by Mary A. Felkins, @MaryAFelkins Conventional writerly wisdom urges us to avoid using “was” in our stories wherever possible. In its place we’re taught (ad nauseam) to select strong, descriptive verbs. Use …
4 Ways to Handle Critical Feedback About Your Writing
by Heidi McCahan, @HeidiMcCahan We’ve all been there. Maybe you’ve received harshly worded feedback from an anonymous judge in a reputable contest. Perhaps your critique partner’s suggestions have left you feeling …
How to Write as a Pantser
by James L. Rubart, @jameslrubart At a conference earlier this year a conferee came up and said, “I’ve read you’re a pantser.” “Guilty.” “So how do you do it?” “What …
Bringing Authenticity to Your Setting When You’ve Never Been There
By Jennifer Deibel, @ThisGalsJourney One of the best things about writing and reading is getting to explore distant corners of the world without ever having to leave your couch. When …
How to Know if You’re Overwriting: Tips to Trim the Fluff
By Mollie Joy Rushmeyer, @mollierushmeyer I debated calling this “Learn From My Mistakes: How to Avoid a 10,000-Word Trim Down in 72 Hours,” but it seemed a mouthful. But know …