Posts Tagged ‘writing coaching tips’

Why Butt-in-Chair Doesn’t (Always) Work for Writers

November 9, 2024

Do you wonder why butt-in-chair doesn’t always work for writers? I mean, in theory, it sounds great, right? You just show up at your tablet or notebook and let the magic fly!

Oh, if only that were true….

Instead, you may find that, while you do show up, sit down, and fire up your laptop, the results of your enforced writing sessions are anything but inspired. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Simply disciplining yourself to commit to a regular writing schedule is great for building the writing habit. But it doesn’t always lead to creativity—or even progress.

Here are some reasons that just putting your butt in your chair may not garner the results you’re hoping for. And some strategies to help you do something about that.

Problem 1: Butt-in-Chair Can Feel Like a Chore (Ugh.)

Why it doesn’t work: After a while, sitting down every day—or even most days—can feel like a repetitive grind. This is especially true when you’re not getting new ideas after showing up so diligently. Creativity can’t always be scheduled.

What to try instead: Don’t just sit there! Involve yourself in activities that are likely to coax those fresh ideas out to play. For instance, you might try doodling scenes from your story or mind-mapping your idea with colorful markers. You could read an article on the topic you’re writing about—or even take a quick walk to gain perspective. You don’t need to produce scads of words every time you put your butt in the chair. Just showing up and courting your creative spirit may serve you better in the long run.

Problem 2: Butt-in-Chair May Overlook Your Creative Rhythm

Why it doesn’t work: If you’ve scheduled your writing for a time that doesn’t align with your natural rhythms, trying to produce good work can feel like pushing a boulder uphill.

What to try instead: If you notice you feel tired as soon as you sit down to write, experiment with writing at different times of the day. You probably already know whether you’re a morning person or a night owl. Take that, and any other self-awareness you have about your biorhythms, into account when deciding when to write.

You might also try to work in shorter blocks. Schedule thirty- or forty-minute sessions during those periods that you know you’re naturally more creative. You may actually find these quick writing bursts can lead to more productive output—and more creative work—than that which you generate during more forced, extended blocks.

Problem 3: Butt-in-Chair Doesn’t Offer You Guidance

Why it doesn’t work: Sitting down to write without a goal—or at least a sense of direction— can leave you feeling lost. In addition to making you wonder if you’ve just wasted all that time, you might also begin to question the value of your project—or, worse, your ability as a writer!

What to try instead: As a warm-up, when you sit down in your writing chair, sketch out a loose plan for the session. You might jot down a few goals for your writing time (small and manageable ones!) or bullet-point a few question you’d like to explore. You could also bring a writing prompt related to your current project to get you started. For example, if you’re writing a memoir, you could do a ten-minute free-write starting with the phrase “I remember.” And, if you have an outline, no matter how loose, keeping it nearby can help you jump right into the writing—which can provide direction and make your session more productive.

Problem 4: Butt-in-Chair Can Lead to Burnout

Why it doesn’t work: Writing for the sake of “showing up” every day can lead to burnout. This is especially true if you’re not seeing progress. “Progress” can mean the number of words you write or how your project is developing. Or (and maybe most importantly), “progress” can refer to how much you’re enjoying your own writing!

What to try instead: Sometimes, we just need to take a break. That could mean—gasp!—leaving your writing alone for a week or two. Or, instead of trying to produce fresh material with a burned-out brain, editing what you have, rather than drafting something new. You might even start a small side project—writing a short story, blog post, article, or interview—to change things up. Shorter writing projects can offer a quick shot of satisfaction that could refresh you and lift you from your burnout.

Problem 5: Butt-in-Chair Doesn’t Factor in Reflection Time

Why butt-in-chair doesn’t always work for writers: Constantly pushing forward, forcing words onto the page without reflecting on how those words are fulfilling your purpose, can keep you spinning in circles—or digging yourself into a rut.

What to try instead: Allow yourself time for “prewriting.” This can consist of jotting down ideas to explore or considering ways to organize your material. You might also try to think metaphorically about what you want to say. This might help you extend the possibilities or scope of your project. You could set aside an hour each week to review what you’ve written, too. That’s a great way to assess what’s working and consider ways to adjust your approach where needed. Or (and this can be more useful than you might think), simply spend some time wool-gathering or daydreaming in the general direction of your project. However you do it, reflection helps keep your writing process alive!

In BIRD BY BIRD, Anne Lamott gives great advice about all aspects of the writer’s life. If butt-in-chair isn’t working for you—or you feel stuck or blocked in any other way—and you haven’t read this treasure, now could be your moment!

Why butt-in-chair doesn’t (always) work for writers

Butt-in-chair does work—for some writers, some of the time. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re finding it tough to stay motivated or make progress, try adapting your approach to fit your unique style. Writing is as much about finding what works for you as it is about getting words on the page. Whether your butt is in your chair or you’re running laps around your neighborhood, shouting into your voice-to-text device, find ways to make writing fresh and fun. You and your readers will both reap the benefits.

6 Types of Writing Practice to Help You Become a Better Writer

October 24, 2024

Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or looking to improve your craft, writing practice may be helpful to you. Here are 6 types of writing practice to help you become a better writer. Each method helps sharpen different skills, offering you a variety of ways to develop your writing and stay inspired.

1. Freewriting

Freewriting, introduced to this writer by Natalie Goldberg in her classic book WRITING DOWN THE BONES, is one of the best creative writing exercises to unlock your creativity. It involves responding to a prompt and writing continuously without editing or overthinking. This practice is great for beginners and seasoned writers alike because it helps you get words on the page and break through mental blocks.

Example: Use a simple prompt like “The air was thick with…” and let your mind wander for 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind without stopping to correct or censor yourself. This freewriting practice is ideal for generating ideas and breaking free from writer’s block.

Key takeaway: Freewriting uses a prompt to get started but remains unstructured and raw. It’s a great way to practice writing without worrying about perfection.

2. Morning Pages

Morning Pages, introduced by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way, is a daily writing practice perfect for clearing your mind and staying focused. Unlike other forms of writing practice, Morning Pages are designed to help you dump all your thoughts and worries on the page, freeing up mental space for more creative work. Morning Pages can be an excellent tool for writers looking for writing inspiration each day.

Example: As soon as you wake up, write three longhand pages about whatever is on your mind. You can reflect on dreams, plans for the day, or emotions you’re working through. The goal isn’t to produce polished work but to clear your mind and set the stage for creativity.

Key takeaway: Morning Pages are a structured, daily practice aimed at mental clarity rather than idea generation, making them a useful habit for any writer looking to improve their writing skills.

3. Prompt-Based Writing

Prompt-based writing is one of the best writing prompts for writers who need focus and direction. A writing prompt gives you a starting point to explore, helping you shape a specific story or scene. This exercise is ideal for improving narrative structure and for anyone wondering how to improve their writing skills with more focused practice.

Example: Use a prompt like, “Write about a time you felt completely lost,” and develop it into a short story or reflective piece. Here, the prompt doesn’t just trigger the writing—it also guides the direction, leading to a more coherent result than freewriting.

Key takeaway: Prompt-based writing is focused and intentional. It’s perfect for writers who want to develop specific pieces while exploring new ideas or themes.

4. Journaling

Journaling is a flexible, introspective writing practice that helps you reflect on daily events, emotions, and experiences. It’s a great writing practice for beginners because it encourages regular writing without the pressure of creating polished work. Journaling can also serve as a source of writing inspiration when you’re feeling stuck.

Example: At the end of each day, write a few paragraphs about something that happened and how it made you feel. Journaling helps you track personal growth, process emotions, and can inspire future writing projects.

Key takeaway: Journaling is a personal and reflective writing practice. It helps writers stay connected to their thoughts and provides material for future creative writing.

5. Writing Exercises

Writing exercises are focused activities that help you improve specific aspects of your writing, such as dialogue, pacing, or character development. These exercises are perfect for anyone looking for creative writing exercises that target areas where they want to grow.

Example: Write a scene where two characters argue, but only use body language and action to convey the tension—no dialogue. This exercise challenges you to “show” rather than “tell” in your writing, a valuable skill for any storyteller.

Key takeaway: Writing exercises are structured, targeted practices that help you improve specific writing techniques. They’re perfect for writers who want to sharpen their craft and grow in particular areas.

6. Rewriting and Revising

Rewriting is an essential writing practice for anyone looking to improve their writing. Often, your best work comes through revision, where you refine ideas, tighten sentences, and clarify your message. Rewriting helps writers elevate their work and is an important step in developing your voice.

Example: Take a draft of a story or essay you wrote a few weeks ago and revise it. Focus on cutting unnecessary words and making your dialogue sharper. Rewriting often leads to surprising improvements in your original draft.

Key takeaway: Rewriting is where the real work begins. It’s one of the most important writing tips for new writers, teaching you to critically assess your own work and make it stronger.

Conclusion:

Writing practice is essential for every writer, from beginners to experienced authors. By incorporating these six types of writing practice into your routine, you’ll stay inspired and continue improving your writing skills. Whether you’re freewriting to unlock creativity or working through a prompt-based story, the key is to keep writing and exploring new approaches.

How to Plot Your Novel Without Losing Your Mind

September 11, 2024

If you’re a writer looking to plot your novel without feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re just getting started or stuck in the middle, plotting doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide will show you how to structure your story, build tension, and keep your readers hooked—without losing your mind.

Why Plotting Matters for Writers

At the heart of every great novel is a well-thought-out plot. If you’re struggling to turn your ideas into a cohesive story, don’t worry. A little structure can go a long way. In this post, we’ll break down the steps to creating a plot that’s compelling and easy to follow.

Step 1: Start with the Basics

At its core, a plot is about a character (or characters) who wants something, but things aren’t going their way. Think about your main character. What do they want more than anything? And what’s standing in their way? These questions help you establish conflict, which is the driving force behind any good plot.

Once you know what your character wants, it’s time to develop the events that will guide your story from beginning to end.

Step 2: Build Rising Action to Keep Readers Engaged

The rising action is where your character faces challenges, and the tension builds. As a novelist, this is your chance to test your character’s limits—both physically and emotionally. But make sure these obstacles feel like they’re progressively getting tougher. Your readers should feel the stakes rising with each chapter.

During this phase, it’s essential to include a **low point** or “dark night of the soul” for your protagonist. This is the moment when everything seems to be falling apart. Your character may feel like they’ve failed, or their goal is completely out of reach. This emotional low point is critical because it sets the stage for their ultimate victory—or their transformation.

Including this low point adds depth to your novel and gives your readers a reason to root for your character as they fight to overcome their struggles.

Step 3: Hit the Climax

The climax is the most intense part of your novel—where all the tension comes to a head. This is the moment your readers have been waiting for, where your character faces their biggest challenge. Whether it’s a dramatic battle, a critical decision, or a life-changing confrontation, the climax should feel like the peak of your character’s journey.

For a strong climax, make sure it challenges your protagonist’s deepest fears or desires. Readers should feel the weight of this moment and understand that everything your character has been through has led to this turning point.

Step 4: Finish with a Satisfying Resolution

After the intensity of the climax, your readers will want to see how everything wraps up. The resolution is where you show the aftermath of the climax—what has changed for your character, and how they’ve grown. A well-crafted resolution ties up loose ends and gives your readers a sense of closure.

However, not all stories need a perfectly happy ending! Sometimes, a bittersweet or open-ended conclusion can leave a lasting impact and feel more realistic.

How to Plot Your Novel Successfully: Bonus Tips

Use a Loose Outline: Even if you prefer to write organically, having a basic outline can help keep your story on track. It doesn’t have to be detailed—just enough to guide your plot without boxing you in.

Let Your Characters Drive the Plot: If you get stuck, think about what your characters would do next. Often, staying true to their motivations will help the plot unfold naturally.

Stay Open to Surprises: Don’t be afraid to follow unexpected ideas that come up while writing. Some of the best story moments happen when you’re willing to deviate from your original plan.

Knowing How to Plot Your Novel Is the Key to Success

Plotting a novel can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step makes it much easier. By understanding your character’s desires, building conflict, and incorporating a powerful climax, you’ll create a story that captivates readers from start to finish.

Remember, there’s no one “right” way to plot a novel. As long as you stay true to your characters and the emotional journey of your story, the plot will fall into place.

So, take a deep breath, grab your metaphorical machete, and start plotting your path through the jungle of storytelling. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to writing a novel that’s full of heart, tension, and excitement—all without losing your mind.

Writing Coaching for Older Writers

December 2, 2023

In the past week, I’ve been contacted by four writers, all in their sixties or seventies. Each of them is relatively new to writing. And they are all excited to finally embark on their long-held writing dreams. But where to start? When I offer writing coaching for older writers—perhaps like you?—I suggest we begin by exploring your wealth of experience, looking for the aspects that will most benefit you on your writing journey.

Writing coaching for older writers gives direction to writing dreams!

All your life lessons apply!

If you have reached your middle or later years without gaining literary traction, you may wonder, Is it too late for me, now? As a writing coach for older writers, I’ve learned that older writers may be much better-prepared for learning their craft than younger writers. Mastering the writing craft can take time. And as older writers (yup, me, too), we may have developed the patience that will help us onboard those important skills.

In fact, by fifty or sixty or seventy, many folks have learned how they learn best. We can capitalize on that knowledge to make the most of educational resources and opportunities. For instance, will we do better with an online class or with personalized instruction? Or maybe we’ve found that we are actually autodidacts, able to teach ourselves what we need to know?

Writing coaching for older writers: habit patterns and perspective

As we get older, we get better acquainted with our own preferences. This awareness helps when we’re engaging in a writing project that may demand a long-term commitment from us. Knowing, for example, that we’re an inveterate night owl, not a lark, allows us to schedule our writing when we know we’ll be most productive.

And because our years have taught us more about what it means to be a human being, our work will be more meaningful and deeper than anything we could have written earlier in our lives.

First-time writers take heart

NEW YORK TIMES‘ ADVICE COLUMNIST ROXANE GAY has addressed concerns that newer or unpublished middle-aged-ish writers may have. She says, Throughout my 20s and most of my 30s, I was convinced I was never going to make it as a writer. My writing was constantly rejected, and I took the rejection personally, as one does. It is easy to fall prey to the idea that writing success is intrinsically bound to youth, she says.

But what about getting published?

THE GUARDIAN recently published an article about the opportunities for older women writers. In it, Cherry Potts, the founder of the independent publisher Arachne Press, has much to say about the “ripple” opening doors for women over seventy.

She says, “There has been a sea change in publishers’ understanding and acceptance of older women’s experience and their voices, which are no longer dismissed as safe or cosy. It started with small presses like us but our ripple is now working through to the industry as a whole.”

In ON WRITING, Stephen King has something to say about older writers! “Agents, publishers, and editors are all looking for the next hot writer who can sell a lot of books and make lots of money … and not just the next hot young writer, either. Helen Santmyer was in a retirement home [in her eighties!] when she published AND LADIES OF THE CLUB. Frank McCourt was quite a bit younger [66] when he published ANGELA’S ASHES, but he was still no spring chicken.

Kit de Waal’s first novel, MY NAME IS LEON, was published when she was 56.

Harriet Doerr’s first novel, STONES FOR IBARRA, was published when she was 74 years old. It went on to win a National Book Award.

Then, there’s Sir Christopher Bland, who was 76 when his first novel, ASHES IN THE WIND, was published. Today, the Royal Society of Literature has established the RSL Christopher Bland Prize, to encourage the work of older writers. The £10,000 prize is awarded annually to an author who was fifty or older when they were first published.

Starting to write later in life? Writing coaching for older writers can help you get off to a great start!

If you’ve waited to explore your writing dream, you have likely seen many trends come and go in the world of literature. I’ve been coaching writers of all ages for over a dozen years. Let’s see if we can put my experience in the publishing industry to good use in the service of your long-deferred writing goals. Start by scheduling a free writing consultation with me. You might also want to check out THE WRITER mag article “Should I Hire a Writing Coach.”

Thank you to U.S. Games Systems, Inc. for kind permission to use the image of the Seven of Swords from the DRUIDCRAFT TAROT.

Writing Coaching Inspiration: One River Is Like Another River

November 14, 2023

Working with writers can be tricky. They’re on a wild and unpredictable journey. As a coach, I want to help—but sometimes a writer’s goals can prove out of their (current) reach. That’s when I reach deep into my bag of writing coaching inspiration. I need to pull out something that both acknowledges the hard truth they’re facing and offers reassurance that there are still fine opportunities likely to arise for them.

Recently, I read a beautiful ancient tale—one of discouragement followed by unlikely success. Told in Dianne Skafte’s LISTENING TO THE ORACLE, it’s the story of a Greek soldier who loses his way in enemy territory. He is supposed to meet up with his troop on the banks of a certain river. They plan to board a ship there and travel to a town friendly to their cause. Having hired a guide to help him get to his destination safely, the soldier is devastated to find he has been led to a different river!

He berates his guide, only to be met with a shrug—and this enigmatic response: “One river is like another river.” What? But in fact, appearing on the shores of this river is a small boat captained by a man who agrees to take the soldier back to the friendly town that was his original aim.

Once the soldier disembarks from the small boat in the town, he learns, to his horror, that the ship with his mates was captured and all aboard were killed.

Writing coaching inspiration

The soldier was not able to reach the river he aimed for. But he was guided to another river that carried him to safe harbor.

Similarly, when we set our sights on big writing goals, it may be that we can’t reach them—or not at this time. Whether we want to publish in a major magazine or attract an agent to represent us, our desired outcomes may be (temporarily) unattainable.

That’s when it’s time to scout out another river. Reset your goals. Aim to get published in a regional magazine, rather than in O Magazine. Agents can be tough to impress. Consider submitting your manuscript to small press editors instead. Match your target to your current abilities to meet it.

Fortunately, different from this Ancient Greek tale, no one is likely to die in the literary trenches. But when we’re rejected, it hurts. Still, it’s a wise Modern writer who will remember the motto of that Ancient Greek guide. One river is like another river. So look around. A boat you never imagined might appear on a river you didn’t notice. And you might find, ultimately, you are carried exactly where you want to go.

Need some clarity about your writing goals? A consultation with a top writing coach might help! Let’s chat.

Writing is a powerful and compelling endeavor. If you are setting goals but not meeting them, though, you might need a different approach—or more nuanced goals. With over a dozen years’ experience helping writers take their work to the next level, I might be able to show you how to make similar strides. Schedule a free writing consultation with me. Also, check out THE WRITER mag article “Should I Hire a Writing Coach.”

Book Coach Tips for Writing a Successful Novel

September 10, 2023

As a professional writing coach, I always want to support writers in their quest for success. This month, my post “Book Coach Tips for Writing a Successful Novel” focuses on the most important aspects of novel writing. I also include resources that will help you level up your novel-writing game.

Tips for writing a successful novel: Voice + character

Job one, connect your reader to your main character (MC). While we often think that readers are more interested in the plot of our stories than our characters, that’s not quite true. What’s funny, perhaps ironic, is that while readers generally think plot is the main draw for them, they’re actually wrong! (Most of the time. Generally speaking. In this book coach’s experience.)

In fact, what pulls a reader into a story first is voice. While the back jacket copy’s catchy synopsis of your story is what gets a reader to open your book, the voice your potential reader meets on page one must hook them.

Voice conveys attitude—usually, your main character’s attitude. It’s how you introduce your character, and it sets the tone for your reader’s experience. (It’s similar to a vacation destination: Some readers hate the snow. They won’t book a ski vacation! But another reader might love the crisp chill of your character’s voice.)

If the voice is engaging, you will keep your reader’s attention long enough to reveal your character’s need, goal, dilemma—those elements of story that integrate character with plot. If your reader finds your character sympathetic, they’ll tumble down the rabbit hole of your story, committed to seeing how your character fares.

Tips for writing a successful novel: Plot

As mentioned, readers tend to think that plot drives their reading choices. And a well-turned plot with a strong hook will certainly get your book “read-more” clicks! Whether your story is high concept or not, your plot should drag your main character into situations, environments, and relationships that, in her ordinary world, she would avoid at all costs.

Convince your reader that your MC has no choice but to involve herself in the dire circumstances you’ve built for her. Do this by creating irresistibly compelling stakes: putting her loved ones in danger, perhaps, or forcing her to face illness, financial ruin, or loss of her hard-won reputation.

Once your MC has embarked on the roller-coaster ride of her story, make sure there are no exit ramps along the way (sorry, mixed metaphors). In fact, you want to keep escalating the stakes! Push your MC to continually face new challenges as she tries (desperately!) to either meet her initial goal or to succeed in whatever glass-mountain-climbing task your story has provided her.

However you play it, for your main character, there must be no way out but through. And every plot point you create should enforce this. (My deepest sympathies to your main character!)

Resources for novel writers

There are many masters of the novel-writers’ craft. And, fortunately for us, quite a few of them have written books to guide us on our writing path. As a long-time writing coach, I’ve found several that I recommend quite often. Here’s a short list for you.

THE SECRETS OF STORY, by Matt Bird

PLOTTING YOUR NOVEL WITH THE PLOT CLOCK, by Jamie Morris, et al

HOW TO WRITE A DAMN GOOD NOVEL, by James N. Frey

PLOT & STRUCTURE: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish, by James Scott Bell

SAVE THE CAT WRITES A NOVEL, by Jessica Brody

You might also enjoy my article “How to Write a Novel” or be interested to learn more about how successful authors have used my Plot Clock method to get their novels agented and published.

Interested in receiving personalized book coach tips for writing a successful novel? A free chat with a top writing coach can offer just that!

Novels and their authors are near and dear to my heart. Over the last decade, as a professional writing coach, I’ve helped many novelists take their books to the next level. If you’re working on a novel and wonder how to make it more successful in the current market, let’s chat. Schedule a free writing consultation with me. Also, check out THE WRITER mag article “Should I Hire a Writing Coach.”

Writing Coaching: The Hard Stuff

August 1, 2023

I’ve been in the trenches, coaching writers, for well over a decade. From long experience, I can tell you that, with writing coaching, the hard stuff is the stuff that can make or break a career. And by “hard stuff,” I mean whatever you currently don’t have in your writer’s toolkit.

Most writers have mad skills in some areas, but struggle in others. For instance, you may be a crazy plotting genius, but create flat-as-a-pancake characters. Or, you’re an amazing researcher, but stumble when trying to organize your ideas on the page.

As writers, we all have strengths and weaknesses. But, weirdly, it’s looking our weaknesses straight in the eye that separates successful writers from those who never reach their full potential. It’s natural to want to work around our literary deficiencies. But if we’re willing to really dig in to the less-developed aspects of our writing, we will—eventually—strike gold.

Writing coaching: the hard stuff

Tackling those underdeveloped skills head-on isn’t easy. As a professional writing coach, I often see writers struggle with aspects of writing that feel completely out of their current reach—creating a dynamic plot, for some; finding a convincing voice for others. However, I know that if they keep at it—putting in what may seem an unreasonable amount of time and effort—there will be a pay off.

On the other hand, some writers can’t—or won’t—harness their energies to make the admittedly uphill climb to mastering a tough skill. They truly believe their current (easier, go-to) strengths will carry them to where they want to be in their writing life.

I understand! But that’s not how it works—at least not in my experience.

Hiring a writing coach

So … you know something in your writer’s arsenal needs to be powered up. You hire a writing coach. And it’s going wonderfully! Your coach is an angel on your shoulder. She encourages you, provides accountability, reads your work with enthusiasm and insight. Fantastic!

Of course, she also points out areas of your work that could use some improvement. Many of these aspects are easy-peasy to address. Yes, I can easily be more precise with my verbs, you say. Also, Giving more visual cues to my readers? No problem.

But the hard thing? That “weakness” which is native to you as a writer, your literary blind spot? As you work with your coach, that will become more and more evident. Worse, no matter how hard you try to address this most difficult of skills, you may feel you aren’t making significant progress. And your darned coach won’t let it go!

Fortunately, she will bring myriad ways to help you on-board the skill you most need to master. That’s because she knows how important it is to your career. You can’t maneuver around a deficit without compromising your work as a whole.

Yet, despite your—and your coach’s—best intentions, you may get to a point of frustration. You might want to toss up the whole enterprise and walk away. But—and I am telling you this with the deepest compassion I can bring here—if you keep moving in the direction of excellence, especially when the going gets tough, you will make it through. Then, you will reap rewards you can’t even imagine when you’re humping that huge load of sticks uphill toward your beautiful writing dream.

I believe in you! If you’re ready to dig and find out what you’re made of, a chat with a top writing coach might be your next step on the road to literary success.

As a professional writing coach, I support fiction and nonfiction writers working in a number of genres. Wherever you are on your writing journey, I would love to see how I can help you achieve your literary goals. Schedule your free writing consultation with me. And take a look at THE WRITER mag article “Should I Hire a Writing Coach.”

The image of tarot’s Ten of Wands comes from the ASTROMATRIX TAROT, available on Amazon.

How Long Should a Novel Be?

July 1, 2023

IN THE BOOK WRITERS’ CRITIQUE GROUP I LEAD, we recently discussed the differences between works of narrative fiction. While word count is not the only distinguishing feature, it’s certainly the easiest to grasp. Perhaps you’re wondering, “How long should a novel be?”

As a professional writing coach, I’m asked about book lengths quite often. That’s why I compiled this quick guide to word count—and a few distinguishing features of long fiction forms, as well.

Word counts for novels, novellas, and novelettes

We call all of the above—novels, novellas, and novelettes—book-length fiction. But they actually vary wildly in length.There are typically other differences in these forms, as well.

Novelettes: Sometimes a term that is used derogatorally. The word count for a novelette is between 7,500 and17,000. In addition to their short length, novelettes are characterized by their sentimental style and, often, on a romantic focus.

Novellas: Not to be confused with telenovelas, a term given to dramatic, primarily Latin American, television series. Novellas have an approximate word count between 17,000 and 40,000. A novella will typically have fewer (if any) subplots than a novel. It will also generally take place in a shorter, more contained time frame and a single location.

Novels: Starting at 40,000 words (except for children’s fiction), with no cap other than what agents, editors, and readers will accept. Given its length, a novel has room for a writer to develop subplots, use multiple points of view, and explore multiple locations—and even multiple periods in time. (Think, time travel novels or family sagas.)

Word counts for novels by genre

Middle Grade: 25,000 – 50,000

Young Adult: 45,000 – 100,000

Fantasy: 50,000 – 150,000

Sci-fi: 50,000 – 150,000.

Romance: 50,000 – 90,000.

Mystery: 40,000 – 80,000.

Horror: 40,000 – 80,000.

Dystopian: 60,000 – 120,000

Thriller: 90,000 – 120,000

I hope this quick look at word counts and genres helps as you prepare to write your novel. You might also like this article: “How to Write a Novel.” It’s an exciting journey—and I wish you all the best as you get underway!

How long should your novel be? A chat with a top novel writing coach can help you navigate the word-count waters!

As a top novel writing coach, I help book writers decide how long their novel—or novella, or novelette—should be. We can address practical questions like this and much more in a no-cost phone chat. Schedule a free initial consultation with me, now. And read THE WRITER mag article “Should I Hire a Writing Coach,” too!

How to Write a Mystery: 10 Tips

June 5, 2023

Writing a mystery is complicated, no doubt! But, since mysteries are my favorite type of fiction, I thought it would be a fun challenge to narrow down my thoughts about how to write them effectively. The following 10 tips will help you understand how to write a mystery novel and create suspense on the page.

Since two heads are better than one, when considering such a complex topic, I called my award-winning mystery writer pal Elizabeth Sims. She generously agreed to allow me to pick her brilliant mystery-writing brain.

Together, Elizabeth and I settled on the following 10 tips for writing a mystery. We hope they help you find your way through the tricksy woods of your story!

10 tips for writing a mystery

How to write a mystery: sub-genres and outlines

1) PICK A SUB-GENRE: There are many mystery sub-genres. These include cozy mystery, hard-boiled detective fiction, and police procedurals, to name just a few. Job 1? choose your sub-genre and familiarize yourself with the conventions of that style.

2) READ WIDELY: Once you’ve chosen your sub-genre, read 100 (really: 100!) books of that type. While this might seem like overkill (and maybe slightly insane), reading very (VERY) widely in your genre is the single best way to absorb the rhythms of the category.

3) MAP OUT YOUR STORY: Depending on your sub-genre, your story is likely to be quite intricate and complex. Allow yourself time to identify the various twists and turns of your plot. Mystery writers, even more than other writers, benefit from creating solid outlines before starting to write.

Character arcs, subplot, stakes, and settings

4) GIVE YOUR DETECTIVE PROBLEMS: Allow your main character to struggle in their personal life while trying to solve the crime. Their struggles should force them to make a much-needed inner change. This change is as satisfying to the reader as seeing the mystery solved.

5) RAISE THE STAKES! You might think the very fact of an unsolved murder provides enough motivation for the investigating detective. But acctually, stakes-wise, you’ll want your detective to have some skin in the game. Whether they’re threatened with a demotion if they don’t resolve the mystery or they are actually suspects in the case themselves, raise the stakes by giving your main character an urgent reason to apprehend the murderer.

6) CREATE SUBPLOTS: Mysteries are meant to be, well, mysterious. If you’re driving your story down an unswerving path, your reader won’t enjoy the ride as much as if you add twists and turns—some of which can be provided by a subplot.

Perhaps you can develop one of your main character’s difficulties (above) enough that it distracts that them from solving the crime at hand. If that distraction puts the investigation in jeopardy, you’ve added an extra dollop of suspense into the subplot mix.

7) KNOW YOUR SETTING: Set your mystery in a location (or era) that you know well. Perhaps you’ve got a deep interest in Colonial Africa. Or lived in Boston in the 1980s. Wherever you set your story, be sure you know enough about it to create a faithful and familiar world for readers.

Also, involve your detective directly in that world. Perhaps they’re an investigative reporter in a small town in Alabama or a political protester in Berlin. A main character who’s actively engaged in your mystery’s location adds depth and interest to your work.

Red herrings, reversals, and reveals in your mystery

8) ESTABLISH RED HERRINGS: Red herrings are clues or information that mislead both the detective and the reader. Use them to create suspense by misdirecting the course of the investigation.

9) NAME CHARACTERS CAREFULLY: Don’t give your characters names that signal to the reader where they fall on the good-guy/bad-guy spectrum. Creating “dark” names for dark characters limits your ability to surprise your readers with a character’s unpredictable behavior.

SPOILER ALERT: Think Snape in the Harry Potter series: Learning his dark, nasty name, readers expect him to be a real baddy. But, in fact, he’s a much more sympathetic character than we could ever have imagined. Great work, J. K. Rowling, misleading readers with a well-considered character name!

10) ADD SURPRISES TO YOUR FINAL SCENES: Twisty endings are appropriate—and necessary—in such a twisty genre. When thinking about how to write your mystery, be sure to leave some surprising reveals or reversals for the last act. You might resolve a red herring or conclude a subplot in an unforeseen way. Whatever you do (“Luke, I’m your father”!), add something unexpected to the (pre-)climactic moments of your mystery.

Writing a mystery in a moral universe

In a way, a mystery novel describes a moral universe. Someone has done something wrong—and we want to see them pay. While you may choose not to bring your antagonist to justice, do your best to create a conclusive ending of some sort.

We’re living in uneasy times. If you can restore order to even a fictional corner of the world, without compromising your artistic vision, I, for one, will be grateful.

Resources to help you write a mystery

Of course, these tips are just the—ahem—tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning to write a successful mystery novel. A search on YouTube, Amazon, or Google will yield another gazillion helpful hints. The resources that follow are particular favorites of mine. Your mileage may vary.

START HERE: When you’re considering writing a mystery—or any other book, for that matter—Elizabeth Sims’s YOU’VE GOT A BOOK IN YOU is a great place to start. Subtitled “A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams,” Sims’s book has garnered tons of well-deserved love—especially from newer book writers.

Plot is central to writing a good mystery. My own book, PLOTTING YOUR NOVEL WITH THE PLOT CLOCK, is a small-but-mighty-tome I wrote with two fabulous co-authors. Its simple—not simplistic—approach to plot can be a game-changer. (Learn more about the Plot Clock!)

OTHER GOOD BOOKS: Larry Beinhart’s HOW TO WRITE A MYSTERY, Patricia Highsmith’s PLOTTING AND WRITING SUSPENSE FICTION, and P.D. James’s TALKING ABOUT DETECTIVE FICTION are just three of many other helpful titles for writers who want to know how to write a mystery.

ORGANIZATIONS: Mystery Writers of America is a wonderful organization. It hosts regional and national mystery writing conferences and provides many other valuable resources for members. Sisters in Crime provides support for women crime writers. And the site The Cozy Mystery Library has virtual shelves full of helpful links for those writing cozies.

Ready to write that mystery? A chat with a top writing coach could help you get started!

Discover how to get your mystery novel off to a great start. Schedule a free initial consultation. And also take a look at this THE WRITER mag article “Should I Hire a Writing Coach.”

Writing Young Adult Fiction

May 23, 2023

If you’re writing Young Adult fiction, also known as YA, you’ve probably already created an angsty, yet sympathetic, teenage main character (MC). What else do you need? Well, when we’re writing Young Adult fiction, we first need to give our angsty MC a problem to solve. We’ll also want to bestow upon them a skill to develop and an inner need to resolve.

In addition, we’ll want to surround our MC with a cast of characters—teenage and otherwise—who complicate or obstruct the MC’s goals. These might include a love interest (or two, for conflict), a mentor, and a sidekick/best pal. You’re also likely to need an antagonist (who may end up being a friend) and a “precious child” (a character dear to the MC, whose vulnerability puts the MC’s goals in jeopardy).

Be sure these characters have agendas that run counter to your MC’s. These competing objectives will provide a solid field upon which your MC can play to get the win.

YA writer published and awarded!

The above ideas may seem (unbearably?) clichéd to your own inner rebellious teen. But we can always at least explore the conventions of our genre. Then, we can see what of those tried-and-true ideas will serve our own story best.

My Young Adult fiction writer client Melody Maysonet found a balance. In her now award-winning YA novel A WORK OF ART, Maysonet skillfully incorporates YA conventions into her fresh, edgy tale of an art student on the brink.

Melody writes, Jamie, Thank you for the inspiration and knowledge you bestowed on me during the writing of the first draft. Not only that, but you gave me a killer critique for my revision. I revised based on your feedback, so the manuscript that got sold reflects your amazing instincts. Thank you so much.

Writing a YA novel? I’m a young adult fiction fan—and a top writing coach. I can help!

As a lover of YA, myself, and as a professional book coach, I can help you see the path for writing a young adult novel. Schedule a free initial consultation. And check out THE WRITER mag article “Should I Hire a Writing Coach.”

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