At a recent science fiction convention, I was on a panel about critique groups. We started by sharing horror stories. I had the singular honor of having the most horrific in the room. I once mentored a group of writers … Continue reading
Tag Archives: advice to new writers
I’ve had a number of writers I’ve mentored or critiqued ask me some form of this question. Sometimes it’s a plaintive wail expressing the writer’s earnest hope that they can overcome their ”issues.” Sometimes it’s a defiant roar: “Craft? Bah! … Continue reading
Most published authors field questions from new and aspiring writers at some point in their careers. They wonder how to get published, who to schmooze and, if they’re really serious, they ask questions about craft and style and substance. More … Continue reading
”How did you get published?” is one of the first questions I get from aspiring writers and the merely curious. Too often it is asked by aspiring writers looking for a shortcut to success. Indeed, after my first book was … Continue reading
An author figures out how to write a novel without scratching her head and wondering how the heck she painted herself into this craft corner only after she has written six to eight novels. If she hops genres, it can take even more novels.
Continue readingEffie Seiberg: Depending on what kind of writing you’re doing, and where you are geographically, there are a number of ways to find kindred spirits. Conventions: Whether conventions or conferences, I found these to be an invaluable resource for meeting … Continue reading
Recently, I received this letter from Wendy, a fan with whom I’d been corresponding. It spoke deeply to me, and rather than answer it alone, I asked some of my writer friends to join in a series of round table … Continue reading
Recently, I received this letter from a fan with whom I’d been corresponding. It spoke deeply to me, and rather than answer it alone, I asked some of my writer friends to join in a series of round table blogs … Continue reading
I love to take conventional wisdom and turn it on its head, following the tradition of rules are made to be broken but first you have to learn them. Beginning writers make mistakes. At least, I did, and I don’t … Continue reading