Blog

Creating Compelling Characters (pt 2)

This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I'll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I've applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is ava…

Creating Compelling Characters (pt 1)

This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I'll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I've applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is ava…

What's in a name?

Hey there, fellow storytellers! In today's post, we're diving into a topic that might seem small but can have a big impact on your characters – character names. I mean, think about it; the right name can add depth and intrigue to your characters in ways you never thought possible…

Crafting Compelling Characters with a Character Template

Welcome to my series on crafting compelling characters using a character template. This essential tool helps structure well-rounded, engaging characters for your stories by covering aspects such as physical descriptions, personality traits, motivations, and more. Join me as I sha…

My Character template

I'm preparing a series of posts about how I use a character template to help me create and manage characters in my writing. For anyone who has already subscribed, here is the full template if you want to follow along in the series. character_template To use the file with Microsof…

Polishing your manuscript (part 2)

Following up on some advice from an editor, I thought I’d share what my current workflow is for polishing my manuscript,  I’m chagrined to say I have not always been so disciplined in my editing and polishing.  I’m also certain that there are other, better ways to approach your o…

Editor Tips: Build a Strong Author Platform

The final tip I received from an Editor was to build a strong author platform.  It strikes me that it is an easy phrase to say, but a hard task to accomplish.  I look at some of my favorite authors who are still actively publishing, and I see them blogging on GoodReads, updating …

Editor Tips: Understanding the market

Following up on my conversation with an editor acquaintance, I wanted to dig a little deeper on what they meant by understanding the market, especially from a self-publishing perspective. Here are three tips specifically for self-publishing authors. Conduct Market Research: Befor…

Polishing your manuscript

In my last post, I shared some tips from an editor.  Their first point of advice was to polish your manuscript, especially if it was not yet complete.  I’m driving to the conclusion of my first draft of a new novel and want to take their advice to heart.   To do that, I needed to…

Advice from an Editor

I had the opportunity to seek some advice from a professional editor. I did not ask specifics about my work in this conversation, but did ask for some generic guidance applicable to authors trying to break into the fiction market. Here is what they had to say: Polish Your Manuscr…

Simple Plot Tips

I like reading fiction as well as writing. I’ve spent a lot of time reading amateur fiction, fan fiction, and other serial formats over the years, since my favorite authors can’t write as fast as I read. Taking years to get a story complete has driven me away from many “main-stre…

Making Time to Write

As the new year gets started, it has become a challenge to find time to write.  Work takes a lot of time, focus, and writing so the last thing I’m motivated to do is sit down and work on a story at the end of the day.  As part of my ongoing learning journey relating to Generative…