“Nobody’s a natural. You work hard to get good and then work to get better. It’s hard to stay on top.” – Paul Coffey I thought this quote is true of anything you do in life but especially relevant to being an author. Becoming a good writer and getting published takes time. (Even if you’ve…
Tag: authors
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Happy March
It’s hard to believe two months of 2018 are already history. I know February’s a short one, but it did fly by. Thank you to all the February guest bloggers. I hope you’ll agree they shared some great tips on a wide array of writing topics. I have more lined up for March and this…
That Fickle Witch, The Muse by Dee S. Knight
Welcome Dee S. Knight who knows all too well about the thing called the muse… We all know about that magical, mythical creature called The Muse. When she’s happy, we as writers are also happy. When she’s having a snit, well, let’s just say life ain’t much fun. Writers need to find ways…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Turmoil in the Skies
Seems like every day there’s another news story about turmoil in the skies. Disruptive passengers, fights breaking out because someone doesn’t like what someone did or said, passengers who aren’t going to take being seated on an airplane for five hours, lightly. Some of the stories make you angry while some make you laugh out loud. However,…
Suspense versus Surprise with Chris Eboch
Ever wanted to pack more suspense into your stories, Chris Eboch has some valuable tips… A few years ago I had the chance to ghost write a novel about a certain famous girl sleuth. Not only was that fun, but I learned something valuable from the editor. She asked me to look again at…
Monday Motivation-Even If It’s One of Those Days
Last week I watched the final night of the women’s figure skating contest at the Olympics. Lots of the skaters weren’t have the skate of their lives, but one in particular had a tough night. Every jump she made ended in her falling. I felt for her and I almost cried for her. Not that I’ve…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-The Universe Sends a Message
Happy snowy Friday…yes, snowed again and more snow is on its way. I’m looking forward to spring this year. Remember last year I wrote the first draft of a TV pilot? Yes, you say, but what happened to it? I’m ashamed to say it’s sitting in a notebook. I’d handwritten it because that’s what I do when…
How to Write a Cozy Mystery
Today, mystery author J.Q. Rose is going to share her tips for writing a great cozy mystery… If anyone has a writing question, just pop it in the comments below and I’ll answer. And if I don’t know the proper answer, I’ll make up one! Remember, I write fiction so I make up a…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Hitting the Slopes
[wpvideo 9dsBg2DU] Anyone watching the Olympics? I thought we’d go with a winter sport theme for this week’s prompt. I’ve also picked a motion graphic too. Your character decides to give skiing a try for the first time. The story could focus on the ride up to the top of the mountain…just like in…
Plotting Tips with Valerie Ullmer
Have trouble plotting your story? Author Valerie Ullmer has some easy tips to follow… Whenever I start plotting a new novel, I start at the beginning. Story Structure. Your story, whether a short story, novella, or a full-length novel should be told in three acts, with eight plot points specifically placed along the…