Writing Tips – Page 2

Spring Cleaning for Your Writing Tools (Technology)

We all know we need to do it, but it’s hard to get motivated when every time you sit down at your computer you already have work to do, but giving your computer a cleaning is the best way to ensure you’ll have productive, uninterrupted writing time and avoid the pitfalls of unexpected malware, viruses, and the crumbs from that meal you ate over your laptop from becoming obstacles to your most productive writing time.

Take the next step and schedule a time for a spring cleaning for all your writing tools. Here’s an article I wrote along with my boss with a list of six things you need to do to keep your technology up to date and working smoothly.

Click here to read

Cooking Up A Tale: The point of the prologue

Some may say the prologue is a self-indulgent waste of words that only the writer enjoys, but I disagree.

Recently, I overheard a conversation in a bookstore and since then I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Two people standing in the bestseller section were looking for the same book. One had read it, one hadn’t. The one who had was retelling the plot in general terms, starting with chapter one.

This got me thinking. I knew this specific book had a prologue and it was an interesting one. It had added to the story, setting up the feel of the book and laying some of the groundwork for the back story. So, why didn’t he even mention it?

My novel has a prologue. An indulgent, mystical, magical tour that adds flavor and vital information to the entire story to follow. Within my prologue you’ll learn the plot contains a historical back story full of grandeur and intrigue. It creates a sense of mysticism through an ancient, nearly unknown religion where long forgotten information comes in jarring contact with the realities of man. A reader will find out the key focal point of the novel has a dynamic story all its own, which essentially makes it a secondary character within the plot. Most importantly, you can instantly identify me as an author through the style I create in my prologue.

Some may say the prologue is a self-indulgent waste of words that only the writer enjoys, but I disagree. The prologue acts as the spice of your story, creating subtle flavors and delicately revealing complexities hidden within its lines, only to be fully realized later in the plot twists and depth of your characters. It flavors your plot, characters, atmosphere, tone and feel of your novel, adding the color that brews throughout the storyline and places the reader in another place and time.

So, read the prologue and savor its flavors!

Too Rushed to Write? Don’t Let the Busy Season Keep You From Your Writing Goals

Christmas activities can seriously jeopardize your writing time and derail your goals. It can be an anxious time when you feel pulled in so many directions at the same time, but there are ways to keep the sanity in the season.

We are deep into the holiday season, with only a few days left to get everything done for your big celebration. It’s a whirlwind of activities—Christmas celebrations, visiting guests, shopping, cooking, and always something you know you missed but can’t think of at the moment.

All these activities can seriously jeopardize your writing time and derail your goals. Even with the best intentions, no one can change the fact that we only have twenty-four hours in a day to get everything done. And during Christmas, the pressure is high to get everything perfect. It can be a stressful, frustrating, anxious, and very busy time when you feel pulled in so many directions at the same time.

I wrote an article for work that contain tips to help writers reach their writing goals. I hope it’s helpful to you, because writers should give themselves the gift of writing time during this holiday season.

Here’s the link.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2025!

Tips to reach your writing goals during the busy holiday season.

Narrative Writing: How you tell the story is as important as the story itself

There are many choices authors make as they start out on a writing journey. Choosing the style you want to use to tell your story is a foundational decision that will set the tone of your story and your characters.

Of course, some stories require a specific style of narrative. If, for example, you are writing a story that has your characters racing to a specific place or thing then a quest narrative is called for. If your plot includes flashbacks, dreams of the future, or shifts in perspectives, you’ll be working with a non-linear narrative.

Using the four narrative styles in your writing toolbox allows you more freedom in how you present your story. They shift the perspective of the reader and play with the movement of the plotline.

I recently wrote about the four narrative styles for work. You can read the article and find out more about these wonderful tools here!

Finding Your Readers in a Virtual World

Now, when we say “I’m an author” we should be adding, “and a financial expert, a promoter, a marketer, and a search engine optimization (SEO) expert.”

We’re all faced with the the fast-moving, constantly-changing world of SEO, and, if you’re like me, you aren’t a fan. So, why do I do it? Because that’s how you reach your readers and new potential readers in this digital age.

I recently dove into this topic in a blog post I wrote for work. You can read it here.

Now, when we say “I’m an author” we should be adding, “and a financial expert, a promoter, a marketer, and a search engine optimization (SEO) expert.”

Building the Perfect Character

Creating a memorable character is a complex undertaking. I dive into what lessons we can learn from one of the masters of creating characters you can’t forget.

Creating a character that resonates with your target audience is a complex undertaking. There’s the good, bad, and the ugly that everyone is gifted at birth, then there is the nuances that we pick up along the way that define us as human.

I recently took a look at how writers develop characters that connect with their readers in a lasting way, using the example of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to study the contrast between realistic and unrealistic personality dynamics. I wrote an article about it for work, and you can find it here.

I hope you enjoy it!

Under the Microscope: Finding your target audience

Ever wonder who will respond to your writing? Finding your voice can help you connect with readers who will want to continue reading more!

Who’s ever going to want to read this?

It’s a question authors ask themselves more than you might imagine. Finding the right audience for your novel is key to its success. Readers who love your genre or really gets into the characters you’ve created are your book’s natural-born cheerleaders. They’ll recommend you to their friends, suggest your book at their book club, and give you the reassurance that those voices living inside your head really are fun to hang out with!

I’ve been thinking alot about my book’s target audience as the reviews from my Advance Readers are starting to come in. I’m not completely surprised that some of the first to speak up have been up—the plot is full of the kind of hard-driving action that a lot of men enjoy—but I have to admit I’m really curious to hear what women think of it.

Throughout the writing of this book I always wanted to, and as a writer-had to, keep Sarah up front as the hero. She’s the hero. But I didn’t want to dismiss or belittle the males in the story just to serve her objectives. Instead, I tried to create a balance in the roles, influenced by the traditional spirits of women and men, but always making sure to cast Sarah as their leader at all times.

This isn’t a new concept; woman as leader. In Viking history we can look to Freydís Eiríksdóttir, a documented female Viking warrior, and Sigrid the Haughty, a Norwegian queen with significant political influence. We find these examples stretching back to the very beginning of our civilization’s long history.

So, I hope I’ve created a leader that women respond to and can immerse themselves in as they read the story. I can’t wait to hear their reviews!

You can read more about how authors find their voice in an article I wrote for work.

A New View: From attendee to exhibitor at the 2024 Pacific Northwest Writers Conference

Great conversations were had at the 2024 Pacific Northwest Writers Conference! Get the scoop on my website.

I’m back from the 2024 Pacific Northwest Writers Conference, and this time I had an entirely different and interesting view of the event–not as an attendee, but as an exhibitor!

My publishing journey began two years ago at this Seattle-based conference when I pitched The Byzantine Cross to agents and publishers. I am happy to say I was able to get two groups interested; a traditional publisher and a literary agent. I chose the publisher because I felt it was better to get closer to the process with my first book because I knew there would be a lot I could learn from them. That decision gave me a good informal education of the publishing process and now I have a better overall view of the literary world.

Last November, I took another step into the literary world when I accepted a job at a book review company. I work with authors every day and have amazing access to the knowledge and experience of authors, publishers, book marketers, and leaders in the publishing business.

A Community of Writers and Publishers

I’ve attended a few different author conferences over the years and each time there is a tremendous supportive energy that is shared between the attendees. This year I met people from all backgrounds who have thought about writing, have written novels, and many who are already published authors. We swap stories and talk about what we’ve experienced, recommending helpful websites and warning against obstacles.

Some familiar faces stopped by the booth, many of them new friends, and the day was filled with fun, imaginative, and interesting conversations. I even had the opportunity to speak with an airline steward on a layover who’d written a book and now he believes he’s on the right path to publishing!

Time flew by!

Writing conferences have always acted as fuel for my writing career. I go to a conference, meet people, learn some new information, and before I know it, I find my writing accending to the next level.

So, to all the interesting people I spoke to last weekend at the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference–thanks for the great conversations!

Welcome to My World of Writing Spaces

I have found that occasionally switching between several different writing spaces provides me with distinct advantages that helps keep me on the track to better writing.

Why An Effective Writing Space Is Essential To A Productive Writer

For writers, an effective writing space is more than just a physical area—it’s a critical component of the creative process which can ultimately dictate the writer’s level of productivity. It can significantly impact your output, focus, and overall well-being. Personally, I have found that occasionally switching between several different writing spaces provides me with distinct advantages that helps keep me on the track to better writing.

Where Do You Find Inspiration?

For inspiration I go to a local coffee shop with a great view of the bay. The friendly vibe, smell of great coffee, and the background noise of soft music, clattering cups, and pleasant conversation is a relaxing environment to set my imagination free as I look out across the bay to the San Juan Islands.

Having the Space to Do Your Research

When I’m doing research I like to sit at a desk or table so it’s easier to take notes and look through books. That can be at my home, at a coffee shop or restaurant, a library, or anywhere else where I find ample space to spread out my notebook, computer, and anything else I need.

The Physical Aspects of Writing

Editing is a labor intensive job for writers and that’s why I often find myself in a comfortable chair at home. It’s where I focus best as the hour hand spins around the clock and I am suggested to my endless inner questioning of grammar and my story.

Finding Your Own Best Writing Space

Creating a writing space that works for you requires a personal examination of how you write, when you write, and what type of environment is best for the tasks you are undertaking that day. The best way to start imagining your ideal space is to consider the following:

Fosters Focus and Concentration: An effective writing space is designed to minimize distractions and interruptions. By having a dedicated area that signals to your brain it’s time to write, you can achieve deeper concentration and maintain a flow state. This focused environment helps you immerse yourself in your work, leading to higher-quality writing.
Enhances Productivity: A well-organized and comfortable writing space can significantly boost productivity. When your tools and materials are within easy reach and your workspace is ergonomically designed, you spend less time searching for items and more time writing. This streamlined setup helps you work more efficiently and meet deadlines with greater ease.
Promotes Creativity: Personalizing your writing space with items that inspire you—such as artwork, books, or plants—can stimulate creativity. A space that reflects your personality and interests creates a conducive atmosphere for brainstorming and creative thinking, making it easier to generate new ideas.

Reduces Stress and Discomfort: Comfort is key to maintaining a productive writing routine. An uncomfortable chair or poorly arranged desk can lead to physical strain and mental frustration. Investing in ergonomic furniture and creating a pleasant environment helps reduce stress and physical discomfort, allowing you to focus on your writing rather than on your aches and pains.
Builds a Writing Routine: Establishing designated writing spaces helps build a strong writing routine. When you consistently use the same spaces for writing, it becomes a habit and a mental cue that it’s time to get to work. This routine can enhance your discipline and make writing a more seamless part of your daily life.
Encourages a Professional Mindset: Treating your writing space as a professional environment fosters a serious attitude toward your craft. It signals to yourself and others that writing is a significant and respected activity, not just a casual hobby. This mindset can help you approach your work with greater dedication and respect.

A well-planned writing space is essential for writers seeking to enhance their focus, productivity, creativity, and overall writing experience. By investing time and effort into creating an effective environment, you set yourself up for success and make your writing process more enjoyable and efficient.

You can find more tips on how to set up your writing space in an article I wrote for work. Just click here!

“It Was a Dark and Stormy Night”

Whether it’s a field full of flowers or an ominous dark alley, atmosphere plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of a story.

How atmosphere emphasizes the emotional tenor of a story

Shakespeare knew what he was doing when he wrote the famous line “It was a dark and stormy night.” Whether it’s a field full of flowers or an ominous dark alley, atmosphere plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of a story. It influences how readers perceive and connect with the events and characters and sets the overall mood, tone, and environment that permeates the narrative. These are the elements writers use to create atmosphere.

Setting

A vividly described setting can evoke specific emotions and reactions from readers. A dark, eerie forest creates feelings of fear and suspense, while a bustling, colorful marketplace evokes a sense of liveliness and energy. By carefully choosing and describing settings, writers set the emotional tone of scenes and enhance the reader’s immersion in the story.

Description and Imagery

Using sensory details—such as sights, sounds, smells, and textures—can transport readers into the world of the story and evoke emotional responses. For instance, describing the oppressive heat of a desert or the biting cold of a winter storm can intensify the characters’ experiences and emotions.

Weather and Season

Writers can use weather and seasonal elements symbolically to mirror or contrast with the emotional states of characters or the themes of the narrative. A stormy night with thunder and lightning can heighten tension and foreboding, while a gentle spring breeze might evoke feelings of renewal and hope.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Using symbolism effectively layers meaning into the story and resonates emotionally with readers on multiple levels. For example, a crumbling, decaying mansion might symbolize the decline of a family’s fortune and relationships.

Character Interactions and Dialogue

Writers manipulate dialogue and interactions to evoke specific emotions and reinforce the atmosphere they wish to create. Tense, terse dialogue creates a sense of conflict or unease, while warm, intimate conversations can foster feelings of connection and empathy.

Pacing and Narrative Flow

By carefully controlling the pacing and flow of their writing, writers manipulate the emotional responses of readers and enhance the overall atmosphere of their stories. Rapid pacing and short, choppy sentences can create a sense of urgency or tension, while slower pacing and more leisurely prose can evoke a contemplative or reflective mood.

Atmosphere in a story emphasizes the emotional tenor of a story.

Ultimately, atmosphere is a powerful tool that writers wield to strengthen the point of view (POV) to deeply immerse readers in the narrative, heighten emotional engagement, and convey themes and messages effectively. By skillfully crafting atmosphere through setting, description, symbolism, character interactions, and other elements, writers create a rich and resonant reading experience that lingers long after the story has been read.

For more on how atmosphere can enhance your story, I encourage you to read the article I wrote for work: “How Atmosphere Enhances the Plot and Crafts Immersive Narratives.”