Does that Thomas Mann quote have you nodding with a wry smile? Me too. We get it. It’s serious work, being a writer – because we care. We have to tap into heart and soul to create our best work. So, writers are a special breed. Here are 5 tell-tale signs. Introvert or...

Would you love to have an expert mentor help you grow as a writer and really succeed? Here's your chance! Join the fall session of my PageTurner Master Classes. Registration is now open for this online 10-week program that starts on September 19th. No longer will you...

The question that keeps emerging writers up at night is this: What do publishers really want? In my career as an author I've faced every challenge you're facing. Having had ten novels published with sales of over half a million books, I know what agents and publishers...

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain That’s great advice from a great writer. It shatters the hoary...

(painting: Olga Rykova) I'm often asked: What categorizes a novel as either "literary" or "popular"? What’s the difference? Popular novels usually fall into a half-dozen categories called genres: romance, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Of...

The Plot / Character Debate Have you ever noticed how critics will sometimes categorize a novel as either “plot driven” or “character driven"? If that's got you puzzled about how it applies to the story you're writing, I can understand why. They make it sound like you...

The Prime Time Dream When you’re writing a story, do you dream of seeing it one day made into a film? I certainly do. So I’m thrilled to let you know that the dream may soon be a reality! It’s happening with my novel Entrapped. Working with my creative partners –-...

What Do Agents and Publishers Really Want? In my career as an author I've faced every challenge you're facing. Having had ten novels published, with sales of over half a million books, I know what agents and publishers are looking for, what they want—and don’t want....

MYTH-BUSTERS Myths can distort and darken a writer's world. I want your creative world to be sunshine-bright. So I offer here some myth-busting to chase away the clouds. Myth #1. It’s Impossible To Get Published These Days This myth says the publishing industry is a...