Writing Tips

Freelance Writing: Think Like an Editor, Sell Like a Pro

March 31, 2014March 31, 2014Business of Writing, Writing Tips

By Jennifer Brown Banks, @jenpens2

There’s great truth to the expression, “You should walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to understand them.” Which is why I’m very fortunate, that when it comes to the field of writing, these stilettos have covered much territory.

In my journey of more than a decade, I have served as a relationship columnist, a ghost writer, professional blogger, and a reviewer. I have penned pieces for digital publications, and for popular print glossies too. Many of which you’ve likely read.

But, what has probably enhanced my creative career the most, was my role as a senior editor of a regional publication, a few years ago.Continue reading

When an Unreliable Narrator Needs a Little Help

March 28, 2014March 26, 2014Uncategorized, Writing Tips

by Deborah Nam-Krane, @dnkboston

It took me almost six years to publish my series The New Pioneers, even though I had four completed novels. Part of my delay was that it takes a number of chances. At its heart, it’s romance with chick lit elements. However, each novel has its own special character to reflect that story’s heroine. Thus far, The Smartest Girl in the Room has explored Emily’s coming-of-age and The Family You Choose has uncovered the dark family secrets that haunted Miranda. Harel. But Jessie Bartolome’s story, The China Doll, is where I’m taking the biggest risk. While The Family You Choose reveals a secret you didn’t realize was there until the very end, it’s clear from the outset that The China Doll is a mystery with a capital M.

I’m pretty confident my readers can handle the genre-tweak; it’s the main character that made me nervous.Continue reading

Tips for Taking Your Reader on a Road Trip

March 24, 2014March 23, 2014Writing Tips

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

There are many things that I really like about writing series. For one, readers seem to love them. I think that’s because they have more of an opportunity to really get to know the characters and become invested in them. They also enjoy becoming part of a familiar world…the setting we’ve created in our books.

As a writer, I like series because they’re much easier for me to write. I establish my regular characters, create a world, and then come up with fresh adventures in each book.Continue reading

Maintaining Momentum as We Write

March 17, 2014March 16, 2014Motivation and the Writing Life, Writing Tips

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I was sitting with the other parents watching my daughter’s horseback riding lesson when one of the moms there asked me if I was always inspired when I write each day.

I always hesitate when I answer this question. It sounds awful to say that I’m rarely inspired when I write. For me, it’s more of a discipline. Aside from those wonderful, feverish moments when I’m scrabbling around in my pocketbook for paper and a pencil because a fabulous idea hit me…I’m just sitting down and focusing on creating a story, inspiration free.Continue reading

Backing Up Our Work

March 7, 2014March 7, 2014Tools for Writers, Writing Tips

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

And now for a very brief public service announcement. Please back up your work.

What way is easiest for you? There are so many options.

The best way is to have a digital copy backed up—on a USB/thumb drive, as an email attachment in an email sent to yourself. In Dropbox. On Google Drive or Skydrive (these are free options for cloud backup). On a server in your home. Or just print the thing if you don’t mind retyping it if you lose a digital version. Continue reading