There is a particular kind of frustration that comes with writing a book: when you know something isn’t working, but you can’t quite figure out what. Maybe your novel has started to drag, but you aren’t sure whether the problem is the pacing, the plot, or something deeper. Maybe you have a character who feels flat despite everything you’ve tried. Maybe you’ve received conflicting feedback from beta readers and have no idea which suggestions to follow. Or maybe you’ve finished

If you’re new to fiction writing, “scene structure” can sound technical—or even intimidating. In reality, it’s much simpler than it seems. At its core, a scene is just this: a character wants something, runs into a problem, and something changes. That’s it. When scenes feel boring, confusing, or slow, it’s usually because one of those pieces is missing. The good news is that once you understand the basic building blocks, you can fix most scene issues quickly and with confiden

Narrative tense might sound like a small detail, but it’s one of the elements of writing that helps your story make sense . It tells readers when the action is happening—past, present, or future—and keeps them grounded in your story’s timeline. When your tense shifts without warning, it can confuse readers or make your writing feel choppy. Every writer struggles with tense consistency at some point, but it's something every writer can master with a little practice and awaren

Hiring a professional editor is an important part of the publishing process, but before you hand your manuscript over, some necessary groundwork should be completed. By preparing your manuscript properly, authors ensure the editing process is efficient, cost-effective, and productive. Here are some critical steps to consider before sending your work to an editor. (These come from my own experience working with debut authors and writers who are new to self-publishing.) 1. Self

One of the biggest challenges some authors face is knowing when they’ve reached the end of their book. The process of wrapping up a book requires careful consideration of the narrative's structure, character arcs, and overall goals. Ask any author how they decided where and how to end their book, and you'll receive many different answers. Some authors know "the end" right from the beginning and plot their story backward. Some "pants" their way through and stop where it feels

Have you ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of your own writing? Do your characters often run away with the plot? Are you staring...

Goal-setting is an important part of any new undertaking and can have a profound effect on productivity. If you’ve ever found yourself...

(Aka editors are human, too!) A book editor on professional online interactions In today's digital age, our interactions increasingly happen behind screens. Whether it's chatting with friends, attending virtual meetings, or working with professionals, the internet connects us in creative ways more than any other time in modern history. However, it's essential to remember that behind every email, comment, or feedback note from an editor, there's a real person. Yes, book edito