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

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

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

Happy Holidays and My 2023 Word of the Year

This is the last blog of the year! I will be taking next week off to spend with family, relax, and plan for 2023. And I have some big plans for 2023: These are some big tasks, which is why my word of the year is FOCUS. Focus is something I struggle with at times.