In this episode, I discuss something that plagues us all every one in a while: doubt.

I chat with Nikki Stafinski, author of Chasing Shadows. In a Getting Publish first, Nikki reads an excerpt from her novel. Then we have a great chat about her book, revisions, agent queries, NaNoWrimo and so much more.

You can find out more about Nikki on her website:

http://nikkistafinski.wixsite.com/nikki-stafinski

Be sure to check out her debut novel, Chasing Shadows:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N52K3SC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

And become a fan of her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/authorNikkiStafinski/

Have comments or questions about this or any episode? Send that feedback my way!

[email protected]

Did I jump into my revision too soon? A recent email has me thinking a lot about structure and asking the hard questions about my novel. In this episode I talk about different approaches to novel structure, and reflect on how my story is stacking up.

4 Story Structures That Dominate Novels:

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/write-first-chapter-get-started/4-story-structures-that-dominate-novels

Three Act Formula:

http://www.nownovel.com/blog/three-act-formula-novels/

Send me feedback!

[email protected]

We've all been overloaded with the "rules" that writers shouldn't break, or the "mistakes" that will tip you off as an amateur. But how important are they really? Editing a manuscript I wrote as a much younger writer, I've had to address a lot of these faux-pas and make a lot of decisions. In this episode, I discuss some of the most prominent "rules" that writers have been breaking for centuries to varying degrees of success.

What rules do you disagree with? Let me know!

[email protected]

Despite our best intentions, sometimes life gets in the way. I talk about how a monster cold halted my progress over the last week, and some tips I've come across for keeping your writing habit alive when you're under the weather.

I also share some exciting news!

Those helpful blogposts I mentioned:

http://www.jamierubin.net/2013/08/04/writing-while-sick/

http://www.theprocrastiwriter.com/10-quick-tips-writing-sick/

https://nevalalee.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/writing-while-sick-2/

http://www.lucyflint.com/blog-1/work-when-yr-sick

And as always, my email address:

[email protected]

This episode is part 3 of my Revision Series.

We're always told to shut out our inner editor so we can get the words down, but what happens when we need it to come back? I discuss everything I've learned while editing the first chapter (especially the first paragraph) of my novel.

You can email me at: [email protected]

Having finally (pretty much) read through the first draft; I discuss character voice, viewpoint and tense; all important things to address before tackling the revision.

Happy New Year! This is the first episode in a "series" about my first novel revision. I talk about my initial reactions to the manuscript I'm planning to edit, as well as how to keep motivation up in order to get through this daunting task.

Aeon Timeline, the timeline software I mention:

https://www.aeontimeline.com

An article discussing the Mandela Effect and the movie that supposedly never was:

http://www.newstatesman.com/science-tech/internet/2016/12/movie-doesn-t-exist-and-redditors-who-think-it-does

And of course, my email so you can send me your feedback:

[email protected]

I talk about everything genre means to me at this stage in my writing career. From choosing genre, to genre stigmas, to my various attempts (and failures) at writing in the genres I love to read; I tackle this broad topic for the first time and offer the little advice I have.

Comments and Questions about the show are greatly appreciated!

[email protected]

I discuss the various projects on my plate and how uncertainty about which I should tackle next has left my in a bit of a writing slump. Then I examine the importance of reading to aspiring writers, and why keeping up the habit has always been a struggle for me.