You’ve heard me talk about my 12 Steps to Publication workshop series. What I haven’t talked about is that I keep track of the writers who attend, and become friends with many of them. When I see their books launch, I just want to do a happy dance for them. I’m as excited and proud […]
Author: Suzanne
You Know Them When You See Their Research
Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. That’s because I’m gearing up to finish a couple of writing projects before the end of 2017. It feels so good to be back in the flow again. And I thought I’d drop in to ask a question. Do you know the difference between a writer and […]
Savor the Possibilities
Yesterday was Infinite Possibilities Day. I love that word. Possibilities. In fact, it may be my favorite word. Doesn’t it just sing of magical unknown treasures and adventure as it rolls off the tongue? I picture each day as a vast space filled with boxes of all sizes and shapes. Some […]
Editing Reality Soapbox
This morning, I happened across an online group of writers who caught my attention with a particular conversation. One person asked the group about an estimate from an editor. He mentioned a dollar figure without details concerning the length of the book or the type of editing he sought. Then he asked if that […]
12 Steps to Publication – Redux
I’m so excited to present my 12 Steps to Publication workshop series again! In 2014-2015 the Daviess County Public Library sponsored the course for the local writer community. We had tremendous fun working together and supporting each other. Since then, some of those writers have published their books. This Introduction to the course […]
Writers Make a Fresh Start With Each New Page
One of the biggest excuses I hear from people who say they want to write is that they’re afraid their words aren’t unique enough, brilliant enough, or interesting enough for anyone to read. Their fear of failure keeps them from getting started. Then they spend their lives mourning the loss of a dream. Each […]
Paint Your Story With All the Colors of Your Voice
How many colors does your writer’s palette hold? Why would you choose to use only one? Listen carefully, and your characters and scenes will show you the colors to use in harmonious storytelling.
Make Your Readers Feel the Pain
I’ve been neck deep in research and editing, enjoying every minute. And letting the days slip past before I come out of my red-pencil fog to check my deadlines. I planned to write about layering your characters’ backstories, referencing scenes from the movie “The Homesman.” In the meantime, I read Sue Coletta’s post over […]
What Language Do Your Characters Use?
What’s the missing ingredient to the story in which every character sounds like the next? It’s the individual’s language of life and personality. There is a magic in interpersonal communication sometimes ignored by writers. Characters from different backgrounds and life experiences express themselves in unique ways. A naturopath reminded me the other day […]