Welcome our first guest blogger of fall, David Hagerty, who tells us about how real life events inspire his stories… True events have inspired most of my work, including all three novels in my Duncan Cochrane mystery series about an Illinois governor whose daughter is murdered. For me, writing from real life offers both…
Category: Writing Tips
Why I Teach, Coach and Mentor
A few months ago a friend asked me why I decided to teach writing workshops and launch a coaching and mentoring service when it obviously cuts into my own writing time. I didn’t have to think about my response, in the same way, I didn’t think about whether or not I should teach. Just…
Create Great Characters-People Watch
The class I’m teaching on creating great characters is coming to a close but it reminded me of one thing that all writers should do to create realistic characters and that’s people watch. I’ll be the first to admit that by nature I like to observe people. Maybe it’s my background in psychology (could…
White Room Syndrome
If you’ve ever taken one of my classes you’ll know that I’m not shy about telling you about my writing Achilles’ heel. I’m about to share it with the TWL community because I think letting others know about our weaknesses helps us all become better writers. My least favorite thing about writing (apart…
Hi Susan-How Long Should You Wait For A Response?
Time for another Hi Susan post. Sara asked the following- I submitted my synopsis and first three chapters to an editor two months ago and I haven’t heard anything about my submission. When should I contact them to ask what’s happening? I know how frustrating it is when you’ve sent your work to an…
Guest Bloggers for September and October
Are you interested in being a guest blogger on This Writer’s Life? You can blog on anything that’s writing related for example- How you plan your writing time How you fixed a writing problem How you create characters or plot your stories Doing research Staying motivated How you got published Each post can include…
Writing Books the Hard Way
It’s been a month or so since I’ve welcomed a guest blogger so say hello to Sorchia Dubois who’s going to tell us about her journey as a writer and how she never does things the easy way… Zoraida Grey and the Voodoo Queen is only my 4th published book. I’m still very…
Hi Susan-What Should You Do When You Don’t Feel Like Writing?
Time for another Hi Susan post. This week’s question comes from Chloe who asked about my suggestions for those days when you know you should be working on your story but can’t find the motivation. First tip is never push yourself. It’s okay to take a day or two off but don’t let not…
Aim To Be Awful…it’s the key to great writing
Family and friends have always known that I’ve harbored a secret desire to paint. It’s been on my to do list and last year I dived straight in. Well, I say dived straight in but that isn’t really true. I looked at the watercolor paper, had the paints set out at the side of…
Hi Susan, Do You Always Have to Write About What You Know?
Here’s something new I thought I’d launch on TWL, my response to questions I get sent from aspiring writers. I’m calling it Hi Susan so if you have a question about anything writing related whether it be fiction or non-fiction just leave a comment or you can send it to me via writerslifeblog@gmail.com. The first question…