I don’t make a secret of the fact that I credit my writing group with making me a better writer. I’ve written and posted a lot about how other writers can provide invaluable critique and encouragement, but what about the idea of collaboration? Can a truly collaborative project make you an even better writer? Can working together on one project …
Okay, you got me. There are actually many variables that determine whether you succeed as a writer – not just one thing. If there was an exact magic formula there wouldn’t be a need for anyone to blog about this stuff…but…there is, in fact, one critical factor that determines just how good you get as a writer. And that one …
Capturing a character’s unique voice is an ongoing challenge but I feel like I’m making real progress with my latest work-in-progress. My main character is a 17-year-old girl and I was once that age so I figure I have a bit of a headstart. To get even further into my character’s head I dusted off diaries I had written as …
Why every aspiring author needs a writing group With everything going on in this crazy world right now, we can all appreciate how important it is to have good friends (albeit virtually) around us. I’ve very fortunate to count among my friends an amazing group of writers who I’d be lost without. Now I’ve been plugging away at this creative …
Saved away in one of the files on my computer is a numbered list of names. There are names of writing competitions and opportunities, publishers and literary agents. Each of the names has notes next to him. Dates of when something was sent or submitted. Some of the text is marked with strikethrough and details of a response received. Some …
The pros and cons of pen names with best-selling author Bren MacDibble/Cally Black, plus other expert tips. I had never given much thought until recently about whether I needed a pen name for the books I’m writing. You see I have been firmly planted in the one genre for a while, specifically YA fantasy, so I figured it made sense …
I’m super excited to be delivering more workshops over the next two months. One is a FREE Social Media for Writers workshop and the other is Build Your Author Website in a Day. Social Media for Writers – FREE Workshop On Saturday 4 May I will be at Helensvale Library on the Gold Coast facilitating a FREE 2 hour workshop …
You have probably heard the saying that if you want something done, you should ask someone who’s busy, and I have found this to be true when it comes to my creative writing. The last couple of months have been some of the busiest of my life. I got two new clients for my business, which both involve steep learning …
Another freakin’ candle. How many was that now? I’d lost count after the eleventh one. I read the embossed label. Leather and cedar infusion – what the…? “Okay, candle. Thank you for…I don’t know what, and goodbye.” I chuck the candle into the donation box. I was nearly finished with the fourth KonMari category, komono, or miscellaneous items. Now you won’t find any Instagram posts of my perfect rows of underwear and fitting sheets standing to attention in their origami-like …
New. “Today is the start of the new you.” My mother’s words are an earworm burrowing into my mind. What’s wrong with the old me? In the mirror she stares at me, daring me to defy her. My inner voice screams to defend the current me. My mother flashes me a Sale of the Century model smile, and I stay …