I've been a bit remiss in posting the last few days, but unfortunately my day job got in the way. To make it up I plan on doing one post a day for the rest of the week. I think that setting writing goals like the one above is an important part of getting a … Continue reading Neil Gaiman’s Writing Rules

Signature Reads posted a great list of 27 books to help develop as a writer. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a new book for your writing library or want to give a thoughtful gift to another writer in your life. I've written before about why I find "how-to" writing guides helpful, but … Continue reading Books on Writing for Everyone

October days seem to be flying by and that means that National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is right around the corner. I've known about NaNoWriMo for a while, but this is the first year that I'll be diving in full throttle. For those that don't know NaNoWriMo is a writing challenge that takes place every … Continue reading Tackling NaNoWriMo

As I've worked to develop my writing life this past year I've acquired my fair share of "how to be a better writer" books in my library. Most of them have been useful and have taught me a lot about plot building, story arcs, character development, and writing technique. The main lesson I've learned from … Continue reading Why I Like “How-To” Guides

Great advice doesn't have to be long, sometimes short and simple is the best. The folks over at Inc. find the perfect example of short and simple advice in the words of Kurt Vonnegut: It comes from celebrated author Kurt Vonnegut, who penned this succinct nugget of professional wisdom in response to a high school student … Continue reading Keeping It Short & Sweet

It feels good to be home after spending a weekend with friends. One of the things that makes coming home feel so good is getting back into my routine. I know I talk a lot about routines here, but that's only because I think it's important. Fortunately I'm in pretty good company in that regard. … Continue reading Stoicism vs Writer’s Block

One of my biggest setbacks as a writer is how much I hate my initial drafts. It’s easy for me to get wrapped up in the myth of the lone author, just sitting their at a keyboard alone and banging out a flawless work in one marathon session. Experience has taught me that real writing … Continue reading The Benefits of Bad Writing