I write fantasy adventures, but I’m not adventurous when it comes to writing tools. I’ve always been a Microsoft Word person. And even with Word,
Tag: writing tips
Shape Your Story, Part One: Summon the Primary Teacher in Yourself
The school year is upon us, folks! As some of us gear up to get our kids ready again, let’s sharpen our structure skills with
Meet Laura Sassi, talented #kidlit author, plus #giveaway
CAROL GORDON EKSTER: In this wonderful #kidlit world, Laura Sassi stood out as a kind, supportive, and talented author. She’s a frequent visitor here at
Going the Distance
Have you ever felt like you’re writing in circles? Have you ever felt like you’re writing in circles? Have you ever felt like you’re writing
Listen Like You’re Behind a One-Way Mirror
Or, Why you shouldn’t talk during your own critiques An encore post from 2014. Have you ever been part of a focus group? Eight to
When To Put Down Your Manuscript
This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators New England regional conference (NESCBWI) While there, I
Want to Know Your Characters? Try a Character Sketch.
One of the hardest aspects of writing a novel, a good novel, is creating characters that are relatable. Whether you’re writing a 300 word picture
3 Ways to Keep Writing Resolutions
I’ve written resolutions on New Year’s Day faithfully since I was 8 year old. And somehow writing resolutions have almost always appeared. Some years I needed the writing resolutions more than others. Until I got married, I hardly needed them…I have 65 filled journals to prove my writing was free and unfettered!
The Plotter, Pantsed
Recently, I baked banana cookies. I was doing a series of posts on holiday recipes because my book, A Witch’s Kitchen, was #10 or 14
So You Didn’t Win #NaNoWriMo
With end of November last week, many people in the writing community struggled with finishing their 50K word goal for NaNoWriMo. If you were one
Hone Your Craft
I participated in the Arlington (Massachusetts) Book Festival last weekend, one of three on a panel discussing revision, and the moderator popped a surprise question
Book People Bonding
This is a story about book people, a table, and some croc-a-mole. Once upon a time Ron McCutchan, then Art Director for Cricket Magazine, had
