My New Podcast ‘Write After Work’

I have some news today. I have created a podcast to coincide with this blog and I call it Write After Work. This podcast is for those of you who prefer to listen than to read (shudder the thought!). But I understand that sometimes we do not have time to read or we are in…

Shot Sheeting Your WIP

You might be wondering what I mean by shot sheeting. Well, I will tell you. Back in the day, when I was a TV reporter, we worked with the videographer to cover news events and, once we got back to the station (as in TV station), he'd hand me the tape (3/4 back then) and…

Talking to Your Characters

I don't know about you, but I always make it a habit to talk to my characters prior to embarking on our story journey. Most of us never travel with people we don't know - or don't like for that matter - so I always find it helpful to take the time to get to…

Writing YA but Not a Teen? No Problem!

I suppose that you, like me, write in a genre not of your own age group. If you write MG or YA, nine times out of ten you cannot claim that generation. No problem! I am going to tell you how to get the inside info you need to ensure your book fits with the…

Write to Be Seen

I am sure you know what I am getting at when I say this - yes, it's the old show-don't-tell mantra. But even though I and no doubt you, have heard this a gazillion times, lately I have developed a keener sense for what it actually means. Here is my simple example: you walk into…

Prep for NanoWriMo NOW

Yes, I know September just got here. Yes, I know that NanoWriMo is two months away. And yes, I get that you are a pantser. But if you really want to be ready to hit the ground sprinting, you need to plan NOW. So, what I am about to share with you is my simple…

Baby, I’m Back!

Yes, it has been a good three years since I posted on my site and to be honest I am surprised they didn't shut it down! After losing my full time job, moving to one, two and three different states to find work, and finally getting back on my feet, I am preparing to return…

How to Sift those Book Ideas

Yes, we writers are adept at coming up with great story ideas. In fact, our imagination is inundated with them! But, of course, all of them cannot (and should not) translate into a final manuscript. So how do we narrow them down to something worthy of our labor? Well, I don't have a one-size-fits-all answer,…

On My Way

As a writer I am proud to say that I am on my way. Where? To being a good writer, a full-fledged author. No, I didn't land an agent and no I don't have a publisher. This is much more exciting than that.  Let me explain. There comes a time when you reach a point…

Writers: Stay Positive

Every now and then I have one of those days when I feel like saying 'what's the use?' even though I've been told countless times that the writing slog can be just that. You learn the craft and experiment. You read and take in knowledge. You interact with other writers. You learn from your mistakes…