Category: Literary Fiction

deconstructed clock against wood barn

How Long Does It Take to “Write” a Book?

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 ~

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white lined index cards

In Praise of Writing on Index Cards

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..

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blonde woman and woman with silver and brunette hair in split screen

Perfectionism, Permission, and Pleasure in Writing

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.

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Thea Sutton's The Women of Blackmouth Street historical fiction novel book cover

Book Clubs Are Powerful for Women Writers

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.

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diploma

Do You Need an MFA to Write a Novel?

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?”

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