Writing a book can take a short specific period of time or go on forever, depending on the writer’s definition of what “writing a book” entails and whether they get support to see them through. Find out how long it takes to write (or write) a book and see what you need to get yours written, too ~
When a good editor gives feedback on your developing work, it is motivating, inspiring, and helps your manuscript move to the next level.
Some writers love the bells and whistles of online writing apps, but many find staying simple is best. There’s much to praise about writing on index cards for organizing your ideas, mapping out a project, and feeling connected to the process..
Which point of view you choose in your fiction writing is an instinctive decision, but how you manipulate it changes the whole story! Learn how to use point of view in fiction writing and how you can use it to best effect.
What you name your characters leaves a lasting impression on the story— and on your reader. These 8 great ways to find the perfect name for your characters will help you put your writing on the map.
Recently I sat down to talk about writing with Thea Sutton, author of historical novel, The Women of Blackmouth Street and writing coach and mentor on the One Lit Place creative team. We discussed the three Ps: perfectionism, permission, and pleasure in writing and how writers can avoid, give, and enjoy them in turns by making minor shifts to our expectation of the creative process.
The long tradition of women gathering to discuss books — as writers and readers— has saved the novel, making it one of our top art forms, for which the women of the hundreds of thousands of book clubs worldwide are very grateful.
A long-held belief continues to pervade emerging writers’ thinking: if you want to become a writer, earning an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is essential. Yet while an MFA is valuable for many reasons, if your goal is to write a novel (or other long-form book project), an MFA may be overkill, sideline you from your goal, and put you into debt for many years. Since mentor support, literary education, and peer connection can be found in private writing programs — for a fraction of the cost and in ways that may ultimately suit your writing goals more personally and relevantly than a university degree program— it’s worth examining your priorities before going back to school and asking, “Do you need an MFA to write a novel?”
If you are one of those writers who can’t stop editing your novel while writing, try handwriting instead and see why many professional award-winning authors prefer it to typing!
Not all works on writing craft are the same, but every one is valuable for what insights and opportunities it gives the writer. If you want to become a better writer, it comes down to three things: write more, read more, and read about writing craft.
