by Rochelle Melander I hear many horror stories about critique groups. Writers attend a group hoping for helpful feedback and receive harsh criticism, misinformation, or personal attacks. After one or more challenging experiences like that, many writers avoid critique groups, feel anxious about getting critiqued, or give up on writing. But it doesn’t have to...Read More

(And How to Critique Your Own Work) by Rochelle Melander Writers have been telling me they use AI only to edit their work. They’re not just using spell check or Grammarly. They’re uploading their work into Claude or ChatGPT and asking it to provide a critique or clean up the grammar. I get it. You’re...Read More

by Rochelle Melander Though we’d love to think we can take a book from conception to publication all on our own, it actually takes a village to raise a book. An editor can be a helpful partner at many stages of the writing and publication process. Hire an editor when you get stuck. Many writers...Read More

Ask this question to support your storytelling by Rochelle Melander NPR talks about “driveway moments”—when you sit in your driveway to finish listening to a story. I had one last week in my garage. On NPR’s Go Fact Yourself (episode 136), the hosts interviewed director John Badham. He said this about directing, “You have to...Read More

May 31, 2022     Note From Rochelle   Dear Writers, I’m expanding my coaching practice to include ADHD coaching. To help people get to know what I do, I recorded an interview with the amazing ADHD coach Tina Hart. Check out our conversation and share it with your circle. Today’s post is the third...Read More

May 24, 2022     Note From Rochelle   Dear Writers,   Do you correct the grammar of your favorite television characters or songs? When the guys from One Direction croon, “Nothing can come between you and I,” I shout back, “you and me!”  It doesn’t change a thing, but I enjoy it. I’m pretty...Read More

May 17, 2022     Note From Rochelle   Dear Writers,   No matter what you write, learning how to revise will help you produce a successful manuscript. Read on to find tools for revision.   Happy writing, Rochelle, the Write Now! Coach   Cut to the Chase: Tools for Revision By Rochelle Melander  ...Read More

March 22, 2016   Note From Rochelle   Dear Writers, It’s been that kind of a week: everyone has had some version of the creeping crud, including me; the sewer backed up into the basement; and my inner critic seems to be especially disparaging. In spite of these challenges, I’m working on the second draft...Read More

March 15, 2016   Note From Rochelle Dear Writers, Greetings! I’ve worked as a writer and editor for nearly twenty years. Despite my experience, I still feel vulnerable when I hire someone to edit my work. When we pour our heart and soul into our books, it’s important to get an editor who will treat...Read More

March 1, 2016   Note From Rochelle   Dear Writers, I’ve had many great editors in my life. I credit them with mentoring and nurturing me throughout my writing career. Their helpful notes and questions have helped me to stretch my writing muscles. Because I’ve published mainly through traditional publishing houses, I’ve always been assigned...Read More