As an active member of Scribophile, an online critiquing community, I have gotten my share of new-author exposure. I’ve decided to compile a list here of some of the most common mistakes I see over and over again. I’ll avoid mentioning prose structure or grammar/punctuations errors, these are mistakes that should naturally resolve with revision and … More 5 Common Mistakes of Aspiring Authors

You’re somewhere in-between elementary school and middle school when you learn an important English idiom: Never Judge a Book by its Cover. Perhaps this wisdom was departed by a grey-haired woman, parroted by a well-meaning classmate, or an all-knowing parent. You widen your eyes and nod emphatically. Of course, I should never judge a book … More DO Judge a Book by its Cover.

Part 2 of “What makes great fantasy?” – Deep Memorable Characters My most recent favorite series is Fitz and the Fool Trilogy, by Robin Hobb. The second book just released this month, so I’m devouring it with delicious intensity. This is a little bit cheating, because Hobb does have a tad bit of ‘world in … More Analyzing Fantasy, Part 2: Fitz and the Fool

Part 1 of “What makes great fantasy?” – Unique Style So here’s the first post as I go through the previous blog list of fantasy titles that don’t have a ‘world is ending’ structure for plot. (And therefore my theory is that they must be awesome authors to achieve such a feat and keep an engaging story). … More Analyzing Fantasy, Part 1: Earthsea

So I’ve been looking for ways to write the ‘perfect’ query letter. In case you don’t know what a query letter is, it’s basically your pitch to the publisher or agent you are trying to get to represent you and your work. Without this first crucial step, even a masterpiece novel will have challenges making … More Query Letter for a Fantasy Novel

This was a question I recently posed to the Scribophile community. As I continue writing I realize that both of my current manuscripts are stories which hinge on the fate of the world. My second novel didn’t even start out that way, it was supposed to be a love story. But as I kept writing it … More What? The World is NOT Ending?

So if you follow my blog and forum posting you’ll notice I’ve been struggling with this question: What is the word count expectation for a debut fantasy author? I have heavily researched the all-knowing inter-webs and come up with a lot of conflicting information. But I’ll divulge what I think it all means. Basically, first … More Fantasy Novel Word Count Expectations

So I’ve officially tried both methods of writing. First let’s define them: From-the-Hip: A global approach. Writing as you go, no solid plot needs to be formed. Outline: An analytical approach. Outline the plot steps before writing. Have the beginning, middle and end determined. The writing just connects the dots. So how was my experience? … More Writing ‘From the Hip’ Versus ‘Outline’

So I’ve posted my first work up for critique on Scribophile! I was so excited to get some responses right away. I’ve received three critiques that have immensely helped me polish the chapter. But the first response I got really blew me away. I can’t imagine that it’s true, but it sure does make me feel … More Community

Wow so here it is. My first blog -ever-. I guess I’ll start with what I’ve learned this week. I have a 180,000 word novel. (And I’ll wait while everyone marvels at my ability to spit out tons of words onto the screen.) Yes, 180,000 words. … More My First Blog