Today is the first day of National Novel Writing Month. For many of us, that means we will be jumping feet first into a novel-writing project and ignoring our laundry, friends, and work. But what if you don’t write fiction? You can still use the energy and excitement of National Novel Writing Month to write...Read More
I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is the paperwork. —Peter De Vries In 2009, The Guardian ran a wonderful feature called writer’s rooms. In the articles, writers talk about where they write. Even better, there are pictures! Here are some places that famous writers have found to be inspiring: *Michael Morpurgo tried writing...Read More
I am getting myself a pin that says, “No!” Yup, that’s right. Then I won’t even have to think when someone asks me to bake cookies, host a party, lead a fundraiser, chaperone a field trip, or whatever. I will just point to my button and say, “Read it and weep.” Here’s the thing: I...Read More
Earlier in this blog, I talked about setting the book in a place you’d love to vacation. It’s not a bad idea. Chances are if we like the setting of our novel, our readers will find it a wonderful place to visit, too. Think back to your favorite books. No doubt part of what made...Read More
The plot is just a bribe to keep them reading. –Kurt Vonnegot What happens next? It’s the question that keeps many of us reading a book into the wee hours of the morning. It is also the question that you want your readers to be asking of your book. That’s why you need a plot....Read More
Maybe one of the best part of the write-a-thon is choosing who you get to spend it with. I’m not talking about your NaNo buddies, though they are important. I am talking about the characters in your book. These will be your most constant companions for the next month. You either want to choose people...Read More
Welcome writers! We are counting down to the launch of my new book, Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It). Why write-a-thon? Because: 1. Deadlines work. 2. It’s cheaper than therapy. 3. You have something to say. 4. We need to hear your story. 5. You can do anything for a...Read More
The marathon lifestyle promotes doing rather than watching…by adopting the marathon lifestyle you can confront your own lions, be your own hero, fight your own battles, challenge yourself. —Richard Benyo When I did my first write-a-thon in 2004, I had no idea what I was doing. It was National Novel Writing Month, but I was...Read More
