My early training as an editor happened around the kitchen table and had nothing to do with books. My parents are both intelligent and loving people, but their brains could not be more different. My dad’s mind is a steady river; he thinks things through step by step and presents information in a logical order. […]

I just wrapped up an edit with a first-time author who impressed me with her curiosity about and commitment to the writing process. She used the craft book Dreyer’s English to help her think through grammar, punctuation, and style.  Disclosure: I haven’t read it. But I will now, especially because another writer wholeheartedly seconded the endorsement, saying […]

Today’s #feedyourwritingfriday: This newsletter from author Alix E. Harrow (of Ten Thousand Doors of January fame) is marvelous writing in and of itself but also gives delicious food for thought on writing with/from bodies…or not. Read it here.

I had a great time today talking to amazing book coach Vicky Quinn Fraser about Feel Good Where You Write coaching, how bringing beauty into your workspace boosts your focus, addressing our shrimp-posture at our desks, and her amazing Microbook Magic course. Take a peep!

Today’s #feedyourwritingfriday: If you’re writing a nonfiction book and wondering how to get it traditionally published, start with this fundamentals guide from industry expert and generous knowledge-sharer Jane Friedman. What’s one question you have about the book proposal or publishing process? What’s one insight from this article—or your own experience—that you can share here to […]

This #feedyourwritingfriday, I’m saluting writers and other creative thinkers for the bravery and effort inherent in making creative work an ordinary thing, a part of home. “People are wrong when they talk about how you need to be brave to get out of your comfort zone, travel, and see things. The travel and perspective–the escapism, […]

“I want authors to have a good time writing their book; I want authors to be compensated fairly; I want authors to enjoy bringing their books to market; I want authors to sell lots of copies.” A happy, gusty breath of relief escaped me when I read this. Community! Humanity! Pleasure! Collaboration! It’s all in […]

I’ve been thinking a lot about rhythm and timing lately. I’m posing these questions simply as an invitation for you to think about them, too. It’s easier to imagine being inventive and playful with rhythm in fiction than in nonfiction, but why should fiction writers (and readers) get all the fun? What would this video’s timing look […]

For #feedyourwritingfriday, peep this Twitter thread by Allison K Williams on finding comps. It’s mostly geared toward fiction writers, but very useful for my nonfiction folks, too. What comps did you use, or would you use, for your book? I’m sharing bits of good writing, other folks’ wise advice, online courses, rich resources, and other internet tidbits to nourish your craft […]

Are you a perfectionist when it comes to your writing? Maybe you don’t move to the next paragraph until this one is just right, meaning you barely get words on the page every day. Maybe you endlessly revisit the wording of a particular idea until you aren’t sure what’s good anymore. Maybe you don’t write […]