Plotter or pantser—which do you identify with? Whether you're an outliner extraordinaire or draft based on vibes, I think we can all agree that having an idea for a story is the easy part. Then comes writing. At some level, we love writing. That's why we're writers, right? But drafting is messy and unpredictable, especially … Continue reading Trying to Write a Book as a Pantser? Start Here.
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The Importance of Plot Bunnies
When I was a kid, I thought plot bunnies were actual bunnies. Though I soon realized that I do indeed suffer from plot bunny syndrome (or, in other words, “too many ideas syndrome”), I originally thought that plot bunnies referred to a random thing happening in your story when you couldn’t think of anything else … Continue reading The Importance of Plot Bunnies
Does Every Story Have a Story?
The story of how Whispers of Worlds came to be began so long ago that I can’t even pinpoint the year. I’ve written countless stories over my lifetime. Some long, some short, some complete, many not. Back in 2019, it occurred to me that I had tons of short stories sitting around, so why not … Continue reading Does Every Story Have a Story?
Does Creativity Matter Anymore in the Book Industry?
What does writing a book mean to you? I’m curious to know. Do you picture sitting there at a desk for hours on end, crying over your manuscript? Maybe you feel a spark of excitement at the thought of getting your ideas down. Perhaps there’s even fear. If you’re an author, I hope you at … Continue reading Does Creativity Matter Anymore in the Book Industry?
Most Writing Tools Are Overrated
You don’t need what they’re trying to sell you. Back in the good ol’ days, all a writer needed was a pen and paper. Is that the kind of writer you are? Or are you more familiar with the sight of a crowded desk and even more crowded tabs? It sure is popular to be … Continue reading Most Writing Tools Are Overrated
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Welcome Home, Friends
Ah, here it is again, that blank slate I've missed so much. Nope, you're not seeing things. I'm back! To all who have just found this blog, welcome. And to those who joined somewhere else along the way, welcome back. I've missed being here. I've missed you, and I've missed writing blog posts. And oh, … Continue reading Welcome Home, Friends
Why You Should Be Writing Short Stories (And How to Do It Right!)
You want to write better. You want to publish a book. You want to make money with your writing. It all starts with short stories. Many of the self-published authors I’ve worked with had a book idea, wrote it, and wanted to publish it. This is great—except that most of these people had never written … Continue reading Why You Should Be Writing Short Stories (And How to Do It Right!)
How Self-Publishing Can Benefit Your Freelance Writing Business
Are you a freelance writer looking to grow your business and expand your reach? (Who of us isn't?!) I've got a simple, often overlooked solution for you: self-publishing. Now, I know what you might be thinking: "I can't write a book!" or maybe something like "Books have nothing to do with my business." I'm here … Continue reading How Self-Publishing Can Benefit Your Freelance Writing Business
Beneath the Mask: A sci-fi short story
Breathe in. Breathe out. Erix tried his best to breathe steadily through his mask while a million other thoughts flashed through his mind. Am I walking too much like myself? Is the mask enough to hide my face? What if Ov’oks suddenly developed X-ray vision? Could someone have an X-ray scanner?! His heart beat so … Continue reading Beneath the Mask: A sci-fi short story
The 5 Most Common Self-Publishing Pitfalls
The more you learn about self-publishing, the more these two truths become apparent: 1) It's incredible 2) It's hard Self-publishing makes publishing more accessible. It allows you, the writer, to have control of every element of your book—because why shouldn't you? But you have to understand what that means: you are responsible for every element … Continue reading The 5 Most Common Self-Publishing Pitfalls
The Story Canvas 