Hi Everyone, I love finding out what books you’re reading and what you currently recommend. I was influenced by reading Laini Taylor’s recent blog post about not writing through the end and getting the first one third right, and in the comment section, I came across her book recommendation list. Her posting about the values […]
Should You Write Through to the End?
There is this collective wisdom among many novelists that one should write through to the end. In my mind this means–get to the finish line and then worry about figuring out what you have created. Only after typing the last sentence should you angst about discovering your theme, and maybe what your true beginning should […]
I Needed Some Accountability as an Author and Here’s Why
Are you accountable for your time? I wasn’t. I have never been a great judge of time, and my entire life I’m inclined to run ten minutes late, or even worse when I’m overwhelmed. I have a tendency to take onto too much and then be the eternal optimist that I can get it all […]
Natural talent in writing vs. desire (plus, bonus treat)
I get this a lot. “Oh, you’re so lucky, you can write. I can’t write.” When I hear this, I wonder if it means that the person isn’t interested in writing, and is politely communicating, I’m glad you’re doing it—cause it’s soooo boring. Or does it mean, I wanted to write but I felt like […]
How Not to Write and How to Actually Write the Synopsis of Your WIP
Just exactly what is a synopsis? Well, I have to admit that I’m not an expert. In fact, I’m probably the anti-expert but I can tell you what it’s not. And how I have goofed in the past. And what you shouldn’t do. I used to think that a synopsis was what you put on […]
Five Tips on How to Tell a Funny Story
A lot of people ask me about being funny. I guess it’s the whole writing funny books for tweens and younger kids thing. Plus, in an earlier life, I used to perform sketch comedy in New York with Rubber Feet and HA! Comedy Duo. You can read all about it in the bio section of […]