How do you prepare to write?

How do you prepare to write?

by | Oct 29, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing

Writers are usually split up into two groups: Plotters and Pantsers. Plotters plot their work before they begin to write—and sometimes in such excruciating detail they’ve basically already written the book but in outline form (I once knew an author who wrote a 40 page...
How fast can you write to keep to a deadline?

How fast can you write to keep to a deadline?

by | Oct 22, 2023 | Blog, Life, Method, Writing

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing sound they make as they fly by. ” Douglas Adams We all hate deadlines, right? Well, aside from Douglas Adams, most people hate deadlines. But there are some who absolutely love them. When I began working with a new...
Getting the Timing Right

Getting the Timing Right

by | Oct 15, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing

Timelines will kill you… as a writer… in your novel. Let me clarify this. When you are writing a book (and, I’m sorry to say, this happens a lot more with pantsers than plotters) and focused on what needs to happen next to a) advance the plot; b) develop the...
Going into the Backstory

Going into the Backstory

by | Oct 8, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing, Writing Craft

Sometimes when you’re writing a novel, things just begin to get… stuck. You aren’t quite sure where your characters are going. Maybe you don’t know how they’ll grow, or what is holding them back from doing so. It’s at times like this that it’s best to go back to the...
The Perception of Time

The Perception of Time

by | Oct 1, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing

There are some days when every time you look at the clock, it hardly seems to have moved at all. The day drags and just takes forever to get over with. And yet, there are other days when you’re so incredibly busy that the entire day is gone in the blink of an eye and...
Asking the Right Questions

Asking the Right Questions

by | Sep 17, 2023 | Blog, Method, Writing

Last week I mentioned that a vital part of my plotting process was asking the right questions to ensure that I have well rounded characters and a plot that helps them move toward their goal—while still having plenty of conflict—and helping them to grow. The thing is,...