#18: 5 Mistakes Writers Make in Their Opening Pages

Feel stuck writing your novel? These 5 time management strategies will squash all productivity blocks to get your story finished—finally (and fast). Why does finding the time to write feel so hard sometimes? We often blame our busy schedules (and yes, that's definitely part of it). But there's something else lurking around that stops your writing progress. And it has a way of making you feel like you're failing at this whole writing thing. Which is so not true. In this episode, I'm pulling ba...

7 Tammi 30min

The best writing advice sticks with us because it changes our thinking about our craft. In this special year-end episode, I'm counting down the top 10 most powerful tips from Fiction Writing Made Easy in 2024—from crafting sizzling character chemistry and developing compelling antagonists to building immersive story worlds and mastering your character's backstory. Plus, learn how to overcome writer's block and tap into the power of the writing community to fuel your creative success. Le...

31 Joulu 202431min

Is the thought of revising your first draft making you nauseous? I got you. These mindset tips will ease revision anxiety for good. It's one thing to pour your heart into writing a first draft. However, facing revisions and sharing your story with others can feel raw, uncomfortable, and downright scary. Not to worry. Every writer struggles with this novel writing phase, and that's why I've brought together four brilliant book coaches and editors to share their mindset wisdom to make the...

24 Joulu 202425min

Want a sneak peek into my life as a developmental editor and book coach? Listen in and find out what I do in my work week to help authors transform their story ideas into fully realized novels. I'll walk you through what I'm learning, how I support fiction writers in finishing their novels, and my exciting plans for 2025. Plus, I'll share all the behind-the-scenes moments that make my book coach life so rewarding. So, pour yourself a coffee (or matcha tea) and join me as I share: [02:40] How ...

17 Joulu 202434min

Need help with tone and mood in your novel writing? Maybe your scenes aren't hitting the right emotional notes, or your story atmosphere feels off. Today, we're breaking down four practical ways to master these tricky writing elements to keep your readers hooked. In this episode, I'm chatting with Isobelle Lans, a UK-based author, editor, and writing coach who runs Inspired Creative Co. With years of experience helping writers develop their storytelling skills, Isobelle knows exactly how to ...

10 Joulu 202423min

Whether you want complete creative freedom, better royalties, or a faster speed to market—get the clarity you need to choose the right publishing path for your novel. Your novel is (or nearly) complete; now it's time to choose your publishing path. Whether you're drawn to big traditional publishing with major bookstore distribution, love the creative control of self-publishing, want bigger royalties with hybrid publishing, or are interested in the boutique experience of publishing through a ...

3 Joulu 202440min

Finally, finish your book with effective writing strategies designed to work in harmony with your neurodivergent mind. Does sitting down to write your book feel impossible on some days, while on other days, you can write for hours on end? Maybe you feel guilty whenever someone says, "Real writers write every day" or "Just stick to a routine,"—but here's the thing—your neurodivergent brain may not work that way. And that's totally okay. In this episode, I've brought together four amazing writi...

26 Marras 202432min

If you’re serious about becoming a published author, determining your novel’s genre is one of the most important things you’ll have to do. But sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially if your book toes the line between Women’s Fiction and Romance. In this episode, I’m going to walk you through the difference between Women’s Fiction and Romance so you can write the best book possible and snag the attention of both agents and readers alike. You'll learn things like: [02:12] Five diffe...

19 Marras 202424min