A little while back, I did a post on how I use music to help inspire my writing and keep my wheels turning, even when I can't write. I thought it might be time to update that list to include some of the tracks fueling my ideas now. Maybe some of these will help you too, … Continue reading Music & My Writing Process: The Sequel
Writer’s Envy: How to Turn it Around

Don't let comparison be the thief of your writing joy!
What’s in a [Character] Name?

Character names can be tricky. They're one of the first details that introduce readers to your world and what they can expect from your story. They need to be grounded in that world, wherever it may be, unique enough so that you don't get mixed up with any other well-known names, fictional or real, but … Continue reading What’s in a [Character] Name?
Odds & Ends 2/18-2/24 (aka Killing Your Darlings)

After a little birthday hoopla last week, this week it was back to the books—both reading and writing (or re-writing). I have to admit, it wasn't easy to write this week either. I'd come to a section that I knew needed significant restructuring, and I wasn't keen on taking it on (again). But I think … Continue reading Odds & Ends 2/18-2/24 (aka Killing Your Darlings)
Odds & Ends 1/14-1/20
To pants or to plot? That is the question. At least, for a writer it is. I've been tossing around a new idea in my head lately, but so far that's all it is—a general circumstance, a few characters, and a handful of humorous dialogues. I haven't put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard … Continue reading Odds & Ends 1/14-1/20
Why Your Characters Need Variety: A Lesson from the Elseworlds Crossover

Review of the CW's Elseworlds Crossover Event
Odds & Ends 6/25-7/01
Special shout-out to Mrs. Toombs's summer school writing class for making this past week extra awesome! I got to start my week off discussing my writing process with the class, and I even had the privilege of reading samples of their work. If you ever want to test your knowledge on a subject, try making … Continue reading Odds & Ends 6/25-7/01
Choosing Your Team: Beta Readers You Want (And Some You Don’t)

I originally posted this article a year ago, but I think it's a good one to revisit, especially since I'll be doing some beta reading myself tomorrow! Assembling your team of beta readers is kind of a big deal. After all, these are the people whose opinions and knowledge you're going to let shape … Continue reading Choosing Your Team: Beta Readers You Want (And Some You Don’t)
Odds & Ends 3/19-3/25
It was back to the basics this week while editing. I had a scene that just didn't seem right, no matter how I changed it up, and I could not put my finger on what was wrong with it. And structurally, it wasn't a scene I could cut. So I hit the books—or more accurately, … Continue reading Odds & Ends 3/19-3/25
Character Building
My profile for building three dimensional characters.