I've always loved fairytales; that's what happens when you grow up watching (and rewatching, and rewatching, and rewatching...) Disney classics. I was writing stories as soon as I learned how to hold a (sparkly pink glitter) pen, but surprisingly, fairytales didn't influence my writing much until my dad gifted me a massive book of fairytales … Continue reading Breathing Life into Classic Tales: A Guide to Adaptation
novels
How Do You Write a Book?
An updated version of a post from Feb. 2022 Apparently, 81% of people in the U.S. want to write a book. That's enough to say that most people want to write a book in this country, and I suspect the numbers would be pretty big in other countries, too. On the one hand, it's a … Continue reading How Do You Write a Book?
Don’t Lose Readers Halfway Through a Book
Want to help me get a standing desk? Check out the details in the donation box below the post and read my stories on Vocal! Some say the beginning of a book is the most difficult to master. Others say it's the end. I say it's the middle. Though I can't find any statistics on this, … Continue reading Don’t Lose Readers Halfway Through a Book
Resisting Excessive Exposition
Today is July 1st, which means - you guessed it - my new book is finally out!!! If you love fantasy adventures, awesome friendships, dragons, treehouses, or all of the above, I think you'll really enjoy this exciting story. You can get it today right here! You're happily typing away, your favourite writing music playing … Continue reading Resisting Excessive Exposition
Reblog: Understanding the Normal World of a Story’s First Act by K.M. Weiland
No matter their genre or focus, stories are about something happening—a shift in the status quo. Where the characters begin is not where they end. This may refer to their literal physical surroundings, or to a more metaphorical state of being—or, very possibly, to both. Whatever the case, it is important for authors to understand … Continue reading Reblog: Understanding the Normal World of a Story’s First Act by K.M. Weiland
So, You Want to Write a Book?
No. 2 in a series of posts designed to give an overview of self-publishing. It’s a beautiful moment. You’re sitting there, thinking about ideas or memories, and all of a sudden it comes together and you say: “I think I shall write books!” (if you’re anything like Jo March). The revelation is easy. So is … Continue reading So, You Want to Write a Book?
The Art of Never Giving Up
Writing a novel is hard. We probably all know this, and yet, many of us set out to accomplish this mighty feat. Isn't it amazing? But when you're in the middle of writing a book, sometimes it doesn't feel so amazing. I've been on a rollercoaster with my WIP, "Project Pea," over the past 15 … Continue reading The Art of Never Giving Up
What’s in a Name?
You've just completed the most beautiful thing you've ever written in your life. You're so proud of this accomplishment, this work of art that poured out of you beginning with just a single idea. You go to post/submit it, when suddenly it hits you: You don't have a title!! The horror! You suddenly feel cold … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
The Writing Process (Part 4)
So, here we are at the end of a series where we took a look at my writing process. You've read the completed short story, you've gone with me on my journey, and now it's time to recap everything we went through! As I said in my very first post, there are really valuable lessons … Continue reading The Writing Process (Part 4)
Don’t Just Write a Book
Yep, you read that right, and I'll say it again. Please, don't just write a book. This probably goes against so many things you've heard, all of the people saying, "Do it! Go for it!" And yes, while you should absolutely chase your writing dreams... ...that doesn't start with writing a book. Driving a Car … Continue reading Don’t Just Write a Book
The Story Canvas 