My Blog
Resources for writers and editors navigating the publishing world
5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Author SEO
Looking to improve your author SEO but keep getting bogged down in the details? Learn about five easy and actionable ways to increase your visibility online.
How to Choose the Right POV for Your Novel
Here are a few key things to consider when deciding what perspective to write your novel from.
When (And How) To Use Content Warnings In Your Book
When writing in a genre that deals with dark or violent subject matter, content warnings ensure readers can make an informed choice about your book.
How to Properly Format Your Manuscript for Submission
These guidelines help ensure your manuscript is polished and presentable ahead of submission to an agent, publisher, editor, or beta reader.
The Best Research Tools for Crime Writers
From bodies to burn patterns to making bail, this list of resources is the place to start when researching your mystery, thriller, horror, or crime novel.
Indie Author Success Stories to Inspire Your Self-Publishing Journey
Indie authors Amanda Auler, Harriet Everend, and Heather Garvin share their self-publishing success stories.
Getting Published in Literary Journals: Tips on Answering Calls for Submissions
Erika Steeves, guest blogger and lead editor for House of Zolo, breaks down best practices for submitting your writing to literary journals and magazines.
The Craft of Writing Strong, Descriptive Sentences
Guest blogger Andrea Vande Vorde highlights elements of strong descriptive writing, such as metaphor, concrete imagery, and sound devices.
Ways to Pay for Self-Publishing
These strategies can help stretch your budget and offset your self-publishing costs.
Writing Groups: An Introvert’s Nightmare or Saving Grace?
Guest blogger and editor Lauren Alexander discusses the benefits of joining a writing group, especially for introverted writers who are hesitant to share their work.
Mystery Tips: Mastering the Art of Misdirection
Learn about plot devices and principles that help keep mystery and thriller readers from spoiling your ending.
More Tools for Neurodivergent Writers and Editors
A roundup of resources to help neurodivergent writers and editors manage executive dysfunction.
How to Budget for Self-Publishing
My best advice for estimating — an executing — a self-publishing budget.
What is Gateless Writing?
Learn about the Gateless Writing method, a framework designed to help you quiet your inner critic when generating new creative work.
Zombie Grammar Rules to Leave in the Grave
Though they’re continually harped on by teachers, writers, and editors alike, “zombie” rules have no actual basis in grammar but just won’t seem to die.
Goal, Motivation, Conflict: Creating Compelling Characters with Carmen Catena
Guest blogger and editor Carmen Catena breaks down how to create compelling characters by defining their goal, motivation, and conflict.
Common Self-Publishing Terms, Explained
A guide to self-publishing terms and definitions every independent author should know.
Handling Constructive Feedback from an Editor
We often encounter criticism on our creative journeys. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and respond to constructive feedback.
Tools for Neurodivergent Writers and Editors
These low-cost tools, communities and supports may help manage the effects of executive dysfunction associated with ADHD, autism and other diagnoses.
Mystery Tips: Perfecting Your Plot
Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, mapping out some aspects of your novel in advance can streamline the revision process later on. Read on for my best tips on plotting your mystery or thriller novel.