-
Recent Posts
- A Free Book for the Holidays!
- Outwit, Outslay, Outlive
- Ghost Chasers- The Hunt Begins!
- $.99 Sale, now with bonus silly ranting!
- Sci-Fi Free Reads!
- Crucible Station’s Free Days
- Book Review- Kyle Harrison Movie Star
- 2018- The Year of the Series
- Big Fun Dystopian Giveaway
- Superheroes for sale- Cheap!
- Because it’s MY Blog, That’s Why.
- So you have to write a blurb for your novel.
- Guest Blogger- Author Lincoln Cole
- The Top 4 Pitfalls of Running a Newsletter
- Ghost at the College is free until Oct. 13th
Julianne's Links
-
Join 878 other subscribers
Tag Archives: writing advice
Top Five Ways Writers Sabotage Themselves
Top Five Ways Writers Sabotage Themselves Writers are interesting beasts. As Robert A, Heinlein said: “Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.” It is the nature of our … Continue reading
When Your Main Character is a Dick
It happens to all of us at some point. Your intent is to write a well rounded main character, kind but strong perhaps, yet when the beta readers get hold of your MS it’s a different story. “I didn’t care … Continue reading
Elevator Pitch Blues
Being able to describe your novel in one sentence is a useful skill. It is called an “Elevator Pitch” because the idea is one could speak to an agent or publisher while riding an elevator and quickly tell them what one’s book is about.
Note to readers: Never actually do that! Agents spend a lot of time slogging through slush piles, they do not want you pitching your project in an elevator, a restroom, or other non-professional space. They just want to pee in peace. Really. Continue reading
The Word “That” Should be Killed with Fire (most of the time)
That. Such a small word. It may be small, but it can cause an avalanche of trouble in your writing. In my opinion, it’s the sneakiest of all the unneeded words in writing. Check your latest manuscript with a … Continue reading
Beta Readers and You (How Not to be a Dick)
I’ve recently finished my fourth book, and beta readers are on my mind. While it is always a good idea to have a stranger read your book, our first beta readers are often friends and family. Here’s some thoughts on the matter. Continue reading
Poetic License vs. Being Nonsensical
Poetic license is a very real thing in writing, one that should be utilized and embraced. In moderation, of course, like -ly adverbs. It can be useful, powerful, even lyrical to use an element of poetic license. First off, let’s … Continue reading
Sometimes “Show Don’t Tell” is BS
My third book, Descending, has been out at some publishers. I got a rejection on one partial a while back, and it had a little feedback attached. I don’t often get feedback from anyone, so I was excited at first. … Continue reading
Beginning the Book
Yesterday I wrote about some things that slow me down when it comes time end a story and what I do to avoid that slow down and finish the book. Today I want to talk about a more prevailing problem, … Continue reading
Posted in Habits in writing, writing, Writing Advice
Tagged beginning your book, How not to start your book, writing advice
2 Comments
Finishing the Book Blues
A strange thing happens to me when I’m writing and I near the end of a story. I tend to slow down, or stop all together for a time. It happens in almost every novel length story that I write. … Continue reading
Posted in Habits in writing, writing, Writing Advice
Tagged finishing the book, habit, writing, writing advice
3 Comments
Grammar vs Creative License
Today’s post comes from some comments I’ve read both here and on the writing forum I frequent. It can cause arguments, so let me get one thing straight from the beginning—I believe with all my heart that each one of … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Writing Advice, Grammar, writing, Writing Advice
Tagged grammar, grammar advice, Grammar vs creative license, writing advice
14 Comments
Julianne Q Johnson 