Writing tip #35: Does each of your scenes advance the plot, develop the character(s), illustrate your theme or help contribute to suspense? How can you make it do double or triple duty?

Writing tip #34: Even when you’re not feeling the muse, get something on page EVERYDAY.

Writing tip #33: Do you know what your beloved character just would not do? What happens when she does it?

Writing Tip # 32: It isn’t what you, the writer. wants to tell your readers (all that juicy backstory and details floating through your head)….IT’S what the character desperately wants the reader to know.

Writing tip 31: If you are not happy with a scene, figure out why. Does it drive the story forward and/or deepen the character?

Writing tip #30: Be on intimate footing with the elements which create the heart of your story for this is your ‘Throughline’ and it shall run quietly through every page and push your characters out of the dark middle woods and into the light of resolution.

Writing tip #29: Remember (like in the real world) – it isn’t always what is right in front of the reader which rivets attention but what can be read between the lines.

Writing tip #28: It’s good to keep the reader guessing. However, don’t make him/her kin to Sherlock Holmes on his best day- in other words, don’t be stingy with the clues. AND remember all the answers shouldn’t be dumped in one massive pile at the end.

Writing tip #27: Implement the good things you pick up about your craft before the information transforms to dandelion fluff.

Writing tip #26: Finish what you start. Practically every writer gets to the muddle of their WIP (work in progress). Remember what originally excited you about the project and work through it.

Writing tip #25: Make the details in your setting count. Not only should it clue the reader into where he/she is but how it impacts the POV character. And remember, there is more in the sensory toolbox than what the character would see.

Writing tip #24: Part of the ride for the reader is to live vicariously through your characters.So learn to ETAC after a serious thwarted goal knocked the wind out of your POV character. What is his/her reaction (E – emotion and T – first thought)? What can he/she do (A-action)? And what is his/her decision (C – choice)? Then immediately go back to GOS (Goal-Obstacle-Situation).

Writing tip #23: Learn to GOS a scene. In other words, do you know what your POV character wants most desperately in the scene (G – goal)? What’s keeping him or her from it (O – obstacle)? And what is the consequence is (S – setback)? And now the bonus kicker question — Is your reader able to pick all that up simply reading your scene?

Writing tip #22: Look up and explore new places. Get out of your comfort zone and research not only on the internet but with the experts.

Writing tip 21: Read what you’ve written aloud. Is there inflection? Rhythm? Flow?

Writing tip 20: Technology is wonderful to leverage. Have pen and paper or a smart phone when you’re out and about and the muse hits. But remember — butt glue (fanny in seat) is key to consistent writing.

Writing tip #19: Keep a dream journal or daydream a scene. a character, your world or dream how it’ll feel when you’ve become the successful writer you want. Writing is in the business of dream it – it may come.

Writing tip #18: Having a bad writing day? Well, was there something new you wanted to explore? Remember writing is fun It is the ultimate pretend playtime an adult can have outside of romping with a pack of kindergarteners — just keep filling that play pail.

Writing tip #17: If you don’t have a deadline, consider making one And don’t be afraid to get your writer friends to keep you honest. It’s one of the ways writing budz can help.

Writing tip #16: Tension is what keeps readers turning the page so make every scene contain somebody’s thwarted desire – external or internal. This also is the key to allow your reader to truly experience the caliber of your characters.

Writing tip #15: Trust in your storytelling abilities particularly when the anti-muse whispers you are wasting your time. Write anyway, Continue to learn your craft and keep writing.

Writing tip #14: Your protagonist must be bigger than life. Readers connect with a sympathetic character and these characters can allow a reader to live vicariously through them allowing the reader to experience things he or she would never do. Write big. You can always scale back during the revision.

Writing tip #13: The world needs storytellers and storytellers should know many tales. Remember to read — first for the ride and then the critique.

Writing tip #12: Don’t limit your creative process. For example, if you can’t “see” a scene try story boarding it or play act it out.

Writing tip #11: Having difficulty starting your writing day? Set a timer for 120 seconds, bring up a blank page and type anything…even random letters. Only rule – don’t stop or go back to correct on this exercise.

Writing tip #10 – Play the “what-if” game often. Think of at least 10 different options of what could happen within a story-line and be prepared — the last what-if, many times, will be the one you want.

Writing tip #9: Be brave and bear your soul on the page. After all, what reader hasn’t gotten the willies, or became teary-eyed or angry or laughed out loud when reading a good book? Have you experienced any of that when you’ve written? If not, is it because you’re afraid to let go?

Writing tip #8: It is your duty to be a troublemaker for your character. Yes, be a problem-solver and then be an even bigger troublemaker. After you get in the swing of it, it’s actually sort of fun.

Writing tip #7: Give yourself permission to not be perfect in your writings. Instead just get it all on paper (physical, electronic, it doesn’t matter). Worry about revisions after.

Writing tip #6: Interact with your imaginary friends aka your characters. Do you know their top 3 strengths and weaknesses? Will your other characters corroborate with you or do they have a differing opinion?

Writing Tip #5: The top three most important things to do is write, write and write! Carve out at least 15 minutes a day to do these three most important things.

Writing tip #4 Your muse is your friend. Feed her often with all sorts of thoughts and ideas — she will spin you something amazing.

Writing tip #3 — At the end of your writing day, give yourself a loose end, a deliberate unfinished place to be an easy diving spot to plunge back into your “other world.”

Writing tip #2 – When the muse starts whispering – jot down everything she says – of course, some things you won’t be able to use (at least currently) BUT other things will be pure genius.

Writing tip #1 — To truly know one’s heroes, one must know the villains.