Latest blog Posts
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How to Write at Home Without Distractions
A few years ago, my partner and I moved in with my parents in an effort to change our lives and save some money. While it seemed like I would have a lot more time for writing, I found that I actually had less time. Distractions were everywhere. With five adults living together, as well as a home office that employed another three people, (not… read more
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Short Story: The Night Harvest
No one ever returned. None before. None after. Just him. Until now. A figure exploded from the edge of the forest, scattering twigs and scraps of mist. Donafel let out a sharp breath, a plume of condensation. Ghostly antlers crowned the figure’s head and, for a moment, the familiar terror gripped him. But no—the antlers were merely the crisscross of branches. He took a shuddering… read more
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Flash Fiction: Lunacy
Cool air slinks between the blankets, startling goosebumps from my skin. Tarek must have opened the window sometime in the night. I reach across the bed, expecting to feel his warm, bare shoulder. My hand meets cooling sheets. On the nightstand, my phone buzzes and I jolt. The sound claws away the hush of the apartment. When I pick it up, it vibrates again. My… read more
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How to Structure a Novel: Six Types of Narrative Structure and Which is Best for Your Story
You’ve created an imaginary world and populated it with well-rounded characters. You’ve pinpointed the conflict and dreamed up a gratifying conclusion. But how do you knit it all together into a satisfying story? Narrative structure is the scaffolding that holds your story together. Think of it as a wire form over which you can papier-mâché the details that make your story special: plot, setting, and… read more
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We die a little every day
I turned 31 last weekend. Society tells me I’m supposed to feel something about that. Panic, maybe, that the good years are behind me. Forty is fast approaching and after forty is basically death. The thing is, we die a little every day. Am I preoccupied with death? I… don’t think so, although perhaps the books on my nightstand recently would say something different (The… read more
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How to Publish Your Novel: Finding the Best Literary Agent for You
When you start searching for literary agents, the information can be overwhelming. You might end up with a list of hundreds of agents and agencies–but not all are the best fit. This is the method I use to organize that information and query the best agents for me and my project. Years ago, when I first thought I might become a published author someday, I… read more
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How to Publish Your Novel: Where to Find Literary Agents
If you’ve decided to traditionally publish your novel, you’ll need a literary agent. There is a lot of information out there, but this is the simplest way I’ve discovered to find agents with minimal hassle. Years ago, when I first thought I might become a published author someday, I started researching how to achieve my goals. What I found was completely overwhelming. I needed an… read more
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How to Publish Your Novel: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing: what’s the difference? In this article we’ll look at the pros and cons of each. Hopefully by the end, you’ll have an understanding of both and you’ll be able to choose the best path for you. Years ago, when I first thought I might become a published author someday, I started researching how to achieve my goals. What I found was… read more
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How to Find the Elusive Critique Partner
Finding critique partners and beta readers can be daunting. Here’s what to look for in a good critique partner and where to find one that will stick with you. Critique Partner vs. Beta Reader: What’s the Difference? Many aspiring writers have heard the terms “critique partner” and “beta reader,” but they might not realize these two roles are not the same. When writing a novel,… read more
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How Fear Holds Us Back
I am afraid of a lot of things. Pain. Outer space. Things that lurk in the darkness of the ocean. (In the extreme, that would be algophobia, astrophobia, and thallasophobia, respectively). My biggest fears are perhaps more common. Change. Failure. (Metathesiophobia and atychiphobia.) This website is a fear. It encompasses both change and failure. I want to connect, but I’m afraid of putting myself “out… read more
