How to Describe Emotion
Strategies to Incorporate Agent/Editor Feedback

Strategies to Incorporate Agent/Editor Feedback

Once the manuscript has been completed, submitted, and accepted, writers can feel like the bulk of their work is done. It would seem only small corrections should need to be made. Until the agent/editor feedback comes. Use these strategies to incorporate it for stronger work.

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Five Questions to Ask During Chapter One Revision

Five Questions to Ask During Chapter One Revision

Once you’ve finished the first draft of your story, it’s time to tackle chapter one revision. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether your first impression energizes the reader to demand the full story.

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What’s After NaNoWriMo?

What’s After NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is an intense time for writers who participate. I hope it was everything you were looking for. But the end is near. What’s next?

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There’s Always a Choice: Revision Techniques to Make Your Writing Stronger

There’s Always a Choice: Revision Techniques to Make Your Writing Stronger

If you've received vague revision instructions like “go deeper," we have some specific revision techniques that'll help you take your work to the next level.

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The Difference Between Editing and Revising

The Difference Between Editing and Revising

There’s an important difference between editing and revising, although writers tend to use “editing” and “revising” as interchangeable terms to mean anything other than drafting. You’ll need to do both, so it’s helpful to understand the difference.

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Writing Good Sentences

Writing Good Sentences

Writing good sentences is at the heart of telling a good story. However, it’s not the first issue to tackle in revisions. First, finish your draft. Second, step away from your manuscript. Third, edit macro issues such as plot holes, character development, and story arc. Don’t fret about sentence craft until the bones of the story are in place and working well.

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How to Be a Writing Buddy

How to Be a Writing Buddy

How is a writing buddy different from a critique partner or writing partner? The terms are often used interchangeably, but I happen to think that a “writing buddy” is friendlier. So here’s how to be a good one, and boost your own critique and writing skills at the same time.

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Episode 18: Patricia Faithfull and Rick Williams, Aspiring Writers
How to Be a Good Critique Partner
A Million Bad Words

A Million Bad Words

In order to write, you have to WRITE! Spending time learning theory, taking classes, and reading books are beneficial, but ultimately it is practice that will make you a better writer. Learn how a million bad words can turn into a good story.

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How to Deal With Negative Criticism

How to Deal With Negative Criticism

Many writers struggle with how to deal with negative criticism. Not all writing feedback you receive in your lifetime will be “constructive criticism”. Some of it may feel like straight-up criticism criticism, or worse, destructive criticism. Ouch! Here are some thoughts on bouncing back from a devastating writing critique, and what to do next.

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Writing Your Debut Novel with Benjamin Roesch

Writing Your Debut Novel with Benjamin Roesch

Benjamin Roesch joins us to talk about his debut novel—but not his first novel—published with LGBTQ+ young adult indie publisher Deep Hearts. We talk about turning short stories into a novel, coming of age fiction, and being an older debut writer.

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Writing Descriptions

Writing Descriptions

Dust motes swirling in the gloom are enchanting, but do you really need to describe them in detail? Let’s look at some guidelines for writing descriptions so you can quench your thirst for gorgeous imagery without sacrificing the pacing of your story.

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What Is a Sensitivity Reader?

What Is a Sensitivity Reader?

There is a lot of controversy in the writing world about sensitivity readers, so what is a sensitivity reader? What does a sensitivity reader do? Learn more about this specializing writing and editing role here.

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Setting Writing Critique Expectations

Setting Writing Critique Expectations

Setting writing critique expectations is important, especially when a writer starts out getting writing feedback. A lot of writers are in a good headspace when they approach critique. Nervous, maybe. Vulnerable, of course. But eager to learn and give back to a fellow writer.

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The End of Camp NaNoWriMo: What to Do with Your Complete Manuscript

The End of Camp NaNoWriMo: What to Do with Your Complete Manuscript

Now that you have a complete manuscript, you have some exciting decisions to make about what you want to do next. Whether Camp NaNoWriMo was a fun personal project or your first step on the path to publication, now is a great time to use your momentum to take your writing to new heights.

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Reaction into Action: How to Turn Negative Feedback Around
Writing Critique
Finding Critique Partners

Finding Critique Partners

You’ve typed ‘The End’ on your manuscript, and now you’re ready to get published. Not yet! First, finding critique partners will help you polish your work for submission. 

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