for a happily…
August 23, 2020
History in the Making
Thinking Inside the Icebox

From the ingenuity of Thomas Moore, the icebox first appeared on the American scene in 1802. Like many new…
August 20, 2020
Devotional/Christian Living
Spreadsheets: Organizing Wisdom from Author Karen Whiting

I am one of those writers who sits among piles of stuff. That piece of information I need? I…
August 19, 2020
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Identity Crisis

Let’s talk villains. One of my favorite topics! The creeper. The serial killer. The diabolical mastermind. The psychotic killer.…
August 17, 2020