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Best Books on Writing: 7 Books for Your Writing Journey
Have you ever stared at a blank page and wondered whether your story needed more inspiration or a clearer outline? If you’re
October 6, 2026
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Writing Resources and Tools
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Tension can arise from anywhere — in a simple conversation, a family dinner, a job interview, or even with a...
Have you ever read a book and come across a word you’d never heard or seen before? At first, you...
Fourth person point of view is a unique and rarely used perspective in stories. First person gives us “I.” Second...
A character’s introduction is one of the most important parts of your story. Done well, your reader can make a...
Learning how to write a fight scene isn’t really about choreography. It’s about tension and what’s truly at stake for...
There is no “correct” approach to point of view in literature. Your sole consideration is how you want your reader...
Every writer has their own way of working, a process that has to be developed and honed over many years....
What does it mean to trust yourself? It sounds like a good idea, but it is often a counter-intuitive process....
Here’s some advice for first time writers on setting a daily word count. Consistency is the key. Set a writing...
Below are ten writing suggestions for anyone who is setting out to craft a novel, memoir, or screenplay. Some are...
Sometimes the deeper we get into our story, the more we seek distraction. The internet will suck the life out...
“The outline is 95% of the book. Then I sit down to write, and that’s the easy part.” – Jefferey...
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Stepping Into Your True Power
What does it mean to trust yourself? It sounds like a good idea, but it is often a counter-intuitive process. It is
May 31, 2024
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The Internet: A Writer’s Worst Distraction
Sometimes the deeper we get into our story, the more we seek distraction. The internet will suck the life out of any
May 18, 2024
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First-Time Novelists: Dealing with Fear
Many authors share a similar fear: “What will people think?” It looks slightly different for each writer. What will my parents think when
April 12, 2024
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The Necessity of an Outline
“The outline is 95% of the book. Then I sit down to write, and that’s the easy part.” – Jefferey Deaver Many
October 2, 2023
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Blog
Why We Go on Retreat
For years, my students had been asking me when I was going to take them on a retreat. Frankly, I’d been
August 10, 2023
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Why Writers Get Stuck
Einstein says, “You cannot solve a problem at the same level of consciousness that created the problem.” Writers often get stuck because
August 12, 2022
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One Thing Readers Hate
One thing readers hate are coincidences. Sure, coincidences occur in our lives every day, but in a story, they are generally a
July 29, 2022
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Blog
Take Risks – Advice for First-Time Writers
“In order to share one’s true brilliance one initially has to risk looking like a fool.” – Criss Jami Writing your first
July 15, 2022
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Setting a Plan with Purpose
Do you often find it hard to stick to your writing plan? How often do “important tasks” distract you and pull you
January 7, 2022
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Blog
Finishing Your Story: 5 Tips to Get You to the End
For all you writers struggling somewhere in the middle of your manuscript, here are five tips to get you to the end.
November 12, 2021
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Setting a Daily Word Count
Here’s some advice for first time writers on setting a daily word count. Consistency is the key. Set a writing goal. Can
September 17, 2021
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Writing Despite Fear of Criticism
In 2017, Gustavo Dudamel became the youngest conductor of a major orchestra of his time. I remember an L.A. Times journalist urged
April 16, 2021
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Blog
Your Writing Process is Valid
Every writer has their own way of working, a process that has to be developed and honed over many years. Margaret Atwood
October 28, 2019
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Blog
Ten Suggestions for Writing
Below are ten writing suggestions for anyone who is setting out to craft a novel, memoir, or screenplay. Some are obvious, while
August 6, 2019
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Blog
How to Become a First-Time Author
The journey to becoming a first-time author is different for everyone. For me, it involved letting go of the idea that I’d
December 7, 2017
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Blog
How to Write Your First Novel
Writing your first book might actually be fun. I’m serious. I know you’re terrified. It’s a scary thing to do. But, at
November 22, 2017
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Blog
Ten Signs of a Good Writing Instructor
Choosing a writing instructor is a big decision. They are not all created equal. Here are some guidelines and suggestions that
November 14, 2017
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Recent posts
Have you ever stared at a blank page and wondered whether your story needed more inspiration or a clearer outline?...
What does it mean to trust yourself? It sounds like a good idea, but it is often a counter-intuitive process....
Sometimes the deeper we get into our story, the more we seek distraction. The internet will suck the life out...
Many authors share a similar fear: “What will people think?” It looks slightly different for each writer. What will my...
“The outline is 95% of the book. Then I sit down to write, and that’s the easy part.” – Jefferey...
For years, my students had been asking me when I was going to take them on a retreat. Frankly,...
Einstein says, “You cannot solve a problem at the same level of consciousness that created the problem.” Writers often get...
One thing readers hate are coincidences. Sure, coincidences occur in our lives every day, but in a story, they are...
“In order to share one’s true brilliance one initially has to risk looking like a fool.” – Criss Jami Writing...
Do you often find it hard to stick to your writing plan? How often do “important tasks” distract you and...
For all you writers struggling somewhere in the middle of your manuscript, here are five tips to get you to...
Here’s some advice for first time writers on setting a daily word count. Consistency is the key. Set a writing...
In 2017, Gustavo Dudamel became the youngest conductor of a major orchestra of his time. I remember an L.A. Times...
Every writer has their own way of working, a process that has to be developed and honed over many years....
Below are ten writing suggestions for anyone who is setting out to craft a novel, memoir, or screenplay. Some are...
The journey to becoming a first-time author is different for everyone. For me, it involved letting go of the idea...
Writing your first book might actually be fun. I’m serious. I know you’re terrified. It’s a scary thing to do....
Choosing a writing instructor is a big decision. They are not all created equal. Here are some guidelines and...