Writing for YA
What I Learned by Writing for Anthologies
I’ve had two types of experience with anthologies. My first experience with contributing to an anthology was simple. I…
May 27, 2022-
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The Intentional WriterCommon Writer Questions: How to Convey Accents
“How do I write dialogue to show an accent or dialect?” I’ve often heard this question discussed at writing…
May 24, 2022 -
Writing RomanceLessons From the Movies
I recently watched Hudson Hawk, a (deservedly) lesser-known Bruce Willis movie. It was released three years after his smash…
May 23, 2022 -
History in the MakingThe School Bus, Early Rides and Development
Most folks are very familiar with big yellow buses boasting black-stenciled letters: SCHOOL BUS We can’t miss them. We’re…
May 20, 2022 -
Writers ChatWriters Chat Recap for May Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all…
May 19, 2022 -
Mastering Middle GradeHooks
I recently read a few middle grade novels I could not put down, even when sleep called loud and…
May 18, 2022 -
Marketing SenseHow to Grow Your Audience Using Online Workshops: Part Two
Last month we began this series by choosing the marketing message for a workshop on ice fishing. Ice fishing?!?…
May 12, 2022 -
Guest PostsGetting Kids Excited About Creative Writing
Whether you have a child of your own or you’ve worked with them before, you already know that most…
May 9, 2022 -
Kids LitWhat is “High Concept”?
After the fifth editor said, “I am especially looking for high concept picture books. I can’t explain that, but…
May 8, 2022 -
Fantasy-Sci-FiBaby Stepping
The proverbial journey of a thousand miles begins with the one step. But it doesn’t end there. Writing an…
May 7, 2022 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's LifeReady for Camp?
Writers conference season is upon us, and I have all the feels. I’m excited about seeing old friends, nervous…
May 6, 2022 -
ScreenwritingTight Writing
Tight writing has its place and purpose in all forms of writing, but more so in a screenplay. When…
May 4, 2022 -
Devotions for WritersWill You STep into Your Bethlehem?
Do you realize you have something in common with Ruth the Moabitess? We’ll explore that in the exercise.…
May 3, 2022 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for April Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all…
April 30, 2022 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)Do the Work
Last year I entered a pitch for my newest screenplay into a competition to get an opportunity to pitch…
April 29, 2022 -
Writing for YA
What I Learned by Being on a Pub Board
I was flattered to be asked to serve as a pub board member for a small publisher. I’m no…
April 27, 2022 -
Book ProposalsTest & Revise Your Elevator Pitch
Over the last few years, many writer’s conferences have been cancelled, postponed or gone to virtual meetings. The good…
April 25, 2022 -
The Intentional Writer
Need Inspiration? Try these Writing Mantras
So many things can hinder our writing. Our lives are filled with distractions and competing commitments, while our inner…
April 24, 2022 -
Guest Posts
How Not to Write a Book Review
The rich used to be the ones who did book reviews. Everybody is now a critic. There are sites…
April 22, 2022 -
History in the Making
The History of Writing Tools
Do you remember writing your first story idea or, maybe even your first manuscript, with pencil or pen and…
April 20, 2022 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for April Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all…
April 18, 2022 -
Mystery/Thriller/SuspenseLighter Fare or Darker Stories
In a dark, and often discouraging world, are you writing your mystery, suspense, or thriller with a more lighthearted…
April 17, 2022 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Building Platform
You’ve poured hours into building a plot, developing characters, and revising. Now that your baby is written, how do…
April 16, 2022 -
Marketing Sense
How to Grow Your Audience Using Online Workshops: Part One
Growing your audience can seem like an uphill battle. Hosting online workshops will help you reach your goal faster.…
April 12, 2022 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
Write Ugly
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight,…
April 11, 2022