Smart, structured approaches to revising your novel and using feedback to improve your story.
When I return a manuscript evaluation to a writer, I include a developmental edit on the opening chapters, line by line, alongside the high-level assessment. And every time I hit “send” on that feedback, I get anxious because I know what’s about to happen on the other end. A writer opens that document and sees
On book coaching and trusting your gut amidst the industry’s struggle with AI You may’ve heard, earlier this year, how the previously self-published book Shy Girl was picked up by a traditional publisher in an impressive deal before being canceled after accusations of AI use. More recently, a crime novel from a debut author sold
Sunday night I watched Scott Pelley interview director Christopher Nolan on 60 Minutes about The Odyssey that opens on July 17. At one point Pelley considers the grandiose epic movies and complex storylines Nolan’s known for, and the sheer number of people involved to bring them into reality. The following exchange really stood out to
I have a 112,000-word discovery draft sitting on my desk, and I’ll be honest with you — the thought of revising it is a little terrifying. I know what needs work. That’s not what terrifies me. I keep asking myself the questions that make any writer spiral: What if there are too many changes? What
“Something came up.” “I had to put out a fire.” How many times have you said that as a reason for not getting to your to-do list? If I had a nickel for every time those words have come out of my mouth… It’s the same for your creative project, too. You know, that writing
