My Courses

Craft of Writing: Replace Fuzzy WordsHere’s some advice: “To really improve your writing, your words should be very specific and read maybe something like what you’d find in a story that’s not so loosely written.” Huh? The problem with the advice is it’s riddled with fuzzy words – or words that aren’t precise. READ MORE The…

Craft of Writing: Murder Your DarlingsTo engage your readers – whether writing fiction or nonfiction – you’ll need to be utterly ruthless with your own words. In short, you’ll need to “murder your darlings.” READ MORE “7 Minutes a Day…” Series Now on Audiobook!Need to fill up some driving time or need something to listen to when…

Craft of Writing: Erase Subjective TensionSometimes when selecting which word to use, our aim is off. Usually, this can be resolved simply by thinking a little bit more about exactly what is meant and then changing that word. When our aim is off on more than a word but a whole passages of text, writers commit…

Craft of Writing: Avoid Clever-Author SyndromeWhen we’ve mastered some skill – say ball handling in basketball – we often like to show off. So when we’re on the sidewalk with the neighbor kids, we’ll spin the ball on a finger or perform some gravity-defying dribbling trick. While showing off may earn you points as a kid,…

Craft of Writing: Aim for Best Word ChoiceIn any story you tell, your choice of words matters. Selecting the wrong word can lead to a number of problems that quickly turns off the reader to your writing. Poor word choice results in three general issues: clarity, vagueness and awkwardness. READ MORE Storytelling 101 Quick Read Series ReleasedYou’re…

Craft of Writing: Identify Elements of Good DictionThe most interesting character facing a significant moral decision in a fast-paced plot and exotic setting will appear bland if the words used are wrong. The vocabulary choices and ways they are arranged to create a sense of style is known as diction. READ MORE Free Writing, Self-Publishing,…

Craft of Writing: Recognize Mood and ToneTwo ideas closely related to voice are mood and tone. What’s the difference between voice, mood and tone, and how will knowing this make you a better writing? READ MORE Marketing Tip: How to Sell Your Book with Amazon AdsMost indie authors are nervous about buying ads for their books and for good…

Craft of Writing: Develop a Sense of VoiceAll authors who master their craft write in a certain style or “voice.” So how can you do that in your writing? READ MORE Marketing Tips: How to Build Your Author’s WebsiteYou need a website if you’re a serious author. A website is the hub where readers can…

Craft of Writing: What is “The Craft of Writing”?In comedy, delivery is just as important as the words of the joke. Arguably, it’s a good portion of what makes the joke funny. Likewise with storytelling, craft is as important as the plot or characters. For 2026, each issue of our newsletter will explore how to…

Plotting Your Book: Your Story Isn’t Its Plot or StructureWhen discussing fiction, sometimes the terms “story” and “structure” are used interchangeably with “plot.” But a story is not a plot or the story’ structure. While this misuse of terminology may seem trifling, it unfortunately mangles many beginning writers’ conception of what plot is, ultimately harming their…