Editors and agents see lots of manuscript each week. Readers see lots of newly self published books each week. So, how do you make yours stand out? How do you take a plot that everyone’s seen hundreds of times before and put a new spin on it? One easy way to give your readers something…
Tag: writing books
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Falling Leaves
It’s supposed to be in the mid 80s today, and next week, well, let’s just say, it’s going to feel cold. Seems like the leaves have turned overnight and falling even faster. Next week, the September classes come to a close and then on October 5th, a class and boot camp begin. The class focuses…
Monday Motivation-Don’t Rain On My Parade
For those of you who have been following the site for any length of time, you know the following story. Sorry if it’s old news to many of you but this quote made me think about it again. It’s about the editor, who, very early in my writing life, returned a manuscript with a handwritten…
What’s On My Bookshelf-Stein On Writing
Thought I’d give you another glimpse of what’s on my bookshelf…books that I consider keepers for writers. This time it’s Stein on Writing by Sol Stein. This is a book I wished I’d had from day one but it came into my possession late in my career…years after I was first published. However, I always say an…
Goal Setting-Be Specific
We’re just about at the half way point of 2019. A great time to look back at the first six months and ahead to the final half of the year. What goals did you set for 2019? Have you achieved any or all of them? Here are five tips for making sure each one is given…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Time Isn’t Refundable
It’s almost summer (officially), the year is almost half way done so it’s time to look at the goals I’ve set for the year. One thing I struggle with is getting back to the mysteries I started and never finished. I get busy with other writing, teaching, tutoring…okay, it’s no excuse. This week something…
Hi Susan, I’m Out of Ideas, Help!
It’s time for another Hi Susan, and this question came from Penny… I’ve been writing and writing and I never thought I’d run out of plot ideas but I have. Does that mean I’m not supposed to be a writer? My answer to Penny, you are supposed to be a writer. All of us…
Monday Motivation-Make Your Dreams Happen
Have you been only dreaming about writing or even getting started on that story that lives within your heart? Use this week to take action. Get started and get one step closer to making that dream happen.
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Getting Ready for NaNoWriMo
Welcome to fall…or spring depending on where you live. Thank you to Beth and Vivi for this week’s great guest posts. Both of them have promised to guest blog again. My September class finished today and it’s time for some (as I call it), shameless promoting. Beginning on Monday, I’ll be teaching how to write…
Monday Motivation-Try Something New
We’re all creatures of habit. Sometimes doing the same thing over and over again can lead to boredom. It can also lead to wanting to be free from the predictable. While I always say it’s best to have a writing schedule, this week try something new (which is also a great way to get ready…