Whether you are traditionally published with a house, writing independently, or using a mix of the two (AKA hybrid), here are a few tools I use to help make my time for efficient. @cara_putman shares 5 Tools for #writers including @flodeskinc and #TheQuill. What are you favorite productivity tools? #amwriting Click To Tweet Thequill.io: Let’s start with where I write …
Writing Christmas Collections with Other Authors
People often ask me about writing a novella collection with other authors. Most of the time writing is me alone at my computer. Most people can imagine that. When you add other authors to the mix, they begin to wonder what the process is like and how it differs. I’ve been a part of several novella collections in addition to …
3 Reasons Writers Must be Readers
Occasionally, I will hear a writer say they don’t read. It’s honestly a stunning comment. I can’t imagine trying to write without also being a voracious reader. For example, as I write this I am minutes from ending a binge of all of Kristi Ann Hunter’s books. I’ve read them all, and loved them, but when I read her spring …
Warning: Writer starting new book
One of the scariest moments for this author is the moment I actually sit down and start writing my next book. This time I’ve done HOURS of thinking, brainstorming, building characters, but the actual writing…it takes time and is scary. Especially when readers have asked where this heroine’s story is. So last night I was brainstorming title ideas with my husband, …
10 More Tips from Readers to Writers
Last week I shared 11 tips from readers on what they love to see in novels. Here are more tips to help you write compelling fiction. Readers tell what they want to see in #novels at @cara_putman blog. #amreading Click To Tweet Research Matters! (More so for historicals) Probably the #1 thing for me is accuracy. I just read Eleanor …
11 Reader Tips for Writers
For new writers it can be tricky to know what to focus on. In a sea of rules and guidelines, what are the most important elements to perfect first? I’m always wondering what readers want in the books they read, so I asked readers what they would tell new writers if they had the chance. This was a savvy group …
Freedom for Writers: 4 Tips
Last week we celebrated the Fourth of July, and over on a Facebook group I’m part of we talked about how it’s a great time to be a writer because independence is achievable. Today I want to share some thoughts and see what you would add. How do you know when you’re ready to publish? @Cara_Putman shares 4 tips. Click To Tweet 1) Know your …
Fiction Friday: What are You Reading
As writers, one of the things we need to do is read voraciously. There are so many reasons to read: To know what readers like. What’s got them grabbing books? Why does that title resonate with them? To see what works and doesn’t work. It’s often as I’m reading that I think “oh, I want to write like that.” Or …
Hidden Figures & Writing
Last night I had the chance to see Hidden Figures. If you haven’t gone, go. Now. Drop what you are doing and run to the theater. It was so well done. But here’s the warning: It will make you feel. There will be tears, outrage, cheering, etc. Here’s more about it from the Smithsonian. But here’s what I’m thinking about today. …