I’m in several critique groups and I try to really provide useful, actionable feedback for my partners. I thought you might like to read some useful, actionable feedback that YOU can use on your story. Yes, these comments are for other writers writing other books, but if you think about them in general terms you… Read more »
Writing
Should I hire a professional editor for my book?
You’ve written the final draft of your book, and you’re so proud. You want to submit it to that dream agent RIGHT NOW! You’ve revised it, used the “find” tool to go through the whole manuscript and delete unnecessary words, you’ve worked on showing, not telling, and you’ve even come up with a great pitch…. Read more »
Some Advice for Writers from Birders
I’m both a birder and a writer. When I bird, I’m often out there enjoying whatever birds come my way. But sometimes, I’m looking for a specific bird. I have a goal. It can be frustrating when I can’t find it, and even more frustrating when others can. When I’m writing, I’m often creating a… Read more »
Critique Group Feedback on Creating Characters and Connecting with Readers
Getting into costume is a great way to get into character. Writers need to get into their character’s head every time they write a story. But they also need to get into their reader’s head and figure out how their reader will connect with their main character. It’s not easy to hold all of… Read more »
New Book!! Elizebeth Friedman: Expert Codebreaker of World War II (Women Warriors of World War II)
For many years, I couldn’t tell people where my parents worked. I could only say, “the department of defense.” Now, I can tell people they worked for the National Security Agency. That’s why I feel such a special connection to this new book, Elizebeth Friedman: Expert Codebreaker of World War II. Elizebeth’s story was secret for… Read more »
Books and Board Games – For Flower Lovers
Celebrate spring with this colorful pairing of books and board games all about flowers! Yes, I am featuring another game designed by the incredible Elizabeth Hargrave. Her games are always about things I love. Tussie Mussie is a quick and easy card game with gorgeous art is also about the historic language of flowers! Once… Read more »
Super helpful suggestions from my critique partners!
I am so grateful for the super helpful suggestions I get from my critique partners. It can be so hard to find a great critique group. At a creativity meeting back in March, a friend said to me that they tried out a new group and felt a little frustrated that people were too nice… Read more »
The Most Useful Critique Comments I’ve Gotten This Month
It can be scary to get your story critiqued. I remember some of my first critiques on some of the first stories I ever wrote – brutal. It was hard, but I told myself to trust the process and take the comments the same way I took advice from my running coach. This will help… Read more »
New Book: Birds Have a Lot to Say!
I am thrilled to share the cover for my new book Birds Have a Lot to Say, because we are right at the beginning of spring migration. I loved working on this book with my wonderful editor Taryn at Kiwi Crate and the art that Kayla Stark created makes my heart soar! This book will… Read more »
The Best Critique Comments I’ve Gotten This Month
I’m so lucky I have amazing critique partners. They are generous with their time and expertise and so honest about what parts of the story need work. They are also really, really interested in helping me make my work better. And they never forget to leave a kind comment! I participate in webinars and group… Read more »