My first tip to students is always the same. Carry a notebook with you at all times. You never know when you’re going to get an idea for a story, a character or even a location. Jot down anything that comes into your head. Believe me when I say, one day you’ll use it in…
Tag: books
Book Stop Tour-Helen Gillespie author of The Goodbyes
Please welcome author, Helen Gillespie on her book tour for her latest book, The Goodbyes… TWL-Why and when did you decide to become an author? Although writing a novel took many years, I had previously written many newspaper articles that centered on personalities and their achievements. I found myself on this trajectory when I signed…
Monday Writing Tips-Writing Isn’t Easy
Most of the writers I mentor and coach tell me the same thing, writing looks easier than it is. I often tell them it’s a bit like one of those circus acts…you know the one where they keep all the plates spinning at the very same time. There’s plotting, characters, point of view, narration…. Write…
Monday Writing Tips-Finding Your Why
Why do you like to write, why do you want to be an author? Write your response on a sheet of paper and keep it close to the place where you write. Next time you get a rejection letter or it’s a tough day, look at that sheet of paper and remember why you’re going…
Accept the Challenge-Changing Color
It’s week two and your character needs to use the following line in your story “I saw the first of the leaves had changed color.” Have fun and happy writing.
Monday Writing Tips-Writing is Drama
Something has to happen in your story. No one wants to read about a character who faces no challenges. What’s standing in the way of your character’s goals? Who and what is stopping your character from being happy? Figure that out and you have the beginning of a great story.
Book Tour Stop-Marc Macdonald
Please welcome Marc Macdonald to This Writer’s Life. This is one stop on his book tour to support his novel Between Two Seasons. TWL-Why and when did you decide to become an author? I was one of many writers how finally sat down to write the novel living in their heads during the COVID-19…
Accept the Challenge-End of Summer
It’s September and time for some new challenges. For this month I thought we’d have some dialogue specific challenges. Something a character says that is somehow connected with things associated with September. Here’s the first one. Somewhere in your story one of your characters has to say “It’s almost the end of summer.” Have fun…
Wednesday Guest Author-Ella Braeme author of Rekindled Flame
Please welcome Ella Braeme, author of Rekindled Flame to This Writer’s Life…. Book Details Book 1 in the Burning Hearts series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD87RMRV Publication Date: September 3, 2025 37,000 words / 137 pages Available in Kindle Unlimited and as paperback Perfect for fans of Susan Stoker and Zoe York. Blurb When old flames reignite, sparks fly….
Monday Writing Tips-Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to learn to write is to just write. The more you practice, the more you get into the habit of putting words on a page, the better the writer you’ll be.