Still a Story Seamstress
I’m still a seamstress cutting and trimming and sewing the pieces of my story into something lovely and sharable.
Tag Archive for ‘#writingtips’
Writing Breakthroughs (25 Tips When You’re Stuck)
How many breakthroughs do you experience as an author? Foolishly, when I began this writing journey, I assumed it might be every now and then, or once in a blue moon. However, the deeper I dive into this world of authoring, the more I find myself regularly STUCK! Why? I’ve successfully published three books. When does this process get easier? But the more I follow other authors, the more I […]
Writers – Filter Out Those Filter Words
Writers, have you unintentionally created layers between your characters and your readers? It’s time to close the gap. Once I learned how to spot these scratchy filter words, my writing became more snug!
A Little NaNoWriMo Self-Discovery (3 Things Learned)
NaNoWriMo taught me that writing under the clock was hard, but it was also doable when I bent my back in its direction and leaned into the stretch.
July Steps Check-in (How are you doing writer?)
It’s been a minute since we’ve spoken…or two…or 43,200! I’ve gone from blog-posting every Sunday to every other Sunday to now (evidently) once a month. I may be dwindling in my contact, and knee-deep in writing projects, but I’m still here! So, hello! I hope everyone is doing well. Let’s check in. 😊 Please, please comment or private message me with your latest writing goals, struggles, and accomplishments because I […]
Writing Step: 9 (Celebrate the Awaited Book Launch)
Writing is a journey. There are rest stops and detours along the way, but perseverance does pay off. When the final writing destination springs into view, there are no words to describe the accompanying emotions. And even though it’s important to celebrate throughout the process, this last stage at the end…publishing…is surely time to celebrate BIG! Why? Writers endure turmoil and strife in each step of the process. But goals […]
My Step Driven Action to Creating Characters ~ Step 3
Writers, how many steps does it take to bring your characters to life? For me, three! In previous posts I’ve covered the first two steps in this process. Step 1: Re-Research (I went back to the experts, read books on characterization) https://stepsinbetween.com/2020/05/17/my-step-driven-action-to-creating-characters-step-one/ Step 2: Paper Dolls (I sketched out my characters on paper; flat, with brainstormed hopes about his or her traits, behaviors, responses, hopes, dreams, obstacles, truths, lies…) https://stepsinbetween.com/2020/06/14/my-step-driven-action-to-creating-characters-step-2/ […]
Sticky Scene Tips
Writing is an ebb and flow of energy-boosted ideas. Sometimes the flow is in rhythm with ideas and the writer can pour their thoughts onto the page with inspired ease. Other times, even if the energy level is low, the ideas can still be strong enough to keep the writer going, regardless of exhaustion or depletion. These times tend to lend themselves to three-in-the-morning explorations and other odd behaviors but […]
Smoothed Out Pacing…Like Melting Chocolate
Have you ever melted chocolate over a double boiler? It happens slow and fast at the same time, much like the pacing in a novel. Patience is critical to success in both cases. Don’t walk away and assume your morsels (or chapters) are fine. They need constant movement. In the final editing phases of my book, Seam Keepers, I am randomly choosing chapters in which to read for the velvetiness […]
Desperately Seeking Sequel Advice
Sharing my journey as a writer also includes an occasional request. Today, I need your thoughts—from both readers and writers! After working with my editor on Seam Keepers, set to launch in 2021, it only makes sense to set aside my new book project, Life Song, to write the next book in the Keeper series. It’s reassuring to know that Life Song is still there, outlined, started, and ready to […]
Steps In Between 