Reading, wRiting, and Roaming with Author Valerie Biel

Throughout 2023 writing instructor and pre-published author Tracey Kathryn (T.K.) Sheffield and I will be offering a blog series on plotting from the beginning developmental stage through the messy middle and all the way to the end, including editing advice on how to fix plot problems in a completed manuscript.

In Part 1, Tracey lists wonderful resources that are great for those that are new to writing or looking for a new approach to plotting in: "Plotting a Novel: Resources for Those Just Starting Out."

In Part 2, Tracey discusses how to use plotlines, tropes, and conflict to test your story ideas: "... Continue Reading

I’m pleased to share a lovely piece on persistence and believing in yourself by author Amy Laundrie. I particularly needed this message today, so I hope it also encourages you perhaps today—or in the future—when you need this sort of boost to keep going!

You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you’re working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success - but only if you persist. - Isaac Asimov

Believe in Yourself

An elderly neighbor died. Soon after, large garbage bags appeared outside her home. Her family must have had the arduous task of cleaning out her possessions. It’s hard enough to deal with the loss of a loved... Continue Reading

45 Writers’ “Rules for Writing”

The 10 Awful Truths about Book Publishing

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FEATURED ARTICLES

45 Writers’ “Rules for Writing”

Emily Harstone from Authors Publish compiled this list of lists – featuring 45 authors and the rules they have set forth for writing. Tips from great writers like Elmore Leonard, Neil Gaiman, George Orwell, Annie Proulx and more.   https://authorspublish.com/45-writers-rules-for-writing/

The 10 Awful Truths About Book Publishing

This is a seriously depressing list of stats from a senior editor at Berrett-Koehler Publishers... Continue Reading

The author series continues, sharing the knowledge (often hard-won) from published authors as they tell us what they would tell their pre-published selves, and NEW FOR 2023, what they always do to help make book launches successful. This month's featured author is Sheila Lowe, a professional handwriting analyst and the author of the fictional Claudia Rose series whose main character is a handwriting expert!

Long before her first book was published, bestselling author Sheila Lowe was a handwriting analyst. Her study of handwriting and personality began in high school. Later, she branched into forensics. A certified forensic document examiner, she testifies in court cases. Upon returning to school, she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in... Continue Reading