-
Story Consultations: A Supportive First Step for Authors
Story Consultations: A Supportive First Step for Authors If you’ve been following along, you may have noticed that one of my services has a new name. My former manuscript evaluations are now Story Consultations, and I made this change to better reflect the kind of support I want to offer authors, especially new and debut…
-
Common Fiction Writing Mistakes: Part 2 (POV, Cause & Effect, and More)
Every writer has blind spots. Some over-describe, some jump POV mid-scene, some repeat favorite words without even noticing – and none of this means you’re a “bad” writer, it just means you’re human. These are all common fiction writing mistakes, some grammar related, that are easy to fix. Inconsistent POV (Head-Hopping) Head-hopping happens when a…
-
Common Fiction Writing Mistakes: Part 1 (Passive Voice & More)
If you’re worried there are “secret rules” you’re breaking in your manuscript, you’re not alone – most writers feel this way at some point! Let’s break down some common fiction writing mistakes so you know what to work on. Passive Sentence Structure Passive voice sneaks in when the subject receives the action, like “The ball…
-
Battling Author Procrastination? Let’s Nudge Those Words to the Page!
Tips for Author Procrastination: Nudge Your Next Words Forward Is your manuscript feeling a bit neglected lately? If so, you are absolutely not alone. All writers – even those with multiple bestsellers and a morning routine worthy of envy – encounter waves of delay. It’s not laziness, it’s simply part of the human creative cycle.…
-
Reflections on Mastermind Groups
Why Every Editor and Author Deserves a Mastermind Group Have you ever wished for a team right in your corner – cheering you on, sharing practical advice, and offering camaraderie when the going gets tough? That’s the magic of a mastermind group. It’s not just professional development; it’s a blend of pep rally and think…
-
The Memoirist’s Private Journal: 7 Prompts to Uncover Your Book’s Core Theme
Journaling is a secret engine behind powerful memoir writing. It gives authors a safe, private place to explore raw memories and feelings, ultimately distilling them into a meaningful story for readers. Editors and book coaches use guided prompts to help writers dig beneath surface anecdotes and reveal the deeper themes that will shape their memoirs,…
-
A Peek into My Editing Space
Welcome! I am excited to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into my editing space. I know that it’s hard to trust someone with your project – especially in this digital age, where working with strangers virtually and with AI are the norm. You want to be confident that your project is being handed over to…
-
Beyond the Red Pen: An Editor with a Teacher’s Heart
An Editor with a Teacher’s Heart I approach every project with a unique blend of classroom experience and editorial expertise. My teacher-editor lens helps me see each manuscript as a whole while also noticing the small moments where an author may need clarity, encouragement, or direction. After a decade working as an elementary school teacher,…
-
Grammar Tips from an Editor
What Do Authors Need to Know? 9 Most Common Grammar Mistakes Whether you are polishing your first manuscript or gearing up for publication, grammar is essential. While storytelling is the heart of your book, clear and correct grammar is the vessel that delivers your story to readers. Even seasoned writers slip up on the basics,…
-
3 Signs You Might Be Too Close to Your Manuscript (and what to do about it)
Are You Too Close to Your Manuscript? You’ve been living inside your manuscript for weeks, maybe months, or even years. You know it inside and out. You’ve rewritten scenes, reshaped chapters, reworked whole sections. And now? You can’t tell if it’s brilliant or a disaster. This moment is completely normal, and a telltale sign that…
