Plotting Problems - Episodic Writing

The rejection letter says: "Your story, on the surface, appears to be well-told and has appealing characters. However, the writing is episodic; the story lacks direction."You frown. Huh? The story lacks direction? How could it? Your main character is on a quest; how much more of a direction could you... Read More

Writing with a Sense of Adventure

We've all been told that we need to use all five senses to bring our fiction to life. Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch all need to be invoked. But there's one other sense that also needs to be used: the sense of adventure.Just bringing your work to life is... Read More

A Writers Inner Battle

There is a psychological nuisance so powerful that can deflate the drive, self-esteem, and human spirit of many aspiring Writers of any age. These Writers are faced with an obstacle that make them stop, think twice and question their right to be a part of a respected community. This even... Read More

Realize Your Book Dream In 2005!

If you haven't realized the success you wanted last year, here's a way to reap the harvest with 86% improvement!Use the power of visualization.When you see, hear, and feel your book project already manifested through specific outcomes, you'll be in the 86% success group. It's far easier to perceive specific... Read More

Sick of the Traditional Publishing Path?

A book coaching client recently emailed me that she was getting sick of traditional publishing because of so many costly requirements and so little payoff. Do you feel the same way?Fifteen years ago, I worked hard on a 60-page proposal for a top agent and after a year got "approval"... Read More

Building Character

Names are important. Names give clues about us, where we live, who we are. In some cases they can even tell what we do! There is a certain ring about George W. Bush, you just know he's American! You can almost feel the Texan, and taste the oilWhen selecting names... Read More

Mexican Living: Lets Be Perfectly Clear

Readers often send me interesting and exciting e-mails about the op-ed pieces I write and manage to publish. As a writer, I get all sorts. Some are actually encouraging. Then there are those who say, "This is YOUR fantasy, not the reality I have seen." Or, they ask, "Your point... Read More

How To Write to a Word Count

You've finished your story, and you're pretty happy with it. The plot is gripping, the characters are lively, and the pace zooms along. Great! You've done it!Then... you count words.It can't be! How can your short story be so far over the word count? The guidelines say '900 words' -... Read More

Important Points of Fiction

Fiction manuscripts receive feedback that addresses and scores:· The theme of the book· Character development and depth· Plot and story line resolution· Pace and setting of the story· The effective use of dialog· The appropriateness of the tense and point of view· How compelling the book will be in the... Read More

Dialogue Tags - A Study in Common Errors

Verb and SubjectIncorrect:"I bet you two had a fine time," said Ben.When using tags, it's unusual to have the verb before the subject. The general rule of thumb is to use this construction sparingly, as a rare change in pace or flow. In addition, many editors are asking this construction... Read More

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Top Ten Tips (Part 1)

The following rules are essential if you want people to... Read More

The Blank Mind

Many writers stare at the blank page or clean computer... Read More

Dig Deeper to Reveal Character

He ran up the steps and knocked on the door.... Read More

Tell the World About You

You have a new website, or a new business, or... Read More

The Best Freelance Job Boards for Writers

How many times have you checked out a job board... Read More

Write A Better Newsletter!

You've decided to write your very own Newsletter to promote... Read More

8 Tips to Get Publishers to Notice You

If your articles aren't getting published very often, or you... Read More

Do I Have To Be A Good Writer to Market My Own Business?

Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More

Keys to Characterisation

Far too many inexperienced writers create flat, stereotypical characters: the... Read More

How to Write Words Worth a Thousand Pictures

Our Image-Driven SocietyWe live in a new image-driven society. It... Read More

Is Someone Plagiarizing Your Work?

About two weeks ago I received an article submissionthat immediately... Read More

Writing Your Best-Selling Non-Fiction Book Title

Your struggling to sell just a few copies of your... Read More

Screenwriting and Screenwriters ? beyond Syd Field

Without denigrating the work and contribution of Syd Field to... Read More

14 Tips On Writing The Short-Short Story

The short-short story has been likened by some as being... Read More

Learning How To Write

As a student of Spanish, my goal was to think... Read More

Writing the PDA Way

When we think of writing it triggers many thoughts and... Read More

Amazing Ways Writing Articles Can Improve Your Business

How to get a lot of traffic to your website... Read More

Technical Writing for the Terrified

IntroductionSometimes it may be beyond a companies or individuals budget... Read More

Create the Writing Life You Want

Ah, writing. For those of us who love to play... Read More

7 Journaling Tips

Set your journal or diary where you will see it... Read More

Suspense Novels Made Easy

Suspense novels are probably the easiest novels to write. Suspense... Read More

Five Minute Miracles

FIVE MINUTES ... Is All You Need ........to phone a... Read More

Zany Ideas That Increase Writing Productivity And Quality

Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer. My... Read More

Write Strategy: Think, Believe, Attack

Think of writing like karate...it's about DISCIPLINE.Writing, like other forms... Read More

Ferreting Out Work

FERRETING OUT WORK You keep hearing that there's work out... Read More

How to Write a Short Story

Everybody knows writing a story is not easy. Like the... Read More

Writing About Writing

What am I going to write about?Which topic is the... Read More

New Authors Publishing Options

All your publishing options are as follows:--Conventional publishing--Vanity or subsidy... Read More

Should You Write a Book?

One morning, you open your inbox and find several e-mails... Read More

Creative Writing

Do you consider yourself a storyteller? Do you consider yourself... Read More

Time to Write

SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER?Many people have entertained... Read More

Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 1 of 6

ACCEPT, EXCEPT Not commonly seen even from unpublished writers, who... Read More

How To Break Into Print Publishing

The big question. Do you submit directly to the publishers,... Read More