Blog
How Long is a Short Story? Unraveling the Mystery of Word Count
So you’re writing a short story. But what exactly does that mean in terms of word count? Short stories come in all shapes and sizes, with word counts that vary widely based on the story type and where you’re hoping to publish. Loosely speaking, a short story can be...
Character Flaws: The Key to Creating Relatable Characters
When crafting fictional characters, it’s easy to fall into the trap of creating idealized, flawless people who represent our best traits and highest aspirations. Yet, in reality, our flaws make us unique—and the same is true in fiction. Readers don’t connect with...
Character Charting for Beginners: 3 Tips and Tricks to Bring Your Characters to Life
Watching your characters come to life on the page is one of the most exhilarating aspects of writing. As I dive into my own character development process, I’ve discovered a few key strategies that help not just in creating believable characters, but also in forging...
Copyeditor’s Corner: Tips and Tricks for Professional Editing
There’s writing, and then there’s copywriting. Copy is a very different beast from writing a book or sending a pitch. Copywriting refers to the words you encounter on websites, magazine advertisements, and elsewhere that have been carefully crafted to influence...
Famous Female Authors: 3 Writers You Need to Discover
The power of words remains an undeniable force for change and inspiration. As writers and readers, we often find ourselves searching for those guiding voices—authors who not only craft beautiful prose but also challenge us to think, feel, and grow. Throughout history,...
Crafting Cohesion: 5 Tips for Building a Strong Network of Writers
Building a strong network of writers is one of the most powerful things you can do to grow as a writer—and it’s so much more than just making professional connections. It’s about finding a community filled with people who uplift, inspire, and support each other. ...
Boost Your Dedication to Writing: 5 Techniques to Excel in Your Craft
Writers often find ourselves trying to balance desire to express creativity and the need to refine our craft. You want to share our stories with the world, but first, you have to make sure those stories resonate and captivate your readers. There’s always more to...
10 Essential Tools and Resources to Perfect Your Manuscript Edit
It’s not a secret that when you want to perfect your manuscript,, it’s all about choosing the right tools and resources. They’ll not only enhance your writing but also streamline the editing process. Over the years, I’ve discovered some essentials that have helped...
Crafting Your Writing Success Route: Mastering Focus for Unstoppable Goals
When I first started writing, I sabotaged myself by trying to do too many things at once. I had such lofty ideas. I pitched articles, started books, hired myself out to edit other people’s writing, and set up collaborations. My enthusiasm was sky-high, and I wanted...
Plot Weaving Mastery: Create a Character that Resonates with Any Audience
Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They reflect the people in our lives—those we admire, those who challenge us, and those who teach us invaluable lessons. As writers, our job is to create a character that resonates deeply with readers, characters who...