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Cut that unnecessary subplot…

And all the characters that went with it. The latest way that I cut dead weight out of my story was to separate my core plot from world-building details. I had scenes, whole chapters, and subplots that I didn’t like anymore and knew weren’t necessary, but I didn’t want to delete them because they revealed […]

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When the kids are away…

The writer can play. I have a freshman in high school (that’s nuts) and a third grader that are both back in school. My trusty canine writing assistant and I now have the quiet and focus to edit. But we didn’t at first. I took two days to rest my mind and body after the […]

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Writing is a solitary endeavor…

And thankfully a community endeavor as well. My writing group and early readers are awesome. When I am stuck on a project and can’t see a way through, I put it in their hands with questions typed up at the end and wait. And wait and wait. But as I mentioned in my post Appreciate […]

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Writing routines can change…

If you set new ones. Summer break throws off everyone’s routine. Kids are off school, shifting sporadically from lazy days to half-day camps and evening sports. Week to week our routines change. And there are still chores, errands, and oh yeah, I should probably remind them to read and do their summer math packets—but it’s […]

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If you think there is a problem in your draft…

There most likely is. Yes, maybe the voice in your mind is just doubt so you only need to give yourself a pep talk. But most likely the voice is one you should listen to. My first, second, and even subsequent drafts can have big problems. If I get that feeling—ugh this just isn’t working—I […]

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Breaks are healthy…

So stop writing sometimes and take them. Especially after a year of lockdowns and routine changes, it was important to stop working and take a break. A cabin near the Smokey Mountains where I could chill and relax after daily hikes with my husband and kids recharged me. I usually like to write (or edit) […]

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Osmosis (maybe) applies to writing skills…

The flip side of sharing my work was reading the work of others. Connecting personally with writers (in my genre and outside of it) and positively critiquing their work gave me another leap forward in my writing journey. In addition to reading published works, I improved my writing skills by consuming and discussing the unpublished […]

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