You love to write. You’ve always dreamed of becoming a published author, and now you’re finally putting pen to paper and beginning your journey. But you wonder… what happens after I finish my book? How do I sell it? Do I really have to market it when I just want to be a writer? […]
When I was 13, I had no idea how to be a writer. Well, that’s not quite accurate. I was writing at the time, so technically I was a writer. But I didn’t know how to grow as a writer. I didn’t know where to find motivation. I didn’t have a strategy for success. I […]
It’s that time of year. The time of year students and most employees get to take one giant exhale. It’s time for a break. It’s Christmas or summer or spring break or a sabbatical, so you have extra time on your hands. What’s a young writer to do during school break? (or work!) Well, you […]
There are so many benefits to creating a consistent writing habit and sticking with it for the long haul. Blogging is a great way to do this because it gives you structure and accountability. How would things be different if you blogged consistently for the next year? Take a moment to imagine what your life […]
Have you ever seen another writer’s accomplishment–whether it be finishing a first draft, publishing a story, or crafting an excellent scene–and started comparing yourself to other writers? Maybe you think about all the ways in which your own ideas, writing, or pace fail to measure up to that other writer. Maybe you feel envious of […]
What makes the difference between a well-written piece of fictional entertainment—and a soulful story that leaves a lasting imprint on your reader’s heart? There are many reasons, but today I would like to touch on what I think is one of the main ones… The scars woven through a novel. There’s a Stephen King quote […]
First time writers suffer from a big problem (especially young writers). Not all young writers suffer from this problem–and it isn’t just young writers who suffer from this problem either. But many first time writers I know suffer from this and you may also struggle against it. Let me first tell you a story about […]
Have you ever been excited to join an activity, only to realize after a month or two that you were the only one interested in actually participating in it? Writers can often struggle to be involved in successful writing groups for this exact reason. The group might start out with lofty aspirations of regularly critiquing […]
