Writing the Last Days of Summer
From county fairs to bonfires, beloved small-town, end-of-summer traditions are a great tool in the writer’s tool box and can be used as story fuel in romance and women’s fiction.
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My Midsummer Writing Slump
Today’s midsummer writers post is tackling a more difficult topic. And that topic is the Midsummer Slump. It might not mean much on its own, but it’s not a far walk from a slump to a burnout.
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Midsummer Florals in Romantic Fiction
Today’s midsummer writers post explores symbolic blooms in romance and women’s fiction—featuring story ideas, writing tips, and books that show how florals can deepen emotional arcs.
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The Romance Tropes We Secretly (or Not-So-Secretly) Adore
From enemies-to-lovers to secret babies (yes, we’re going there), romance tropes are the heart and soul of every great love story.
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Rough Draft Challenge for Spring
It’s finally Spring! And this April, to celebrate the sunnier weather, I’m joining a Rough Draft Challenge. I’m not worried about perfection or word count, and I’ve included a list of basic tools to help you prep a story for its (very) rough draft stage.
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To My Immortal Beloved: Part 2
Do you know how to write a love letter to people you care about? If not, here are some tips and ideas to help you craft a letter that will be treasured forever.
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To My Immortal Beloved: Part 1
Once upon a time, people wrote actual letters to each other and then mailed them. I know. It’s shocking. And when you read about one of the most famous unsent love letters ever written to an Immortal Beloved, you’ll wish everyone would start writing and mailing letters again.
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Breaking the Book
Sometimes you have to break the notebook to get past the fear and find your miracle.
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Even Writers Need Friends
Even though the pandemic is over, finding communities is harder than ever. So today I have a special guest on the blog talking all about finding writer communities and retreats on this lonely planet.
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How Writing Short Saved My Career
Although the title is a bit over-the-top, learning how to write shorter fiction helped bring you back to my creative process. While I’d never presume how to tell someone how to write, I do have a list of resources for writers interesting in learning this skill.
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Reader’s Guide to Young Adult and Children’s Books.
The rules for writing and shelving children’s books differ from the rules for adult books. So here is an updated description on how young adult, middle grade, and children’s books are classified.
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A Birthday Supper for Robert Burns
It’s time to raise a glass to toast Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet and the author of Auld Lang Syne. His birthday is tomorrow, and I’ve included the recipes for a traditional Burns Supper. Slainte!
