Reading for Novelists: Top 10 Books about Writers

Reading for Novelists: Top 10 Books about Writers

Like all the writers I know, I’ve been reading a lot during this pandemic, for comfort and consolation and even comic relief. New novels, old classics, perennial favorites—many of which are about writers. I was reminded of this reading Lily King’s WRITERS & LOVERS...
Writing Good First Lines: Think Theme

Writing Good First Lines: Think Theme

First lines matter. For readers, they’re a welcome sign, the promise that they’re in for a satisfying reading experience. For agents and editors, they’re proof that you know how to open a story in a way that keeps readers reading. If you don’t nail those opening...
New Book, New War Plan

New Book, New War Plan

Starting a new novel is like planning a war campaign. Strategy is everything, and in those early days of testing characters and settings and plot lines, it’s best to go in quietly, fully armed, surprising the elements of your story into submission. At least until you...
Top 10 Lessons Writers Can Learn from Mad Men

Top 10 Lessons Writers Can Learn from Mad Men

Go epic or go home. Ground your story in time and place. Let the girl who can’t find love find it right under her nose. When your heroine must choose one thing or another, let her figure out that there’s always a third option that may let her live her life...

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