Because I’m prone to the happy hobbit life, I’m often forced to remember that life doesn’t serve books. Books serve life. And as supporting documents for the journey, they make useful and often life-giving guides. But they make horrible masters. Some writers don’t appreciate this distinction and they end up serving their books in many ways. Though their book only
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Writers I meet at conferences have a lot of great questions about editing. Most of us know we need help but don’t know where to start. I don’t have any money; why are editors so expensive? Do you really need a content editor and a copyeditor? Can you just hire an editor to fix your mistakes? Here’s a really great post clearing up some
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A robin landed on the deck railing today with the makings of a nest in her mouth. Have you noticed when you slow down long enough to hear them, the little thoughts that come unbidden can be entire new worlds to explore? The difficulty is, of course, slowing down. I’m trying to write today, so I’m procrastinating. But once you’re
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You know the easy button? I’m always looking for the easy button to editing. And more often than not, I find it by zooming in a little closer. Recently, I found one I think deserves a special place on this blog, because it’s a time-saver for new authors. And it’s a trick that hooks readers better than anything else, the story beneath the story. Whether you’re
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We just got back from celebrating my dad’s birthday over spring break with my parents and my grandma in California. They always feed and entertain us like royalty. And for some unknowable reason, they love me for who I am. Which is pretty surprising considering who I am. Few people can claim parents like mine, the kind who accept them for their true selves, imperfect
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