You can't fail at this point. I've seen several posts around LJ written by people claiming they're behind, they've failed--and I know from experience that that kind of self-criticism kills motivation dead. So just take those phrases out of your vocabulary if you want to develop good writing habits. I'm going to end up repeating myself on some of ( Read more... )

In an effort to encourage everyone doing NaNoWriMo or any other kind of large scale writing project I thought I would post some tips. These are just tips. I don't have any magic, but you do every time you sit down and write a bit more.

1. Put your butt in the chair. If possible write at the same time everyday. Sit in front of your computer or ( Read more... )

Article in the Hartford Courant. Fascinating. Although I found it weird that the journalist has never used any dirty words. But of course she did say her ideal man would be described as "breathing" so perhaps she hasn't...

( stories about sex )

When you send your manuscript off to a publisher/editor/agent it (after they have replied to your query letter and asked to see the work) realize that they will not read beyond the first few pages if it is riddled with errors, seems amateurish, or is boring. You can't pick up the pace on page five. You have to nail it on page one and all the other ( Read more... )

I'm going to start logging these as I think of these things, especially as I see them crop up in the manuscripts at the lit agency. My apologies if these are obvious to everyone, but I think they can never be said often enough. And I need reminders as often as anyone else ( Read more... )