On Sunday, I'm heading to Madeline Island, a lovely spot in Lake Superior that happens to house an equally lovely arts school ...

Lots of writers struggle with the opening to their books, no matter what genre.  I'm working with one client in my retainer coachi...

This week, try one of these five ways to fit writing into a busy summer life.  They've all worked beautifully for me--and I still ge...

Annette from the UK recently sent me this question:  "I'm currently reading Your Book Starts Here, plus I've been watching y...

A few months ago, I began exchanging chapters with a writer who has an incredible skill with something called "time markers....

Risk is a place where many creative writers live.  We may not enjoy it but we have to take risks to grow as writers.  It's a risk e...

One of my students recently emailed me about being stuck.  He's worked on his novel for several years now, relying on workshopping f...

When we finish a good book, something lingers with us.  A friend notices how we're still wrapped up in the story we just re...

Scenario #1:   The new chapter draft is going pretty well.  You're writing steadily, enjoying a renewed commitment to your book.  Su...

I'm getting ready to teach a new online class this summer (starting June 8) about characters, so I'm having fun going through a...