What’s the difference between writing nonfiction and fiction? We all know nonfiction is true and fiction is imaginary. Most people can readily spout off all sorts of other ways nonfiction and fiction writing are different, but how are they the same? If the writer has the ultimate goal of writing a sellable book, there are lessons to be learned… Read More
It sur
prises me that some people really don’t like to write, because I love to write and it comes easily to me. But I’ve also noticed some people don’t like working with numbers, others don’t like building things, and some shouldn’t sing in public. I have a real passion for writing, but… Read More
As 2020 winds down and 2021 is about to begin, it’s normal to assess what to do differently in the new year. This post is focused on a tool to grow your business in 2021: Your Book. Business owners should be assessing: Did I do the amount of business I wanted to do this year? Rarely is the answer… Read More
I’m asked for ideas on how to strengthen writing skills, and if that’s even possible. I do believe it’s possible to become a better writer. Like any other skill, writing requires practice, practice, and more practice. But developing into a better writer also means spending more time as an active reader and… Read More
How do I overcome writer’s block? Writers block, regardless of the reason, is when the writer can’t produce new words on the page or can’t focus to edit written work. I hear writer’s block explained with root causes ranging from lack of focus to lack of inspiration or from lack of skill to lack of confidence.
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Following my last few posts on editing, I’ve gotten this question: What's the difference between an editor and a beta reader?
Beta readers are not professional editors and professional editors are not beta readers. Before someone finds offense, let me clarify this is most often the case and there are exceptions to… Read More
Knowledge is gained by asking how long the editor has worked as an editor. If… Read More
What’s an editor and why do I need one? Remember back to grade school, when an -or/-er is added to the end of a word it means “one who,” therefore an editor is one who edits. The dictionary says: “Editor” is a noun for a person in charge of determining content of… Read More
When teaching writing workshops or presenting at conferences, I’m asked, “What are the secrets to becoming a number one best-selling author?”
Even though my mother taught me not to answer a question with a question, I do it seeking insight into where along the writing, marketing, publishing process the questioner is.