I have no idea what I’m doing

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Plays Favorites

To bask in the care and support of your fellow authors (seriously, big digital hugs all around) you just head to The Insecure Writer’s Support Group and sign your blog up on their nifty form. Our co-hosts this month: Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi,Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte! Don’t forget to go wish them a happy IWSG day and thank them for hosting this month. June 5th question: Of all the genres you read & write, which is your favorite to write in and why? To…

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A Tool for Detecting Passive Voice: Author Toolbox

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 no one can really decide on the definitive definition of “conflict” for any given novel since it’s pretty much subjective and changes depending on what…

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In Which the Author Continues Interviewing Herself About Her Books

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 to tell a doctor how she’s actually feeling is like squeezing water out of a rock. His outlook on life is very similar to hers.…

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Friday Favorites is a Smooth Criminal

April 5 Favorite is Fictional Criminals My friends: My family: Strangers on the street: SE *gets a bullhorn* *climbs up on box*: TAMORA PIERCE IS THE BEST YA FANTASY AUTHOR EVER. And you all should have read her already. I do keep trying to use other authors for this list, but Tamora just seems to happen. Want a great anti-hero? Pierce. Good solid magic system and thorough worldbuilding? Pierce. Diverse characters facing real-life problems? Pierce. The Power of Friendship™? Yep. Pierce.…

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Make a Wish: an IWSG Post

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 for a dozen visits each IWSG Wednesday. And make sure to return comments. This group is all about connection! The awesome co-hosts for the April…

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The IWSG Loves Creativity

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 writing, what other creative outlets do you have? Does the ability to raise three tiny destroyers without significant loss of life, limb, or property count…

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The Writer’s Tag: Look I’m Legit With Tags and Everything Now!

In which the author, who is not crazy, interviews herself and the voices in her head. Should be fun. The tag was created for authors by Lorraine Ambers and Ari Meghlen as a fun way to connect with other writers, and help us all get to know each other better. I’m participating in this tag thanks to the wonderful GJ Stephens, who is releasing his first novel on Friday! (30th November) He is one of the kindest people, with a genuine wish to reach out…

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IWSG Day: Life Among the Butterflies

Oh happy day! The day when you can set down that insecurity for a while and bask in the feeling of gently being propped up by your fellow authors. If you’re not part of this group, what are you waiting for? Any and all kinds of authors are welcome. The trolls are absent. The support is constant. Come and join us! Our wonderful co-hosts this month are Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Anne V. Friend, JQ Rose, and Elizabeth Seckman. Stop over at their…

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10 Reasons Writers Are Creatures of the Night

We function best with darkened spaces. Like a desk, or a writing cave. 2. We’re characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. When we can get away with it. 3. Highly developed sense of hearing means we pick up on and use the conversations we hear around us all the time. Especially you, quirky customer in line who is abusing the cashier for no real reason. Oh yes. You’re going in the next book. 4.…

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Author Toolbox: Is Paying for a Facebook Ad Worth It?

Exposure isn’t just something that will kill you while hiking. For authors, it’s a coveted, elusive treasure. Like Atlantis? Let’s call it Atlantis. It’s well-concealed, no one knows if it’s real for sure, and you’ll most likely run out of air before you find it. Sounds about right. In the quest for some exposure I swallowed my pride and forked money over to the social behemoth. I decided to go with Facebook for two main reasons. First, it might not…

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