Using all the tools in my writer’s toolbox

Using all the tools in my writer’s toolbox

by | Mar 1, 2026 | Blog, Method, Writing

I have a lot of tools in my writer’s toolbox and I use each and every one despite the fact that many overlap in their abilities. Is that nuts? Weird? Inefficient? Maybe, but it works for me. Before I even begin to write a book, I create characters and plot the book on...
Writing When You’re Too Busy to Write

Writing When You’re Too Busy to Write

by | Feb 22, 2026 | Blog, Life, Writing

I’ve got a coaching client who hasn’t sent me anything to read in advance of our weekly coaching sessions for a month. We’ve been working together for years and he’s nearly always sent me at least a chapter to read. This past month? Nothing. He’s way too busy at work....
Update: Atticus Reviewed

Update: Atticus Reviewed

by | Feb 15, 2026 | Blog, Self-publishing, Writing

Three years ago I reviewed the–then–new writing/formatting software Atticus. It was created by Dave Chesson of Kindlepreneur in 2021 (I reviewed it in 2022). At that time it was a pretty new concept: software that can be accessed anywhere, because it lives...
Ten Tips to Write Dialogue Right

Ten Tips to Write Dialogue Right

by | Feb 8, 2026 | Blog, Writing, Writing Craft

I’ve been reading a sad amount of iffy dialogue recently from overuse of names to unnatural sounding speech to wrong punctuation. So, I decided now would be a great time to do a quick reminder of how to do dialogue right. And we all love “listacles” so here is one for...
How Many Plots Make a Story?

How Many Plots Make a Story?

by | Feb 1, 2026 | Blog, Method, Writing, Writing Craft

How many times have you sat down at your desk at work and did one thing without interruption until it was finished? My bet is that the answer is almost never. Things happen: an email comes in that must be responded to immediately, your boss demands that you finish...
The Goldilocks Novel Length

The Goldilocks Novel Length

by | Jan 25, 2026 | Blog, Writing, Writing Craft

How long should your book be? Do you worry about this? I know authors have enough to think about when they’re writing a novel—character arcs, plot arcs, conflict, and that timeline—but should they also worry about the length of the book? Some people say no. A...