Building Great Sentences

In the writing game, sentences are our baseballs. Although not every sentence is a home run, isn’t our goal to hit at least one out of the park? Moving sentences like that requires aim and power. “The sentence is where we must start if we hope to understand why some writing captivates us and other writing leaves us unmoved.” This sound advice is from University of Iowa Professor Dr. Brooks Landon. Just as home runs move fans to stand up … Read More »

“Don’t Hold Back” RPLA Showcase: Chris Holmes

Many writers identify as introverts and seek comfort in books and the solitary act of writing. Chris Holmes started out that way until she became involved in a successful and supportive critique group. Chris utilized her new group while writing and polishing up a wonderfully unique storyline that became the book Light a Candle, Chase the Devil Away. It won Gold for Blended Genre in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Chris talks bravery, developing a different twist, and the … Read More »

Creating a Roadmap for More Productive Writing

posted in: Writing Life 3

Writers often have a precarious relationship with their muses, fearful of anything that might stifle that creative spark. But, writing shouldn’t be left to the random visits of some whimsical muse, but rather it should be ready to take advantage of those visits. Having a list of tips and tools to support your writing life will ensure that your writing will be both productive and effective. The first tool you need is a roadmap. Writing is a lot like a … Read More »

“Throw Out All the Rules” RPLA Showcase: Kerry Blaisdell

What do you do when you’ve written a book that doesn’t follow expected genre norms? This was the challenge Kerry Blaisdell faced on a work she loved but was told it wouldn’t have a place in the market. Thank goodness she didn’t listen and took another chance at sending out Debriefing the Dead. Not only did it get a publisher this time but it also won Gold for Fantasy in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Hear about her amazing … Read More »

Writers & Illustrators: Effective Ways to Help Us All Succeed

posted in: Writing Life 6

I bet you’ve heard stories about writers who hoard their best writing advice, or how opportunities are snatched up jealously and the names of contacts never shared. This may be so in some writing circles, but it hasn’t been my experience. Most writers I know tend to give their all at presentations, in critique groups, and on blogs, etc. This has allowed me to joyfully learn at the feet of others, fill notebooks with writing advice, connect folks with each … Read More »

“Not Competing Against Anyone” RPLA Showcase: Wendy Samford

Wendy received a calling: write a certain story that needed investigating, one of great importance in her family. After facing rejection, she had to move forward motivated by her passion for writing and for this story in particular. She was rewarded with a job well done, very well done in fact. Bloom Where Planted won Gold in the LGBTQ+ category and Silver in the General Catch All category in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Wendy discusses shifting from writing … Read More »

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