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What Makes a Memoir
Welcome to the third installment of “What Makes a . . .” In What Makes a Memoir we will take a look at five elements that will have your readers lining up to learn and be inspired. What Makes a Memoir Work? What makes a memoir work? How does memoir differ from an autobiography? A…
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What Makes a Fantasy Novel
Welcome to Part 2 of the series “What Makes a . . .” What Makes a Fantasy Novel focuses on five elements that hook your readers and take them on an incredible journey in fantasy. Check back next month for the next installment, What Makes a Memoir. What Makes a Fantasy Novel Work? What draws…
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What Makes a Psychological Thriller
Welcome to Part 1 of “What Makes a . . .” a series of posts where I will be sharing the top principles of what makes a certain genre really thrive. This post is all about what makes a psychological thriller work. Discover the five elements that will keep your readers guessing and questioning reality…
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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,…
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What it Means to “Find Your Voice” as a Writer
What It Means to “Find Your Voice” as a Writer “Find your voice.” Advice every writer hears, yet few can define. As an editor and book coach, I see authors struggle with this concept—often believing that voice is something they must invent from scratch. In reality, your writing voice isn’t created; it’s uncovered, shaped by…
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Why Your Book’s First 10 Pages Matter More Than the Next 100
You can write the most brilliant book in the world – but if the first 10 pages fall flat, most readers won’t stick around to find out. This isn’t just industry rhetoric, it’s a hard truth that shapes whether your book finds its audience, lands an agent, or ends up on a publisher’s desk. This…
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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…
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Self-Editing My Writing Prompt
Leaving My Bubble This February I decided to leave my introverted bubble and attend two different writer’s groups that meet locally. One of the groups does a monthly writing prompt and asks members to prepare their prompt to share before the meeting. I had quite a time editing my writing prompt. I don’t consider myself…
