Writing & Editing Advice

This category focuses on clear, effective writing and the editing skills that make it possible. Posts here break down common writing habits that weaken prose, explain why they don’t work, and show how to fix them with stronger structure, sharper verbs, and cleaner sentences. You’ll find practical guidance on self-editing, craft fundamentals, and revision techniques writers can apply immediately—whether you’re drafting fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or business content.

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The Problem with Wordy Clauses

Many early drafts contain sentences weighed down by wordy clauses—phrases that add length without adding meaning. These clauses often appear in forms like: Writers use these constructions when they are explaining a thought instead of stating it directly. The result is a sentence that circles around the idea rather than delivering it clearly. Consider this example from the world of Pinocchio: Now compare it to a cleaner version: Pinocchio realized that lying always made his … Read more

Stop Telling Readers How Things Feel: Let Verbs Do the Work

If your writing keeps explaining how something felt, chances are the sentence already proves it—and then ruins it by over-explaining. This is one of the most common issues I see when editing manuscripts, especially in memoir, nonfiction, and reflective fiction. Writers don’t trust the sentence to carry meaning on its own, so they step in and explain the experience instead. The result? Softer prose, slower pacing, and emotional distance. Let’s fix that. The Problem: Emotional … Read more

Stop Filtering Your POV: Trust the Scene to Speak for Itself

Once a point of view is established, you don’t need to keep reminding the reader who is seeing, noticing, or realizing things. Yet many writers do exactly that—over and over—by inserting the viewpoint character between the reader and the scene. This is called POV filtering, and while it’s a common habit, it weakens immersion, slows pacing, and creates unnecessary distance between the reader and the story. Let’s fix it. What POV Filtering Looks Like POV … Read more

The Problem with Passive Voice

Passive voice occurs when a sentence hides or removes the person or thing performing the action. Instead of showing who is responsible, the sentence focuses on the result of the action. This structure is not always wrong, but it often creates sentences where the subject becomes unclear and the prose loses energy. Consider this example from the world of Hansel and Gretel: Hansel and Gretel were led into the forest. The sentence tells us what … Read more

3 Simple Tips for More Productive Writing Time

Writers don’t always have the luxury of endless hours to chase words. Life intrudes—kids, jobs, laundry, that Netflix show that just dropped. The good news? You don’t need long stretches of uninterrupted time to make progress on your manuscript. You need focused time. Here are three tips to help you get there. 1. Protect Your Writing Window Schedule your writing time like an appointment. If you tell yourself “I’ll write when I get a chance,” … Read more

From Manuscript to Memoir: Your Guide to Publishing

Publishing a memoir is a rewarding journey, giving you a chance to share your personal story. You might wonder how to turn your manuscript into a published book. We’ll guide you through the steps involved and help you find the best path. This guide covers everything from crafting your story to effectively marketing your memoir. Key Takeaways: Crafting an Engaging Memoir First, make sure your memoir tells a captivating story. You want it to be … Read more

The Six Essential Story Elements Every Fiction Writer Needs to Master

Whether you’re crafting a sweeping fantasy epic or an intimate character study, storytelling success depends on solid structural foundations. While creative inspiration is valuable, the most compelling fiction relies on carefully constructed narrative architecture. Why Story Elements Matter in Fiction Story elements are the fundamental building blocks that help structure and define your narrative. Think of them as an architectural framework that organizes the core aspects of your story into clear, interconnected parts. In fiction … Read more

Maximize Your Writing Time: Productivity Tips for Authors

Struggling to find time to write? Everyone wants to be more productive when they write. But how do you do it? We’ve got you covered! This article includes 60 tips to boost your writing time. These tips come from many experts. They cover everything, from creating a good writing space to meeting deadlines. Are you ready to make the most of your writing time and reach your full author potential? Key Takeaways: Creating an Inspiring … Read more

Understanding Point of View: How to Avoid the Head Hopping Trap

As authors, we’re tasked with being the architects of entire worlds. We build settings, create characters, and weave narratives that transport readers to places they’ve never been. One of the most powerful tools in our storytelling arsenal is point of view (POV)—the lens through which readers experience our story. When used effectively, POV creates intimacy, builds tension, and establishes a clear connection between reader and character. When handled poorly, it can leave readers confused and … Read more

How Author Coaching Helps You Achieve Your Goals

Do you dream of being a successful author? Have you ever worked hard on your writing, only to get stuck in the publishing maze? If you’re looking for personalized advice and guidance to reach your writing goals, we have a solution. It can hone your skills, show you effective writing methods, and give you the inside scoop on the industry. Imagine getting expert advice that refines your craft and helps shape your story. You could … Read more

Learn from the Best: Insightful Author Interviews

In this piece, we’ll dive into special author interviews. We aim to discover the secrets of their literary success stories. If you dream of writing or love reading, these writer interviews will give you great insights. You’ll learn about the writing journey of accomplished writers. Ready to explore inspirational author stories and understand the author insights in their work? Then let’s begin! Key Takeaways: Sherry Dunn: The Journey of a Children’s Book Author Sherry Dunn is a children’s book author. She first published Maddie & Jasmine, a picture … Read more

Write On: Practical Writing Advice for Aspiring Authors

Do you dream of being a successful writer? This article is for you, whether you’re starting or improving. It will give practical tips to help you succeed. It covers everything from creating good habits to facing publishing challenges. This guide aims to sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and inspire your creativity. Are you ready to elevate your writing game? Key Takeaways: The Importance of Writing and Reading To get better at writing, you need … Read more

Structuring Your Nonfiction Book: Choosing the Right Framework for Your Message

When it comes to writing a nonfiction book, the content is only part of the equation. The way you organize that content can make or break the reader’s experience and understanding. Much like a well-constructed house, your book needs a solid foundation and a well-thought-out blueprint to guide readers through your ideas seamlessly. In this post, we’ll explore different organizational frameworks for nonfiction, such as chronological, thematic, and modular structures, to help you decide which … Read more

The Art of World-Building in Fiction: Tips for Constructing Immersive and Believable Worlds

World-building is one of the most exhilarating aspects of fiction writing. Whether you’re crafting a sprawling fantasy realm, a futuristic sci-fi universe, or a richly detailed contemporary setting, the world you create serves as the foundation of your story. A well-constructed world not only grounds your narrative but also captivates readers, drawing them deeper into the lives of your characters and the events that unfold. In this blog post, we’ll explore essential tips for constructing … Read more

Writing Your Memoir: Tips to Capture Your Life Story

Ever thought about sharing your life story in a way that touches others? A memoir is a great chance to not only tell your story but reflect on your life. It lets you pass on wisdom and connect deeply with people. Your memoir won’t cover your entire life, just a key moment that really changed you. It aims to share a lesson that can reach others, making self-expression and connection powerful. Wondering how to start … Read more

Creating Magic: A Guide to Children’s Book Publishing

Welcome to the enchanting world of children’s book publishing! Have you ever wondered how those beloved stories come to life? Do you dream of seeing your name on a children’s book? In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey. Discover how to create and publish children’s books. Get ready to unlock the secrets and captivate young minds. Key Takeaways: Why Write a Children’s Book? Writing for kids is both thrilling and satisfying. It allows you … Read more

Structuring Your Nonfiction Book: Exploring Different Organizational Frameworks

Writing a nonfiction book is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but structuring your content in a clear and coherent way is crucial for engaging and informing your readers. A well-organized book not only enhances readability but also ensures that your message is delivered effectively. This blog post will explore different organizational frameworks for nonfiction writing and provide tips for outlining your book to achieve clarity and coherence. Different Organizational Frameworks for Nonfiction Choosing the right … Read more

5 Essential Techniques for Creating Complex, Relatable Characters That Readers Care About

Creating characters that leap off the page and into the hearts of readers is one of the most rewarding challenges in fiction writing. Characters drive the narrative, evoke emotions, and make stories memorable. Here are five essential techniques for crafting complex, relatable characters that readers will care about. 1. Give Your Characters Depth with Backstory A well-developed backstory can add layers to your characters, making them feel like real people with histories, experiences, and motivations. … Read more

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