I want to begin by asserting that it is not absolutely necessary that every writing session be focused on cranking out new words. There’s something to be said for creative play. Some of the greatest melodies of the twentieth century came from talented musicians noodling around on their guitars for an afternoon! However, if you’re up against a deadline or you’ve had several writing sessions in a row that you could call a wash, here are four ways you might be able to bribe yourself into creative focus and productivity.
Read MoreAsk the Editor: "Help! I have too many book ideas!"
Do you have too many book ideas and too little focus? How will you ever complete one project if these shiny, new concepts get in the way?
In this blog post, explore the pros and cons of being a multi-concept writer and learn four ways to work around this “good problem to have.”
Read MoreHatch Editorial Services: Live on Girl Tell Me
Here’s a little taste of my post, “When Is My Manuscript Ready for a Freelance Editor? A Cost-Effective Look at Polishing Your Novel,” which is all about finding the right freelance editor on a budget, along with a link to read the rest on Girl Tell Me’s website.
Read MoreHow to Use All Five Senses—Not Just Sight and Sound—to Bring Three-Dimensional, Immersive Description to Your Book
We as novelists and memoirists, due to the nature of our medium, can manipulate more of the five senses than screenwriters can. There are three other senses we can take advantage of that haven't necessarily worked well for cinema before: smell, taste, and touch. Read on to learn more.
Read MoreQ&A with Tiffany Grimes of Burgeon Editorial and Design
I’ve known Tiffany Grimes, the editor behind Burgeon Editorial and Design, since we were wee and angsty writers participating in Teen Ink Magazine’s London Writing Program. Through the years our paths have crossed time and time again, and Tiffany is one of my favorite editors to follow on Instagram.
When I heard that she and two other editors (Jeni Chappelle and Carly Hayward) were hosting a virtual writing retreat all about character development in February 2021, I leapt at the opportunity to get more information and to share it with you.
Read More