For writers, sharing an opinion about another person’s finished or published work can be complicated—especially when your reaction is negative.…
Take Yourself Seriously—and Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Authors are so good—and so bad!—at taking ourselves seriously. On the one hand, we are Making Art, that noblest of…
On Grapes and Raisins and Wine
It’s so easy to get hung up on the sorrows and struggles and frustrations and failures of a creative career:…
Before You DNF: The Case for Finishing a Book That Doesn’t Immediately Grab You
Should writers finish books they don’t immediately love? Here’s why reading past the urge to DNF can make you a…
How to Create a Writing Community (and Why You Must)
Building a writing community can help writers overcome isolation, stay accountable, improve their craft, find feedback, and create meaningful professional…
Be Honest with Yourself: Auditing Your Writing Habits
Most writers already know, on some level, why they aren’t making the progress they want. Maybe too much time is…
You Don’t Need Permission to Invest in Your Writing
Writers often feel pressure to justify spending money, time, or energy on their craft unless it promises a financial return.…
How to Become a Bestseller
If you’d like to receive my blog in your in-box each week, click here. Okay, friends, we’ve been flirting around this…
Are You Writing Literary Fiction? (Spoiler: Probably Not)
Many writers describe their manuscripts as literary fiction, but most are actually writing mainstream, upmarket, or commercial fiction. In this…
Overcoming Overthinking—Take the Leap
If you’d like to receive my blog in your in-box each week, click here. “How do you feel about France?” The…
