by Katie McCoach | Feb 17, 2022 | Author Tips, Reflection, Writing
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...
by Katie McCoach | Feb 10, 2022 | Author Resources, Editing, Reader Questions, Writing
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...
by Katie McCoach | Jan 27, 2022 | Author Resources, Author Tips, Guest Blogs, Writing
So you’ve come to terms with Why You Need a Series Bible and you’ve decided on the tools you’ll use to Create YOUR Perfect Series Bible, but now what? What do you actually need to jot down while writing or what do you need to catch when you do a re-read? This answer...
by Katie McCoach | Jan 20, 2022 | Author Resources, Author Tips, Editing, Writing
How many times have you heard the advice to read your manuscript out loud? The advice is repeated because it works. Reading your work out loud can help you catch errors, notice repetition, and prevents you from filling in what you think it says versus what it...
by Katie McCoach | Dec 30, 2021 | Author Resources, Author Tips, Editing, Writing
It’s natural to want to use the “cheap hook” for an opening of a story. For example, beginning with a line that tricks readers, shows a main character dying, or opening with an exciting moment and then suddenly jumping back into the past to show how we reached this...
by Katie McCoach | Dec 23, 2021 | Author Resources, Author Tips, Editing, Reader Questions, Writing
Reader Q: I’m struggling with my dialogue scenes. How do I find the balance? How do I know if I’ve included too much or too little? I’ve been listening to the Writing Excuses podcast lately, and I heard them quote—I believe—Orson Scott Card on one of his...