Writing Is Like Going to the Gym: Why It Gets Harder, Not Easier—and What to Do About It

When you start going to the gym, it’s hard. Your muscles ache. You’re not in the habit, so every visit feels like a chore. But then—suddenly—it starts to click. You feel stronger. You might even look a little better in the mirror. The early “easy gains” roll in. You get hooked. And then? It getsContinue reading "Writing Is Like Going to the Gym: Why It Gets Harder, Not Easier—and What to Do About It"

The Struggle of Long-Form Writing: How to Overcome Midway Meltdowns

Earlier this year, I found myself hitting a wall with my longer writing projects. I don't mean my novels here, I'm referring to the longer short story, novelette territory. The same issue kept cropping up: I'd get to about 7,000 words, and then... poof. The excitement fizzled out, and my story would lose its spark.Continue reading "The Struggle of Long-Form Writing: How to Overcome Midway Meltdowns"

The Power of Words Inside Your Brain

Sometimes I find it hard to get started. Ironically, this happens most when I have too much time to write. You’d think a wide-open afternoon or a quiet weekend would be ideal—a golden opportunity to sink into the novel, churn out a short story, or finally respond to one of those tempting calls for flashContinue reading "The Power of Words Inside Your Brain"

Mastering Dialogue: Dos and Don’ts

Writing dialogue can be one of the most challenging aspects of storytelling. Well-crafted dialogue brings characters to life, advances the plot, and engages readers. Poor dialogue drags, bores, disconnects your reader from your character and derails your reader's experience. To help you master the art of dialogue, here are some dos and don’ts I haveContinue reading "Mastering Dialogue: Dos and Don’ts"

The Hidden Ground: Layers of Meaning in Storytelling

When I paint, I begin with a ground—a foundational layer brushed across the canvas to prepare the surface. Sometimes it’s a neutral tone, sometimes a subtle color. You don’t see it in the final image, not exactly. But it’s there, affecting everything laid on top. A cool blue ground makes the warm tones above itContinue reading "The Hidden Ground: Layers of Meaning in Storytelling"

How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks

Editing, is actually one of my favorite parts of writing. It’s where your rough draft is polished into something professional, compelling, and clear. But what is the best way to optimize your editing time? I've come to an approach through trial and error, and I hope these tips and tricks will help you refine yourContinue reading "How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks"

Open House: On Strangers, Judgment, and the Writer’s Unease

Today, strangers are walking through my house. They are peering into closets, glancing at the scuff marks on the stairs, maybe silently judging my taste in rugs or the fact that I’ve never fixed that one crooked cabinet door. I’m not there to see it—I’ve been banished to a local café by my realtor, likeContinue reading "Open House: On Strangers, Judgment, and the Writer’s Unease"

Keep the Habit: Why Writers Must Keep Writing (Even in the Gaps)

One of the biggest dangers for a writer isn’t failure—it’s silence. Life has a way of crowding out creativity. Maybe it’s a high-pressure job, a move, a tough parenting stretch, or the illusion that you’ll "get back to it when things calm down." But here’s the truth: if you stop writing, the skills begin toContinue reading "Keep the Habit: Why Writers Must Keep Writing (Even in the Gaps)"

How to Pitch Non-Fiction to SFWA, BSFA Focus Magazine, and Other Speculative Fiction Venues

A couple of people have asked me to write up some advice on this, so I thought 'Why not!'.... When we think about writing for the speculative fiction community, we often think of short stories, novels, and poetry — the imaginative worlds that readers escape into. But non-fiction is just as vital to the field,Continue reading "How to Pitch Non-Fiction to SFWA, BSFA Focus Magazine, and Other Speculative Fiction Venues"