Punctuation Boot Camp: Our ultimate grammar guide
Whip those comma splices, uncertain semicolons, and errant exclamation marks into shape with our ultimate grammar guide.
Read More “Punctuation Boot Camp: Our ultimate grammar guide”
Revision & Grammar
Top tips for revising your novel
Key strategies for tackling your first novel revision. Read More “Top tips for revising your novel”
Not to be: Removing be verbs from your writing
How to rout out lifeless be verbs from your work. Read More “Not to be: Removing be verbs from your writing”
Lose the legalese: Make your writing clear, brief, and accurate
Does your writing pass the “dude test?” Read More “Lose the legalese: Make your writing clear, brief, and accurate”
Ponder your words: How to wield the power of language
Carefully weigh your work (and its impact) before sending it out into the world. Read More “Ponder your words: How to wield the power of language”
How to receive critical feedback on your writing
Learning to receive criticism is an important step on your writer’s journey. Read More “How to receive critical feedback on your writing”
How to find your novel’s structure
Five writers share processes for developing frameworks that allow stories to stand on their own. Read More “How to find your novel’s structure”
Career Chops: Do I really need an editor?
Spoiler alert: Yes. Read More “Career Chops: Do I really need an editor?”
The top 10 golden rules of self-editing
Use these self-editing tips for success. Read More “The top 10 golden rules of self-editing”
Good grief: Seven stages of manuscript drafts
Seven discrete stages of manuscript grief can lead to ultimate success. Read More “Good grief: Seven stages of manuscript drafts”
Featured Posts
Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions
February 2023 Calls for Submissions These are the writing opportunities and contests that caught our eye and are published in the February issue of The … Read More “Opportunities for Writers: February 2023 Calls for Submissions”
Consistency across your YA series
The key to writing a great YA series (or MG series) is knowing your characters and plotlines inside and out – while giving yourself the flexibility to modify things when needed. Here are four things to live by when writing a series, based on tips from middle grade and young adult authors who have been there. Read More “Consistency across your YA series”
25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description
By most accounts, there are more than five senses. Some experts say there are seven, some as many as 20. But narrowing in on at least the five classical senses can lend a much-needed “sense” of detail to your writing. Here are five prompts for each of those five classic senses. Read More “25 Sensory Writing Prompts to Improve Detail & Description”