I am a pantser and always will be. No matter how many plotting tools I’ve tried to use over the years, I remain a stubborn pantser. My characters run around like free range chooks creating havoc in the paddock, and I follow them around picking up the eggs and cleaning up after them. It’s whatContinue reading “When First Draft Resembles a Crime Scene”
Tag Archives: Writing Tips
Speed Date an Editor
There is nothing I love more than helping writers shape their stories to be the best they can be. I have learned so much from all the editors I’ve had over the years, and I want to pass that knowledge on to the authors I work with. But finding the right editor for your booksContinue reading “Speed Date an Editor”
All that Glitters
Turn negative feedback into writing gold In this final instalment on how to get the best out of negative feedback, I’m going to give you some tips on where to find great feedback from your peer group. For seasoned authors, this is probably old news, but for the newbies out there who might be wonderingContinue reading “All that Glitters”
Breaking Bad
Cracking the code on negative feedback In this blog, I’m going to show you how to crack the code on negative feedback. It’s not hard, there are no equations or algorithms involved. All it takes is a little common sense and an open mind. Ask yourself these questions after reading any feedback: Once upon aContinue reading “Breaking Bad”
Don’t Feed the Trolls!
I know it’s tempting… It’s tempting to respond to negative feedback. An email to that dreadful competition judge, a response to the social media trolls, a reply to a review on Goodreads, a blistering response to the editor’s comments on a manuscript. I’m not going to lie … I have responded once or twice, butContinue reading “Don’t Feed the Trolls!”
Armour Up!
Don on Your Emotional Armour Stock up on chocolate, coffee, wine and concrete. To embark on this journey you’ll need all the armour you can find. And don’t forget the Kleenex, because it’s also okay to cry. Have you ever been told to ‘take the emotion out’ of a situation (at work, at home, inContinue reading “Armour Up!”
The Great Feedback Debate
Should I read reviews of my books? To look or not to look? That is the opening of a great debate among authors since the rise of internet reviews. Ask any writer and you’ll receive mixed responses. Some say do, some say don’t, but today I’m going to ask you to make up your ownContinue reading “The Great Feedback Debate”
I, Writer-not-Robot
The rise of AI is a hot topic right now, so forgive me if I’m telling you something you already know. The news, the web, and social media are all scrambling over themselves to talk about it. But, here’s the thing. If you think AI is something new, you’re fooling yourself. It’s way too late toContinue reading “I, Writer-not-Robot”
Kees2Create Words 