15 questions to build stronger characters

Strong characters—main and side characters—can bring your story to life. They're hard to write but worth it to help readers stay immersed in your story. Here are fifteen questions to help build your characters: What is the second thing your character wants the most?What social media would be your character's favorite? How would they use … Continue reading 15 questions to build stronger characters

Book review – The Cruel Prince (Spoiler Free)

“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.” Title: The Cruel PrinceAuthor: Holly BlackGenre: FantasyPages: 370 pagesPublication date: January 2, 2018 I found out about The Cruel Prince a while back. It was one of those books I put on my Goodreads to-read list, but I never had the opportunity … Continue reading Book review – The Cruel Prince (Spoiler Free)

2021 writing goals

Happy New Year (a few days early)! I got some of my 2020 goals done, including publishing two short stories. One was published this November while the other will be published early next year. For 2021, my goals are: Get a job in publishingPolish up my novelPublish another poetry, flash fiction, etc. in a publication … Continue reading 2021 writing goals

NaNoWriMo update — #1

I started late this year. I wasn't able to start NaNoWriMo until last Thursday, which is unusual for me. But I had some stuff come up, so I got a tad behind. Luckily, I'm not five days behind as I was on that Thursday. Now, I'm only about two to three days behind. I can … Continue reading NaNoWriMo update — #1

Maybe friends (haiku)

If you had a clueor a hint that I exist,we could be good friends. Copyright © Robin LeeAnn

Is “said” worthless?

In college writing classes, we sit in a tight circle, facing each other. Sometimes, we critique our own works; other times we discuss writing. But one time—and only once—everyone raised their voices against what I suggested. I disagreed with the author using the word said for every single dialogue tag. I raised my hand and … Continue reading Is “said” worthless?

How many books do you have to write to write a good one?

I've had that question for a while now. How many books do you have to write to write a good one? I knew some authors wrote one book, had a few drafts, and published a brilliant piece of work. Some wrote a few novels before one of theirs got published. Some writers told me that … Continue reading How many books do you have to write to write a good one?

Book review – The Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications (Spoiler Free)

“Even if you haven't formally studied English grammar, you know countless aspects of grammar as an English speaker. You would never say or write "I are hungrily very," no matter how many hours had passed since your last meal. Not all questions of grammar are that simple, of course, but many tangles are easily resolved … Continue reading Book review – The Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications (Spoiler Free)

Does editing make me a better writer?

People suggest writers to read more, but some also suggest editing. Does editing make writers better though? Besides helping with grammar mistakes though, how does editing improve a writer's skill? In a way, it helps me understand the publishing business more. When I was mainly a writer, I knew how the publishing industry worked, but … Continue reading Does editing make me a better writer?