Rather than listen to advice that says it’s unnecessary to learn the rules of writing and fiction, learn your craft.

Continue reading Writing Advice—Listen or Ignore? »

Explanations for why a work in progress doesn’t read like a published novel. Includes areas to work on to improve a WIP.

Continue reading Why Doesn’t My Story Read Like a Published Novel–A Reader’s Question »

Including the words “The End” on the final page of a manuscript is a good idea. The visual keeps readers, including agents and editors, from guessing what the story’s final words are.

Continue reading Is Writing “The End” a Bad Idea?—A Reader’s Question »

A writer asks about comma use with dependent clauses. Includes details about comma use for subordinate clauses before, after, and in the middle of independent clauses.

Continue reading Commas with Subordinate Clauses—A Reader’s Question »

A writer asks how much back story is too much.

Continue reading How Much Back Story Should I Include »

Encouragement for when you feel you’ll never be as good as other writers.

Continue reading (Stop) Comparing Yourself to Successful Authors »

Help for setting up and using dependent (subordinate) clauses. Tips include when to use commas.

Continue reading Treating Dependents and Subordinates Properly »

A readers asks about links between plot, character goal, and the inciting incident.

Continue reading Plot, Goal, Inciting Incident—A Reader’s Question »

A reader’s asks whether or not to compare a manuscript with other books in query letters and elevator pitches.

Continue reading Compare My Manuscript to a Famous Book—A Writer’s Question »

How many words is too many? Does word count matter? Does word count matter more for first novels? An answer to a question posed by a reader.

Continue reading Should I Worry About Word Count—A Reader’s Question »