Self-publishing vs traditional publishing: which is better for your first book?
So you’ve finally finished your manuscript – congratulations – that’s already a huge achievement! Now you’re staring at the big question: should you go the traditional publishing route or take the self publishing plunge? I get asked this question all the time in my writing coach sessions, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your goals, your budget, your timeline, and your tolerance for uncertainty and hard work.
Why creative writing should be in every school curriculum
Creative writing is not just some “nice-to-have” elective that gets cut when budgets tighten. Creative writing should be as fundamental to education as math and science.
How self-publishing empowers writers (and what you need to know to succeed)
There has never been a better time to be a writer, especially a self-published one. Gone are the days when your only path to becoming a published author involved years of rejection letters, hunting for literary agents, and hoping a traditional publisher would take a chance on your work.
How to navigate the process and realities of finding a literary agent
Finding a literary agent requires patience, strategic thinking, and thick skin. The process can feel arbitrary and unfair, and honestly, sometimes it is. But understanding how it works gives you the best possible chance of success.
Why research is important even for fiction writers
Research isn’t just for non-fiction writers. Even fantasy and science fiction, genres that seem to have complete creative freedom, rely heavily on research to create believable worlds.
Balancing screen time and writing time: tips for busy parents
Finding balance doesn’t mean eliminating screens entirely or feeling guilty every time your child picks up a tablet. It’s about creating intentional space for other activities: especially creative writing: that can be just as engaging and far more beneficial for their developing minds.
Finished your first draft? Why you’re not yet ready to publish.
You’ve just typed those magical words: “The End” on your manuscript. The relief is palpable, the champagne is chilled, and you’re already mentally crafting your author bio. But hold on there, future bestselling novelist. Before you start querying agents or researching self publishing platforms, let’s have an honest conversation about whether your manuscript is truly ready to meet the world.
New writer? What genre are you writing?
Genre can feel like a mysterious box you’re supposed to fit your story into. But think about it like a helpful roadmap that tells readers what kind of journey they’re about to embark on.
Why reading fiction is beneficial for both children and adults
Research shows that reading fiction rewires your brain in ways that make you smarter, more empathetic, and better at navigating life. The research on this stuff is genuinely fascinating, and the practical benefits go way beyond what most people realize.
What is an author platform and how to build one
An author platform is your ability to reach and sell books to people because of who you are or who you can reach. It’s not just about having a fancy website or thousands of Instagram followers: it’s about building genuine connections with readers who actually care about your work.
Why parents should embrace their child’s weird story ideas
Research shows that when children craft their own narratives, no matter how unconventional, they encounter situations that demand unique vocabulary, sentence structures, and creative problem-solving.
Want to Self-Publish Your Book? Here’s Why You Need an Editor
When you’ve poured your heart into your manuscript, spent months (maybe years) crafting every scene, the idea of handing it over to someone else for critique feels terrifying. But every writer needs to accept this: you cannot effectively edit your own work. I don’t care how many writing courses you’ve taken or how many books you’ve read: you’re too close to your own story to see its problems clearly.
Debunking the “Natural Talent” Myth Aspiring Writers Believe
The “natural talent” myth is probably the biggest load of nonsense holding back aspiring writers today. Researchers have been studying this for decades, and the evidence is crystal clear: talent is developed, not inborn.
How to Support Your Young Author: Practical Steps for Parents
Supporting a young writer isn’t about becoming their editor-in-chief or their biggest critic. It’s about creating space for their creativity to flourish while giving them the tools and confidence they need to keep going. And trust me, there will be moments when they need that encouragement.
Why Working with a Writing Coach Beats Going It Alone
You don’t have to struggle and navigate the writing and publishing journey by yourself. Working with a writing coach can transform your writing experience from a lonely struggle into a guided, strategic path toward publication.
Writing a Novel: Should You Outline First?
The age-old question that splits the novel writing community right down the middle. Should you meticulously plan every chapter, scene, and character arc before you write word one? Or should you dive in headfirst and let the story unfold naturally as you go?
5 Common Creative Writing Mistakes Parents Make
As a parent, you want to nurture your child’s creative writing spark. You celebrate their stories, encourage their imagination, and maybe even dream of them becoming the next great author.
Writing Stories with Plot Twists That Readers Don’t See Coming
You know that feeling when you’re reading a book and BAM, the twist hits you like a freight train? Your jaw drops, you flip back through pages thinking “How did I miss that?” and you immediately want to tell everyone about it. That’s the magic we’re chasing as writers. The plot twist that feels both completely shocking and utterly inevitable once it’s revealed.
The 7 Biggest Creativity Myths That Parents Believe
As a parent, you want to support your child’s interests and talents. If your child shows musical talents, you get them a music tutor. But when it comes to creative writing, many well-meaning parents get stuck believing myths that actually hold their kids back. These misconceptions can prevent you from recognizing your child’s potential or […]
How to Turn Everyday Chaos Into Compelling Stories
Imagine seeing all these writers sharing their amazing life experiences, and you’re thinking, “My life is just ordinary chaos. Who wants to read about my commute disasters or my kid’s meltdown at the grocery store?”