There are some generally accepted Golden Rules for authors (which, okay, change from century to century, genre to genre, and are not so much rules as guidelines?) One of them is DEATH to All Adverbs, which I am personally fighting against because I love me a good adverb. Another is Conflict is King. Too bad [...]
It's the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for our writing insecurities to pop their little heads out, just in time to get whacked back down into the depths of our subconscious by multiple author-hammers. GET BACK IN YOUR PLACE, INSECURITIES! Ahem. Anyway. The optional question for May 1: What was an [...]
Who was your inspiration for Colton Johnson in "Step Into Love?" My youngest sister was partly the inspiration for Colton. She deals with a lot of similar issues in her daily life, although she's never been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This might be because she absolutely loathes going to the doctor's office and getting her [...]
You know what's the hardest part of writing a book? Besides the writing and the outlining and the scene construction and editing and . . . okay . . . every other part. This bit is really the most intimidating, I promise. The hardest part is making yourself start. Prevailing advice, endless online articles, and [...]
What were you like as a child? Okay, first, this is an awfully personal question to lead off an interview with and I'm already questioning your motives. I'm told as I child I was energetic and active, almost to the point of being annoying. I would walk up to perfect strangers, to introduce myself as [...]
The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a judgment-free presence in your author life. Tell us about your doubts or fears, and how you have conquered them. Bring us in on your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who might be struggling. Visit and connect with your fellow writers. The group aims [...]
Spring! It's so close I can almost taste the green in the air. Sure, it's 41 degrees Fahrenheit and raining right now. Still. Warmth and sunshine are just around the corner and I CANNOT WAIT. My pale mushroom self is ready to finally leave the house and feel the heat. The awesome co-hosts for the [...]
This is an author toolbox post. To get in on the tips and resources yourself, head over to our host Raimey Gallant For this month's post, let's break down a well known romance plot to see where the story beats are going. This is an exercise I'd really recommend for authors of any genre. Take your [...]
This is an Insecure Writer's Support Group post. Come, writers of all neurotic types, and join us. Any and all are welcome and the support is unbeatable. Our Co-Hosts this month are Raimey Gallant (Hi!!), Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan and Michelle Wallace. Don't forget to go over and show them some loving support. The (optional) question for this February 6th: Besides [...]
It happened. The thing you've been dreading, avoiding, secretly praying will pass you by forever. Negative feedback. Maybe it's kindhearted constructive criticism (OUCH) or maybe it's a scathing one-star take down of your entire book (FUCKING OUCH OW PAIN). No matter what form it takes this kind of feedback is hard on you. I know [...]