I heard a (true) story of a guy who wanted to be a writer. More than anything. It was his dream to see his work in print, but he was scared to show it to barely anyone. Those few people that he did entrust with his book didn't receive it over email. Oh no, someone…

1. Get a cone from an ice cream truck. 2. Listen to songs from your childhood. 3. Blow bubbles. 4. Stare at clouds while you lie in a grassy field. 5. Read a picture book. 6. Draw a monster on the sidewalk with chalk. 7. Go to the pool, and get a soda from a vending…

I am frequently asked about how I got my writing voice for this blog. They tend to ask me how my voice is so different from all the other editors out there or how do I make it so funny and conversational. In particular, people ask how I squeeze so many pop culture references in…

I remember the first time it happened: I was sitting in my parents' computer room (yes, we call it that) in high school. I remember my mom coming to the door to ask me something, but I didn't hear her. Why? I wasn't there. Not really. Where was I? I was at Camelot High (for…

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is try out one of these twenty challenges. I promise that it will help your writing. You can even go back and try some other challenges because it won't self-destruct. 1. Read a biography of your favorite author. 2. Book a trip to somewhere new. 3. Edit…

There is one piece of advice that I consistently give all my coaching clients. It's not sexy, and it's not exciting. But it works. What is it? Just keep writing.Does this really come up as an answer all the time? Let's see it in action.Q: Am I a terrible writer?A: Probably, but I am sure…

You want to know the most important thing authors forget to do when they sit in front of the computer to write? Breathe. Okay. You are probably wondering what the heck that has to do with writing. I mean, sure, breathing is important to surviving, which is kind of crucial for writing, but what does…