Learning is so key to grow as a writer - and it never ends, even after having published several books. One way I like to learn is read across genres and take notes in the books with pencil or in a notebook. I categorize my notes by setting, character, plot, language, etc. and refer to use techniques in my own writing. I love learning from the masters!

Perfect example here - I am interviewing Dean Koontz (my author hero!) on the radio on Nov. 20th at 7pm with Authors on the Air, the night before his 2nd book in his Jane Hawk series comes out, The Whispering Room. https://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsontheair To prepare for this hour and a half interview (eek!), I read this book and book 1, The Silent Corner. I was often reading in awe. He uses so many masterful techniques and broke rules doing it! From introducing strong characters half way through the book to writing in different tenses across characters. I also loved how he took incidental characters and used them to move the story forward and inspire the MC to take her next action steps. And his use of personification and setting is amazing. Was artful!

So, this is just one more way to keep learning that I love.

Thanks, Fae! Yeah, it would have taken me so much longer to learn the things that got compacted into a conference or online class. Definitely a great way to improve your writing!

Yes, this blog is amazing! I've read it for years.

Thank you! Glad you came by.

and this blog is a must for me!