by Kayleigh | Feb 23, 2024 | Editing Tips, Writing Tips
Revising a first (or second or third) draft can feel overwhelming. Make it easier on yourself by working in pieces—or passes. Rather than trying to fix plot holes alongside misplaced commas, instead deal with the big problems first and work your way down to typos.... by Kayleigh | Feb 16, 2024 | Writing Tips
Repeating character names throughout a conversation can come across as stiff and ingenuous. (Or worse! It could invoke memories of that old, terrible flirting tip that using someone’s name over and over when talking to them lets them know you’re really... by Kayleigh | Jan 19, 2024 | Writing Tips
Mentor texts can be a great way to study rhythm and style within a beloved novel. (See my previous tip on using mentor texts.) They can also help writers who struggle with dialogue to learn the art of conversation within a story. Often a newer writer (or even an... by Kayleigh | Dec 8, 2023 | Editing Tips
The question may come across as harsh, but it’s one of the simplest ways to decide if elements within your story are working for it, against it, or if (worst case scenario) they’re doing nothing at all. Ask (and be honest with) yourself: Is this information that we... by Kayleigh | Nov 24, 2023 | Publishing Tips
If you’re planning to query, don’t do so with your first or second draft—and especially not with that rough draft you’re hoping to finish (or have finished) as part of this month’s writers’ contest. (Given the recent issues that have arisen, I won’t be naming it but...
