As a book coach, I see a lot of first drafts. And while every story is different, a number of common first draft mistakes that are . Most of these big-picture story issues have to do with missing elements—the elements that hook readers, keep them turning the page, and leave them feeling satisfied when they… Read more »
As an author, it’s a wonderful feeling to connect with readers who love our work. Book clubs are one of the most engaging ways to create deep meaningful relationships with readers. Today, we’ll cover ideas to create fun and memorable experiences as you engage book clubs! Why Engage Book Clubs? First, think of a book… Read more »
Today is our 400th Episode Extravaganza and I have the pleasure of sitting down with our podcast producer, Lori Walker. Have you signed up to be a DIY MFA Radio Insider yet? This is an exciting new monthly newsletter especially for our podcast listeners. Every month, you’ll get an email from our podcast producer with… Read more »
For a while now, I’ve wanted to read some of the early masters of crime fiction. Starting with this column, I plan to feature several of those pioneers. I might intersperse columns on other topics as well. Today, I begin with Anna Katharine Green. Who Is Anna Katharine Green? Anna Katharine Green isn’t a household… Read more »
There are a lot of ways to build your author platform these days. But guest blogging is still one of my favorites. Writing an article for a popular blog has long-term value that far outlasts the effort, and offers an engaged audience within a focused niche. But my favorite perk is seeing my own work… Read more »
Once you have a clear goal in mind, the next moment can be perilous. You might hear a small voice telling you to start with a small step, but often our enthusiasm overwhelms us. All of the ways that you can make your goal happen crowd into your brain like partygoers stuffed into a small… Read more »
Have you been kicking around a children’s story idea in your head and you’re not sure where to start? You’re in luck! I’ve compiled several key questions into a survey and asked parents, grandparents, and teachers for their input. Based on their responses, I’ve summarized the top five best tools recommended for writing a children’s… Read more »
I’ve always loved a good prompt when it comes to writing because I’ve always loved a challenge. These are usually questions or directives (though they don’t have to be) with the goal of inciting a written response from the writer, such as: “two strangers meet in a bar, and one of them turns to the… Read more »
Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Gillian McDunn. We’ll be talking about Honestly Elliott, a middle grade novel about a big-hearted boy trying to find the way to his best self. Have you signed up to be a DIY MFA Radio Insider yet? This is an exciting new monthly newsletter especially for our podcast… Read more »
No one sets out to make mistakes with their writing, especially a food novel. Writers are driven by a passion to share universal experiences, and sometimes, that’s exactly what gets them off-track. It happens to the best of us. Some professional nonfiction food writers have dipped their toes in the world of fiction to only… Read more »
