The Blog
Deep POV
Previously, we talked about Filter Words; what they are and why we want to eliminate them from your WIP. As I mentioned previously, one of the benefits of eliminating filter words is that it allows the reader to get even closer to the point of view character, to the...
You Want Me to Change THAT? How to Receive Constructive Criticism
The moment has come. You sit in front of your computer; anxiety claws at your stomach, your hands twitch, but finally, finally, you force yourself to open that email. The one you are equal parts excited for and dreading. But, you have no choice. This is the next step....
Investing in Yourself
Startup costs. You can’t say the words without shivering. The idea of spending money before you have a single client or customer is downright terrifying. Who knows if it will pay off? But showcasing yourself as a professional right away can make a huge difference to...
You Want Me to Read WHAT? How to Give Constructive Criticism
As a writer in this ever-growing industry, working with critique partners can be the key to creating a strong support system throughout your writing career. Critique partners are often the ones who boost you when you are down, share the successes with you, and help...
Reader Question: When Agents Love Your Story But Pass
Question: I keep getting feedback from agents that they love my writing and the story, but they are struggling to connect to the voice. Or they pass, saying they love it, but “it’s just not for me.” Where do I go from here? Do I need to continue to revise? When is it...
Women’s History Month: Personal Edition
This women's history month, I'm celebrating the woman who gave me creativity, imagination, and inspiration; my grandmother. This post originally appeared on https://leennanaidoo.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/gram-without-boundaries-katie-mccoach/. This post...
Chapter level pacing tips
I like to examine pacing on two levels: Sentence level and chapter level. To answer this reader’s question, I will just talk about pacing on the chapter level. Often, issues of pacing on the chapter level come down to the "pull" at the end of a scene. That meaning,...
When stalling stops the doing
There are days when the amount of work in front of me is halting. I find myself sitting in front of my computer, staring and fidgeting and thinking about all the things I WILL do. Eventually. Once I start typing. I wonder how many of you are like me when it comes to...
Is a Copyeditor a Developmental Editor?
I recently received a question from a writer that made me realize now would be a good time to introduce or re-introduce myself—more specifically, what I do—to my subscribers: What's the difference between a developmental editor and other editors? It's only...
Fear of success or failure
Are you one of those people who is afraid of failure or are you afraid of success? If you’re neither—well good for you. I’m not bitter. Truly. 😛 Fear of failure is a standard fear. We don’t want to fail. We don’t want to deal with those feelings. But fear of...
