Favorite Christmas Stories for Families
What was your favorite Christmas gift you received when you were a kid? Mine was the entire set of the Chronicles of Narnia. For me, the highlight of the gift exchange was always books. In true bookworm fashion, I loved … Continued
Christmas Card Alternatives for Writers
I’ve written some controversial posts before, but I have to admit–this one makes me nervous. I just want to preface today’s post by saying, no, I’m not a Grinch. If you want to send me a card, I’m super-thrilled I … Continued
NaNoWriMo: The Finish Line
Huzzah, you made it! Here we are on November 30th, ready to ring in December and wave so-long to another NaNoWriMo. I hope this month was more than you hoped it would be. I didn’t get to 50k, but this … Continued
NaNoWriMo: Post-Thanksgiving Slump
Every year, Mr. Smith wonders why NaNoWriMo is in November. “It’s the busiest month!” he gently grumbles. I remind him that all our months are busy, but I know what he means. It does seem like every week in November … Continued
NaNoWriMo: 3 Powerful Habits to Keep You Focused
Oh, November! It’s such a wonderful but horrifically busy month. No normal routine will suffice. To navigate November, we need powerful habits! Of course, there’s NaNoWriMo and the holidays. On top of that, there’s the daylight savings time change, which … Continued
NaNoWriMo: When It Feels Like Your Writing’s No Good…
We’re well into NaNoWriMo, and the emotions are doing what they do — shooting us high and dropping us low! For me, it’s never a wall of doubt. Rather, the creeping suspicions start gradually, a little like a walk through … Continued
NaNoWriMo: How to Procrastinate When You Should be Writing
Happy, happy NaNoWriMo!! I hope you’re off to a great start, burning up the keyboard with your plot map, creating a colorful cast of characters, putting all that research to good use. But if you’re slowing down, dreading the blinking … Continued
Preptober: Map Your Plot
Map your plot! Confession: When talking shop with another writer, if they tell me they don’t plot their novels, my heart sinks. It’s not because I’m a novel snob. (But, I mean, aren’t we all?) It’s because I’ve read too … Continued
Preptober: Create a Cast of Characters
Think of your favorite story. Have it in your head? What makes it your favorite? Chances are, it’s the cast of characters. Whether you side with the hero or the villain–or even the winning sidekick–the characters make a story come … Continued
Preptober: Research Your Novel
Bittersweet! It’s finally cooled off a little here in our part of the world. From eighties to this morning’s mid-forties, we have weather whiplash at the Smith Creative Headquarters. But no matter how balmy or breezy, it’s still Preptober! And … Continued