Regency romance, romantic mysteries, & writing tips too.
You write fiction because you’re inspired; you have many ideas you want to share. Unfortunately, the nitty gritty of writing can be challenging. Sooner or later, your inspiration flags. You despise your characters and decide that your plot is silly. Want to light a fire under your characters? Motivate them. Writing becomes easier when you … Read more
When you’re writing fiction, you’re writing about characters in conflict, and the more believable you can make your novel’s conflicts, the better. Conflicts can be major (battlefields in a war), or minor: “you promised you’d buy milk on your way home!” Want to write a page-turner? Do that by ensuring that the conflicts between your … Read more
You love writing fiction when you begin your novel. Your inspiration soars. You’re convinced that your novel’s central idea is the best idea you’ve ever had. Sooner or later however, usually after the first 25% of your novel, you flag. You doubt your plot and your characters. If you’re not aware that your novel needs … Read more
How are you at getting things done? If you’re anything like my friends (and me) you struggle. As you may know, I’m currently writing the third book in the clean Regency romance series, The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall. (Cover reveal soon.) I’m using a bullet journal for the novel, as discussed: … I decided to … Read more
Change is hard; we all resist it. It’s vital to be aware of this fact of human nature when it comes to setting fiction writing goals. A writer in our writing group recently wondered whether she was “meant to be a writer” because she had to force herself to set goals. When she did set … Read more
Got a novel you’ve set on the backburner? Perhaps you have an almost-done novel, or a novel you started and gave up on. There’s no need to give up: you can rescue your novel, and complete it. I’m currently rescuing a half-completed novel; I stopped writing it when I got busy in the weeks … Read more