Last week I wrote about the writing sin of “info dumping.” An editor told me that writers commit it when they force historical or factual...
Worried about trying to write a synopsis of your middle grade or young adult novel? The most important thing to remember about a synopsis is— It should...
Last week I advised writers to sign up for critique sessions with editors at conferences and related my experience meeting Mallory Loehr of Random House....
I’ve discovered some fun websites and even gleaned an idea from one to use in a book. Maybe they'll inspire you with ideas for characters and...
I can tell you, as writers, that we need to read, read, read—especially books like the ones we want to write. So I've listed the current frontlist...
I can’t imagine life without reading and hope I never have to! Great books open our hearts and minds and show us how to be...
I recently read an article in which seasoned editors gave advice to newbies. It was in Publishers Weekly, February 21, 2014, and was titled, “Voices...
As the author of two dozen children's books and four romance novels, I am often asked to speak in classrooms, libraries, and at writing conferences....
As competitive as the writing world is, one can’t afford to be careless with one’s writing, particularly when submitting a manuscript to an editor. I’ve...
Many of you may be familiar with Stephen Covey’s bestseller, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He recommends that if you want to be a winner—in...