Knowing Your Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing

I came across an advice column recently where someone wanted recommendations on books and resources as they considered whether to have children or not. They wanted to be prepared. Whew. That’s a big ask. As a parent, I can tell you, no amount of research prepared me for the real life experience of parenting. Sure,

Do You Need a Book Coach?

Okay, writers, you’re setting off onto the page with a new idea or you are staring at a stack of pages ready to carve out a revised story from your latest draft. I’ve written before about what a book coach is, when to use one, and how I approach the work. But you may still

My Book Coaching Philosophy

What is it like to work with a book coach? More specifically, what is it like to work with me as your book coach? Working with me on your project means that you have someone on your side who: Only you can write this story. Only you have the ultimate solutions. Only you can do

When to Use a Book Coach

Writing a book is a daunting task no matter how many times you’ve done it. Typically, a writer gets an idea–a cheeky bit of dialogue winds its way into their ear, a feeling washes over them in a moment of stillness, or a scene plays out like a movie across their minds–and it’s off to

What is a Book Coach?

What is a book coach? Me!! I’m a book coach! Great, Monica. But what does that mean exactly? I’m so glad you asked! Whether you are a new or experienced writer in the outlining, drafting, revising, or even querying stage of the process, a book coach provides personalized guidance to help you meet your writing

Tips for Writers to Stay on Track During Revision

Revision is hard.  We pull, delete, tweak, rewrite, switch order, switch tense, revisit motivations and point of view. There are endless big changes to be made and then we dig into word choice, active vs. passive voice, and punching up dialogue and description.  And the process can feel endless.  I know. I’m in it now.

Tips to Keep Writers on Track While Drafting

This month, I want to focus on how we can stay on track as writers. Writing a book is a long, complex process and it is easy to lose our way. If you want to finish your novel, read on for tips to keep you moving forward to “the end” of your story and your

Using a Growth Mindset to Make the Most of Feedback on Your Writing

In the second grade, I got a perfect score on my greater than and less than test. A perfect zero. I had mixed up the way the alligator was supposed to open his mouth. In true writer fashion, I’d created a narrative to help me remember and, according to my reasoning, the alligator ATE the

Good vs. Bad Writing Feedback

There are two kinds of feedback: useful feedback that helps you grow as a writer and strengthens your work OR bad feedback that is impossible to satisfy and doesn’t teach you anything.  Bad feedback is: Some examples of bad feedback: “I don’t know why, but I don’t like it.” “The voice needs to be stronger.”

Feedback: Where Writers Can Find It

Whether you are new to the writing game or have been doing this for sometime, finding valuable feedback on your work is a necessity. The most common question I hear from writers is where to find it. Let’s take a quick look at the types of feedback available to you first. Critique Partners or Alpha