Today, I’m honored to be featured on the Southern Writers Magazine blog, Suite T. Talkin’ mashed potatoes! I’d be grateful if you popped over for a look! Thanks and keep writing! http://southernwritersmagazine.blogspot.com/
Writing a Platform
It’s launch day for my latest book, Prayers for Parents of Prodigals! Over the past few months, I’ve learned so much about building a platform. Writing Tip for Today: Here are a few tips I’ve picked up about growing a platform: Who’s Your Tribe? One of the things I’ve found is that tribes stick together. […]
Changes: Writing Story Characters Who Grow
Most of us novelists are keen to uncover story secrets, to better connect with our readers. Right now I’m reading Story Genius by Lisa Cron, and it’s opening my eyes to a better sense of how I could achieve that elusive magic. Writing tip for Today: How can we write characters who change and grow? […]
Love’s Prism
My grown son ran outside to my car in the pouring rain, hauling in the bags of groceries I’d just bought. Before I could ask, he polished the silver for the holidays and then vacuumed the carpet. For nearly two weeks, we laughed and talked and once I even got to hug him. He talked […]
Writing Characters: Why Emotion Matters
It’s a new year, but as I coach some fiction writers, I still see many of the same problems as in years past. One of the barriers to readers experiencing your fiction in the most complete way is by giving details about a character rather than painting that character in emotional strokes. Writing Tip for […]
Writing Ideas that Sing
Writers are often asked, “Where do you get your ideas?” While some of us have perhaps too many ideas (see my folder of unfinished novels), others need help. Writing Tip for Today: Here are a few ways to cultivate new ideas for your writing: Memory Lane One of my easiest ways to shape a new […]
A Peace of Me
On an early December evening, my neighbor’s holiday lights sparkle while I sign Christmas cards with Peace glittered across the front. I’m in the spirit—until I start to add personal notes. My chest tightens, my fingers grip the pen. What can I say that isn’t a big fat lie? My inner voice is cruel: Hi […]
Writing Rhythm: Pace
We’ve discussed how writers develop voice and platform. But what about the unique rhythm or pace which writers must also develop? Writing Tip for Today: What are some elements of effective story pacing? What’s Pace, Anyway? Your story’s pace refers to several ways that readers experience the story. On a global level, pace can mean […]
Grow Your Writer’s Platform
As I anticipate the release of Prayers for Parents of Prodigals (my seventh book), I’m keenly aware of the need for a growing readership. Platform is a word that scares many writers, but it really boils down to who you know. Writing Tip for Today: What are some ways to increase your readership and grow […]
Writing a Voice
As writers practice, we begin developing a voice. But what exactly is voice? Writing Tip for Today: Let’s discuss what goes into a writing voice and how to cultivate one. The Singular You Most would agree that a distinct writer’s voice puts you and what makes you you distinctly on the page. In order to […]
