How do I set the stakes in my story?

How do I set the stakes in my story?

My friend Erynn recently emailed me this question. “I’ve submitted to The Company’s critique group a few times and one of your comments kind of stuck with me. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind giving me a little writing advice? You mentioned...
It’s ok to just write.

It’s ok to just write.

I have a startling message for you. You can just write. You don’t have to want to publish or build a platform. You’re allowed to just enjoy the art form and express yourself. I own a meat smoker and I love it. During the warmer months, most weekends you’ll find me...
How to eliminate profanity from your writing

How to eliminate profanity from your writing

So you don’t want to use profanity in your writing? I understand, and that may be an admirable goal. But it also means you have a really big problem. In real life, people use profanity. You are putting a rule around your writing that will almost always diverge your...