Listen to Music

Good music is always inspirational, and many authors have been known to use music as a helpful push in the right direction with their writing. Songs have the ability to play with our emotions. They can make us feel sad, excited, or full of dread, and oftentimes these are emotions we struggle to find in…

Raid Your “Discard” Files

Previously we talked about taking a break between edits, and how stepping away for a period of time can help you approach a project with a fresher perspective. Well, imagine taking years in-between a first draft and a second draft to refresh your perspective on it—especially if you originally saw no merit in finishing it.…

ALWAYS Carry a Notebook

From my own personal experience, I cannot stress this writing tip enough. I don’t care how good your memory is: if you think of something, write it down. I don’t care how small or simple the idea seems at first glance: write it down. Ideas fly through our minds so quickly and furiously that if…

Take a Break (Between Edits)

Oftentimes with our art we become too close to a project to truly look it over with a critical eye. But as artists, we are frequently our first critics. And especially with something like writing, even after the pencil is put down there is still so much that needs to be taken into consideration. Once…

Removing “Thought Verbs”

At times, it is difficult for us as writers to latch on to a character’s voice. Each character we create is unique in their perspectives, and the way they narrate their stories should be presented as equally unique. Working with character voice takes a lot of practice and consideration, and sometimes we may never feel…