Top Tips for Creating a Daily Writing Schedule

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Top Tips for Creating a Daily Writing Schedule

Okay, I admit it - I like routines! I love knowing what I’m going to do and when I’m going to do it. Having a set time to for work and a set time for fun is really helpful for me. With September right around the corner, and the kids heading back to school, I’m counting the days to get back to a solid writing schedule. Finding time to write is one of the biggest complaints aspiring authors have, so I thought it would be fun to see what tips other writers have for creating a writing routine.

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The Differences Between Revising, Editing, and Proofreading

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The Differences Between Revising, Editing, and Proofreading

As little as one year ago, I would have lumped all changes I made to my writing into the category of “editing”. But since taking my first novel through the process of revising, editing, and proofreading, it’s clear to me that these three processes are very different. While revising, editing, and proofreading do overlap, they each serve a different purpose and have different objectives when it comes to improving your writing.

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4 Writing Tips I Learned from Stephen King

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4 Writing Tips I Learned from Stephen King

I recently read On Writing by Stephen King. Well, technically, I listened to it. It was the first audio book I’ve ever ‘read’. I think the fact that it was Stephen King’s voice I was listening to made it that much more enjoyable. It was only a year ago when I read my first Stephen King novel, and I admit, as someone who isn’t a fan of the horror genre, I was scared. It was ‘Salem’s Lot and overall, I enjoyed the story but it didn’t turn me into a Stephen King fan.

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Prepping for Revision

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Prepping for Revision

Guest post by K. Kris Loomis, author of the new book, Surviving Revision: How One Writer Finished What She Started.

One of the happiest days of my writing life was the day I finished the first draft of my first novel. I announced it to the world, drank a celebratory martini (with blue cheese stuffed olives!), and felt pretty smug that I was almost finished with my first long fiction project.

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You Are Enough: Defining Writing Success on Your Terms

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You Are Enough: Defining Writing Success on Your Terms

This post is a little different from my previous blog posts. I am participating in the Writing Contest: You Are Enough, hosted by Positive Writer. The goal of the contest is to help writers face their challenges and ignite their passion for writing.

A Google search generates countless inspirational stories about authors who were told they haven’t got what it takes only to make it big later. Stephen King’s Carrie was rejected 30 times before it was published, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was rejected 12 times, and even Dr. Seuss’ first book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was rejected 27 times.

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Useful Money Lessons You Can Share with Your Kids

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Useful Money Lessons You Can Share with Your Kids

I’m wrapping up editing my lyrical children’s book Scruffy Muffin Loses His Money. It’s a project I’ve been working on with my kids as a way to help them learn about all the different things you can do with money. They created most of the story. I took what they told me and put it in rhyming form.

This summer, we will be writing a second Scruffy Muffin book. As a fun way to start thinking about what will happen to Scruffy Muffin and his money in this new adventure, I decided we would do a fun financial literacy project where I ask my kids various questions about money and record their answers.

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7 Elements to Watch for as You Edit Your Own Novel

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7 Elements to Watch for as You Edit Your Own Novel

Guest post by Rachelle Rea Cobb, Author & Editor

You lean back in your chair, fingers sore from typing so long. You just finished your novel, and you bask for a moment in the glow of accomplishment. Whether your first novel or your fifteenth, the sense of having done something few others do, tell a meaningful story, is something to celebrate.

But then what?

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5 Key Questions to Ask Your Beta Readers

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5 Key Questions to Ask Your Beta Readers

I’m getting ready to publish my first novel and it definitely wouldn’t be the story it is today without the help of my amazing beta readers! Beta readers are usually avid readers that are willing to take the time and effort to give you constructive feedback on your story. They can be fellow writers, have a special expertise, or just enjoy the genre you write.

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