If you've ever looked for editing services and found the whole thing confusing, you are not the problem. The industry is stupid, not you. Editing services make zero sense. Zippo. Zilch. If you're confused about what type of book editing you need (or might need in the future), I'm not surprised. Read more…

I am so over New Year’s resolutions. I know we’re barely a week into 2021, but I already firmly think New Year’s writing goals can go suck themselves. Instead, I’m here to say let your writing goals be small. You don’t need to write a billion words today. Read more…

People working on their first book often ask, "When should I hire an editor?" Here's the answer: Hire an editor when you've finished your book and made it as good as possible on your own. If you haven't finished your book yet and are struggling to get to The End, you're not ready for an editor, but do not fear! A book coach could help. Read more…

Did you there’s such thing as Small Business Saturday? I knew about Black Friday (as did my bank account). I’d heard of Cyber Monday. But I just discovered Small Business Saturday, where, you guessed it, small businesses give you something great. Guess what! I am a small business! And I have something awesome that will help keep your writing dreams alive. Read more…

What is a book coach? A book coach is a professional editor, book outliner, project manager, emotional support puppy, cheerleader, kind-but-honest critique partner, and publishing guide—with a dash of life coaching and utterly unqualified therapy thrown in for good measure. In this post, I’ll describe what a book coach does to make this happen, and how they work with writers. Read more…

Do you wonder what it’s like to write, finish, and publish a book? Today, we have an interview with author S. M. Kelly, who just released the hilarious and thought-provoking memoir, Here’s Your Pill, Kitten! She’s telling us what the writing process was really like and sharing some tips for anyone who wants to write a memoir. Read more…

Everyone should be able to share their story. Whether you write for yourself, for your family, or for the world, you can get immense joy and fulfillment from writing about your life. Everyone should be able to experience that. But traditionally, the publishing industry has truly sucked at supporting writers who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ people. It’s not okay. Read more…

This summer, I wrote, swam, edited, paddle boarded, coached writers, ate, edited, wrote, and ate lots more. I drank beer, margaritas, gin, wine, and I think a Smirnoff Ice slipped in there somewhere. I splurged on variety, in work, and in life. And I became inspired. Variety fuels inspiration, which ignites great writing. How will you add variety to your writing life? Read more…

As a big ol' word nerd, I turn to books to learn about important issues. I've found some good lists of books to learn about racism and help me become a more vocal anti-racist. I'm sharing them with you in this post. Read more…

Today I’m asking for your podcast recommendations and giving you the lowdown on MY favorite podcasts! They run the gamut across business, writing, cooking, Harry Potter, The Office, DIY, and feminism. I hope you’ll find something to inspire your writing, reignite your creativity, or whatever else you need during lockdown life and beyond. Read more…

Have you ever wondered how to publish an audiobook? Or if it’s even possible to self-publish audiobooks? Do you hold secret dreams of narrating your own audiobook one day? (I do!) Maybe you’re wondering how to record high-quality audio to appear on podcasts and promote your book. Well, good news. I’ve found the perfect book for you! It’s Audio for Authors by Joanna Penn. Here’s what you need to know. Read more…

Are you sitting comfortably? I want to tell you a story about Penny, who found a way to finally get the words flowing on her book. She learned that it doesn't matter how long you've been stuck—one lightbulb moment can get you moving. Here’s her story…. Read more…

When I talk to people about what the best writing software is, I always get the same question. “What is Scrivener and should I use it?” Scrivener is, in my opinion, the best software for planning, organizing, and writing a book, and yes, you should use it—but only if you’ve already written a lot of words. Read on to find out why Scrivener is such a good writing tool and why I have such a strong caveat to recommending it. Read more…

Today, a woman asked me, “What’s the best writing software to write my book?” She’s not alone in wondering about what to use to write a book. I get asked this question a lot. So, here’s the answer: The best writing software is the one you’re already comfortable with. Read on for what this means, and why it ISN’T a lame answer! Read more…

Want to start writing a memoir but not sure where to start? I’ve got your back! Here are three tips to help you finally start writing your memoir without feeling overwhelmed or confused. Read more…

Feeling like crap? Bored out of your big, beautiful brain? Run so ragged you can't remember what it feels like to just do something you enjoy? Me too. But a good book is really helping. If you're in need of a recommended read to give you an escape, some perspective, or excitement, here are my favorite memoir books. Read more…

When the world is in crisis, it makes me reexamine what's really important. This week, stuck at home, I've been thinking about whether stories matter in times of crisis. And I’ve had a few realizations about this and my life as a book coach. Read more…

What do you do when life, concussions, pandemics, homeschooling kiddos, lousy work-from-home "solutions," and toilet paper hoarding gets in the way of your writing goals, business, or other life dreams? Here are the lessons I learned from my little vacay in Concussion-Ville (yes, I smacked my head), which I'm applying to the extended staycation on Corona Island. Read more…

If you think your writing isn’t good enough to write a book, if you’re worried you don’t have good enough grammar, or if you’re not a real writer, listen up. Because your writing doesn’t have to be as good as you think to write a great book. Seriously. Here’s why. Read more…