How to Know if You’re a “Good” Writer

When my first son was born, I was a prototypical first time parent. I asked a lot of questions at each pediatrician visit. After one particularly self-doubt fueled question session, I looked at our beloved doctor and asked, “How will I know if I’m a good mom?” His answer? “The fact that you’re even asking

Writing a Novel: What’s Your Point?

We are big Ted Lasso fans in our house. I love the messages about vulnerability, the importance of friendships, the challenge to toxic masculinity in sport and the wide world, and Ted’s down home quips that remind me of every great aunt sitting around our family reunions growing up with similar silly sayings twisting their

Starting Your Novel: Prep for Success

You’ve decided you want to write a novel. You probably have a great idea. A scene that’s played in your head during your commute, a question that bugs you, a character whose voice echoes in your head in the middle of the night. You find some quiet time one Sunday afternoon or set the alarm

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,

Ten Tips for Generating New Story Ideas

Some writers have nothing but ideas. They may be barely halfway through drafting a story when new ideas are plaguing them, new characters vying for attention, new worlds springing to life. For others, like me, the writing is the easy(ier) part, the idea generation is a whole different beast. For me, I need more than

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

How to Keep Your Story on Track

This month, I’ve written about how to stay on track with your drafts, revisions, queries, and using self-care because after all, you can’t keep writing if you’re burned out. Today, however, I want to talk about craft. How do we keep our stories on track? The short answer? Story trajectory. Your story’s trajectory is the