When I’m asked, “how can I best elevate my writing skillset?” I cringe. Because there is no easy answer. But there are a few things I can recommend, which inspired this blog post.
Tag Archives: Author Life
The top 15 “must-have” items every author needs for a book signing
“Reflecting back on some of my first book signing events, I can recall how clueless and unprepared I felt.” About a week ago, I was fortunate to be an attending author at Books by the Arch, an event for avid readers in the heart of the Midwest. As I set up my table, I metContinue reading “The top 15 “must-have” items every author needs for a book signing”
Alpha Readers, Beta Readers and Critique Partners, OH MY! What’s the difference? (and why you should know)
The further I get into this author journey, the more questions I get asked. Don’t get me wrong, I love answering questions and engaging in any conversation related to writing. There are just some questions that come up more frequently than others—and oftentimes they inspire a blog post.
Your fiction novel: Five things your first chapter simply must do
The most edited page of an entire manuscript is the very first. The first page has a tremendous amount of responsibility. Not only does it set the tone and mood for the full novel, but it also must immediately hook the reader in a compelling—and sometimes showstopping—manner.
Launch Your Book: 5 Cornerstone Strategies for a Successful Release Day
Launch days are stressful. There’s really no other word for it. As an author, I know firsthand how many weeks, months, and sometimes years go into writing a book. Not to mention the oftentimes LONG wait for publication if you take the traditional path.
2022: The Year I Published a Book (er—well, 2)
It’s the time of the year where we all reflect and flaunt our successes, right? I mean, that’s what social media is for—showing off the versions of ourselves we want others to see. And while I’ll absolutely admit to falling in line with this at points in time throughout 2022, I wanted to write my December blog with the purpose of sharing the honest truth behind the lessons I’ve learned on the path to publication.
Book Hooks: How to Snag a Reader (Hook, Line & Sinker)
What you think might snag a reader may turn out to just be a tiny nibble. And what you need is the hook, line, and sinker. Keep fishing until you get a bite.