I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, especially when it comes to my writing goals.  But I do appreciate making time for...

It's hard for writers to hear this:  writing your book isn't your only job in becoming an author.     Once you've comp...

Sex is hard to write.  I've written two sex scenes in my life so I'm no expert, but I found each extraordinarily difficult.   ...

A student in my online classes is writing a futuristic thriller about memory loss.  I've enjoyed reading her chapters in class and s...

In January 2001, physician and writer, Therese Zink, lived through a traumatic experience:  While on an international aid mission in Ch...

What's the difference between a writer who gets a book finished and a writer who never does?  A writing practice.  Believe it--the...

A blog reader sent me a great question this week:  "My writing group discussed present versus past tense when writing memoir.  A...

I often get this question in my classes:  what point of view is best for my book?  Who is best to tell this story?  What are the differe...

This week I'm teaching on Madeline Island, a beautiful spot on Lake Superior off the shore of northern Wisconsin.  Yesterday my...

Book writers must create writing that pulls a reader in, that engages us so well, we can't stop reading. A favorite nonfiction w...