There’s no rule that says you have to set goals for the new year. But if you are in goal-setting mode, here are some tips to help you approach the process with self-compassion.

A rundown of the best books I read in November, including Whispers the Blood by Danielle Renino, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Final Girls by Riley Sager.

Learn about the Gateless Writing method, a framework designed to help you quiet your inner critic when generating new creative work.

My roundup of the best books I read in October, including A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Vladimir by Julia May Jonas, and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.

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.

My favorite reads from the month of September, including You’ve Lost a Lot of Blood by Eric LaRocca, More Than This by Patrick Ness, and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Guest blogger and editor Carmen Catena breaks down how to create compelling characters by defining their goal, motivation, and conflict.

The best books I read in the month of August, including The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais, The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth, and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.

A guide to self-publishing terms and definitions every independent author should know.

My roundup of the best books I read in July, including Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, and The Alternate End of Cassidy Marchand by Tracey Barski.

We often encounter criticism on our creative journeys. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and respond to constructive feedback.

The best books I read in the month of June, including Silence on Cold River by Casey Dunn, Falling by TJ Newman, and The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang.

These low-cost tools, communities and supports may help manage the effects of executive dysfunction associated with ADHD, autism and other diagnoses.

Read on for my thoughts on the best books I read in May, including Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney, The Night Shift by Alex Finlay, and The Hunter by Jennifer Herrera.

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.

A selection of my favorite books from the month of April, including The Need by Helen Phillips, Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica, and Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto.

For independent authors, the importance of finding a book editor who’s the right fit can’t be overstated. Asking these simple questions will help you find the right match.

My favorite reads from the month of March, including Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray, I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick, and The Ugly Cry by Danielle Henderson.

Journalists can make great amateur detectives. But depictions of reporters in mysteries and thrillers can also go very wrong. Here are my top tips for writing a realistic journalist sleuth.

A round-up of my favorite titles from the month of February, including The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware, Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder, and The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris.