Submitting short stories is a LOT different than querying a novel -- even if you're looking for so-called traditional publishing.

1. No query letters
2. Not like a picturebook query
3. Very few allow simult…

The past couple of years, I’ve noticed a trend -- in myself. I’ve been wanting to stay home and not deal with going out. [Even BEFORE Covid]
But wait, I thought I was an extrovert.

My entire identi…

Sometimes, when you’re stuck at some writing stage for too long, it can be hard to remember why you started this thing in the first place. So, here are the 10 things I love most about being a writer.

When writing, we all strive to bring our scenes to life, but it’s easy to forget a component. Scenes need action, setting, sensory descriptions, and emotional impact.

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I almost entitled this “Beta-Reading: For Fun and Profit” but… I don’t usually profit. At least not monetarily. Anyhow, here's my technique for beta-reading that seems to keep my writing friends comi…

If you’re a writer, at some point between you putting the words down and it going out to its intended audience, you’re probably going to solicit some feedback (and if you don’t, you probably should).…

There’s a writing skill that many novelists struggle with. It’s something that read-a-chapter-a-month critique groups often miss: Pacing.

We all know that you need to start off with an inciting inci…

There is a difference between an antagonist and a villain. Your story doesn’t need a villain. However, if you’re going to have one, you should have a memorable one

1. Avoid Under-developed villains
2. If…

Picking a POV can be tricky. The three main things you need to consider are:

1. What are you most comfortable with?
2. What are the genre expectations? and

3. What feels right for the story.\?

Thanks …

I'll be back next week with more writing tips and writerly musings. Plus, a little more.

Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

If you enjoyed this e…

I never thought it would happen to me. I was arrogant and short-sighted.
I thought writer’s block was censoring out bad writing (you know, like rough drafts), an inability to apply butt-to-seat, or t…

No matter if your fantasy world is a shifted version of our reality or something totally alien, no matter if you're a planner or a pantser, these tips should work for you.

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Different agents and editors want different things. Take these answers with a grain of salt, because, as we all know, if you do it well enough, they'll throw their own guidelines out.

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With all the risks, why would I want a literary agent?

Well, at Balticon 52, I got to hear a variety of perspectives from published authors who’ve had every sort of agent possible. Here are the stor…

I don't know about you, but these are all things I always want to know:

1. What is Your Biggest Pet Peeve?
2. Should A Writer Use Different Names For Different Genres?
3. How Has The Market Changed In The L…

If you get the opportunity to read your own work, here are some tips on how to get ready.

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Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more ram…

Last week, I talked about giving characters agency, but that’s not all editors and agents request. Another thing they ask for is ‘tension’. If the reader doesn’t have a reason to care what happens ne…

One thing you hear about a lot when you start sending your manuscript out into the world is ‘agency’. Most agents (and publishers) are looking for characters who make things happen, not ones who mere…

Talking about where to find literary agents, ways to vet them, and a not-so-gentle reminder to Follow The Directions when querying them.

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Thanks for li…

A shout out to all the teachers who helped me become the person I am today.

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Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas ab…