July 15th, 2020

Editing For Theme: Search-and-Employ

By Barbara Linn Probst

The characters are fresh, the scenes are full of tension, and the story has come to a satisfying resolution. One step remains before you declare: Done. It’s that final check. You click on the little magnifying glass in the top right-hand corner of the page and search for over-used words.… Read the post

January 29th, 2020

When Rejection Becomes Connection

Posted In:
Kris Maze | Publishing

by K. Maze

The alternate title for this post could have been "How I Found My Publisher Through Rejection."

In 2015 I wrote a YA Thriller focused around the kidnapping of teen characters involved in the theater. I researched thoroughly, interviewed detectives, and hired an editor who helped me through to the end.… Read the post

March 9th, 2018

Are You Sick and Tired of Editing Your Book?

Posted In:
Inspiration | Writer's Life

I'm currently working on yet another edit of my young adult book that managed to eke out an RWA Golden Heart final in 2015. You'd think this baby would be in pretty good shape.

When I entered my novel into that contest, it was hardly a first draft.… Read the post

April 7th, 2017

Struggling With Your Plot? Here's a Fun Way to Learn Story Structure

Posted In:
Craft | Janice Hardy

Janice Hardy

When I was first learning how to write a novel, I read tons of how-to books and tried every piece of writing advice I came across. Some of it helped, some of it didn't, and some of it did more harm than good.… Read the post

September 14th, 2012

Dust Bunny Books: Should You Revive Them or Let Them Die?

Posted In:
Craft | Publishing

by Laura Drake

It’s been about two months since I wrote my post about writing two books at the same time (you can read it here.) The only thing I’d change about my original advice is, do not work on two books at the same time that are at the same level of completion.… Read the post