You're not ready to write that book. [7/52]

November 12, 2018 in Practical Tips

“Have an idea for a huge space opera trilogy? You’re not ready to write that novel yet. Start with something small.”

This is one of the best pieces of advice about writing I received when I was first starting out. It came from my friend Lance Schaubert.

Book marketing 101. [6/52]

November 05, 2018 in Practical Tips

You’ve finished your book. It’s edited and edited and edited. The cover looks amazing. Now it’s out in the world.

Congratulations!

Now, how do you let people know?

Write like your heroes. [5/52]

October 29, 2018 in Inspiration

When I started writing, all of my stories sounded like Ray Bradbury had written them. I’m not trying to say I was an amazing writer. The opposite is true.

I was copying Ray Bradbury.

Tips for the first draft. [4/52]

October 22, 2018 in Practical Tips

Writing the first draft is one of the best parts of the storytelling process (other than outlining, of course). It’s a time where anything can happen and spelling doesn’t matter. Your only job when sitting down to write a first draft is getting words on a page.

Writing believable dialogue. [3/52]

October 15, 2018 in Characterization

Nothing will take you out of a story faster than bad dialogue. If someone is reading your dialogue and thinks, “I’m reading dialogue,” you’ve lost as an author.

Poorly written dialogue is like looking through the mouth hole at Disneyland and seeing the person inside of Mickey. The magic is gone when the mechanics are exposed.