- Writing Organizations: To Join or Not to Join
In a recent chat with a writer friend, we discussed the writing organizations we belong to and the benefits we get from each. I’m a huge fan of writing organizations. As writers, it’s tempting to work in a vacuum, where you don’t have to hear other people criticize your approach, flaunt their own accomplishments, or…
- Writing Your Ending First
A number of fiction critics have pointed out the sorry endings to many of Stephen King’s novels. They admit these novels were exciting, interesting, intriguing, and mysterious—until the end. Some complain that these endings don’t ring true—that they’re unimaginative, outlandish, unlikely—even irritating. Perhaps this occurs because King is a pantser, and when he reaches the…
- Traditional Publishing (Part Four) – Agent Time
It’s written. It’s been workshopped. It’s had beta readers, including by some folks who will give you unvarnished feedback. You’ve let it breathe and you’ve come back to it and, wow, you don’t hate it! In fact, your manuscript is in really good shape. It’s time to go find an agent. Because if you’re going…
In a recent chat with a writer friend, we discussed the writing organizations we belong to and the benefits we get from each. I’m a huge fan of writing organizations. As writers, it’s tempting to work in a vacuum, where you don’t have to hear other people criticize your approach, flaunt their own accomplishments, or…
A number of fiction critics have pointed out the sorry endings to many of Stephen King’s novels. They admit these novels were exciting, interesting, intriguing, and mysterious—until the end. Some complain that these endings don’t ring true—that they’re unimaginative, outlandish, unlikely—even irritating. Perhaps this occurs because King is a pantser, and when he reaches the…
It’s written. It’s been workshopped. It’s had beta readers, including by some folks who will give you unvarnished feedback. You’ve let it breathe and you’ve come back to it and, wow, you don’t hate it! In fact, your manuscript is in really good shape. It’s time to go find an agent. Because if you’re going…