Say the words “Boy Scout” and most people will think “Be prepared.” That’s the Boy Scout Motto. Or they might think of words like trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous. These are …
The What and Why of Writing: Layer or Subplot
There are so many details that go into plotting our stories – one simple way to think of plotting is everything that happens to our hero and heroine: The Inciting Incident(s). The Ds (Disappointments) …
The What and Why of Writing: Bookends
If I asked you why you used bookends, what would you say? Envision that long line of books and how those first six books are staying in place … but …
5 Quick Tips for Improving the Pacing of Your Novel
The issue of pacing in a novel — whether your story is moving ahead smoothly — came up in my writing group this past week. The question was phrased this …
Tips and Tricks to Always Have Something Interesting to Say on Social Media
I teach writers how to build an online platform by investing thirty-minutes a day in social media. I do this by utilizing a scheduling program (my favorite is Hootsuite). But, …