Writing and Editing Tips
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5 Mistakes Writers Make in Their Opening Pages
Do you ever get stuck writing and rewriting the first few pages of your story?
If so, you're not alone. I've met a lot of writers who struggle to get past the first three to five pages of their story -- and because of that, they end up feeling like they're not cut out for this whole "write a...
Conventions vs. Tropes: What's the Difference?
What's the difference between genre conventions and tropes?
Do all conventions count as tropes? Or not?
If you've ever asked these questions, you're not alone. A lot of the writers I work with feel confused about genre conventions and some of them even worry that by including...
How to Create Memorable Characters Using Hooks
Do you ever have trouble making each of your characters unique?
Have you ever wondered how to write a large cast of characters in a way where each character stands out from the others?
In today's post, I'm going to show you my favorite strategies for crafting memorable characters. Specifically,...
Value Shifts: How to Determine if a Scene Works
Have you ever written a scene that feels lackluster or lifeless?
Do you wish there was a quick and easy way to determine whether or not a scene works?
Well, you're in luck because, in today's post, I'm going to show you how to use the concept of value shifts at the scene level to help you write...
7 Secrets to Success That Every Writer Should Know
As an editor and book coach, I work with writers who are at all different stages of the writing, editing, or publishing process. Because of this, I've realized that there are certain traits and habits that make some writers more successful than others. So, I've taken those traits and habits and...
3 Reasons You Should Write in Scenes vs. Chapters
The #1 Myth That Holds Writers Back
Have you ever spent weeks rewriting the same pages over and over again without making any kind of forward progress?
Have you ever felt scared to share your work with other people because you just know your story could use a little more polishing?
If you're nodding your head yes,...
How to Decide Which Story Idea to Write Next
Do you ever have trouble figuring out which story idea you should write next?
Or have you ever struggled to stay focused on just ONE book idea?
If so, you're not alone. A lot of writers have a hard time choosing between two or more ideas or staying focused on just one idea when other...
The 6 Scenes Every Performance Novel Needs
In today's post, I'm covering the obligatory scenes of the performance genre.
I’m also going to show you how these key scenes manifest in three popular movies—The Mighty Ducks, Cool Runnings, and The Karate Kid.
Why movies? Why not books?
Well, the simple answer is that movies require...
The 10 Things Every Performance Novel Needs
In today's post, I'm covering the conventions of the performance genre.
I’m also going to show you how these conventions manifest in three popular movies—The Mighty Ducks, Cool Runnings, and The Karate Kid.
Why movies? Why not books?
Well, the simple answer is that movies require less...
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