New at Just Can’t Help Writing: I share my temptation
to “illogicize”my plots. What’s yours?
Category: novels
AGAINST OUTLINES IN PLOTTING YOUR BOOK!
Well, only somewhat against. But you lose a lot when you plan your novel right down to the last scene! See if you agree!
New Post at Just Can’t Help Writing: What is “Voice”?
“Voice” can keep me reading your book even if I balk at plot glitches. But what is “voice”? Can I define it? Can anyone? I share what “voice” in a writer’s work feels like to me!
Let me know what “voice” means to you!
New Cover Draft for King of the Roses!
I need a bolder look for thumbnails. Tell me what you think! 
BATTLE IS LOST: Welcome to “Singular They”!
A sad day for grammar purists: The Washington Post will allow “singular they”!
Can I use “they”?New Works-in-Progress Page at Just Can’t Help Writing!
Check out first chapters and pitches for books I’m working on. I’d love feedback and swaps for beta reads!
JUST NOW AT JUST CAN’T HELP WRITING: Conflict, Not Crisis
If you know who she is, you’ll care!Crisis on the first page is overrated.
Start novels with conflict and character.
Today at Just Can’t Help Writing! Build Character with Stage Business!
Make your “props” talk
! Every “sip of coffee” can pass on news to your readers about who your characters are and what conflicts they face!
Should Indie Writers WANT Two-Star Reviews?
New at Just Can’t Help Writing: I argue that something’s lost when people refrain from writing negative reviews for fear of hurting authors’ feelings. What do you think?
TODAY AT JUST CAN’T HELP WRITING: CHECK OUT THIS POST ON CADENCE AND BEATS IN YOUR WRITING!
Writers in the Storm features guest blogger Margie Lawson‘s excellent discussion of how to use rhythm and cadence to enhance the flow of your prose. I provide some additional resources and links to my earlier posts on Novel First Lines and punctuation. Let me know what rhetorical devices you use! http://tinyurl.com/pq7bjkd