New writers often want to over-explain in their prose, but part of good writing is trusting the reader to make their own interpretations and to get the story without all the background that lives in the writer’s head. This episode is about some of the ways you can revise to trust your reader more.

Maybe you’ve heard the writing adage “Show; don’t tell.” But what does that really mean? And do you have to show 100% of the time? Today’s episode covers these techniques: what they are and when to use each kind of writing. Have a listen so you can show and tell and know which is appropriate.… Read More »Episode 16: Show vs. Tell and Critiques

Sometimes in writing and podcasting, you just have to roll with the punches… so there won’t be another episode for December. But I’m excited for what 2022 has in store. Let’s Start Writing will be back in your podcast player the first week of January! Happy holidays! Connie

Woohoo, my planner for writers, The Messy Author Planner, is now updated for 2022. Also, there’s an undated version. Wanna see some interior pics? And in its honor, today I’m talking good holiday gifts for writers. Give these to a writer buddy or ask someone to get you these for yourself. Some links to items… Read More »Episode 15: Holiday Gifts for Writers

Just finished a draft? It might be tempting to dive right into revisions, but I encourage you to let the draft sit for a while before rereading it. Have a listen to understand why this waiting period is helpful and learn some other tricks to get distance from your manuscript.

In the last episode of the National Novel Writing Month series for 2021, I discuss what happens plot-wise in the third act. You’ve turned the final major corner. Now you’re gearing up for the climactic scene. Ride that momentum to end of your story. Story Structure Books (Links are affiliate links.) Save the Cat Save… Read More »Episode 13: Act 3 of a novel

I wanted to include this bonus mini-episode, especially for those who’ve tried National Novel Writing Month this year and realized that 50,000 words weren’t going to happen this November. You are in good company. I’ve been there too! In fact, I’ve never found November a month in which it was possible to write so much… Read More »Episode 12: For those who’ve stopped NaNoWriMo

This is week three of National Novel Writing Month, so this week’s episode of Let’s Start Writing is about what happens plot-wise the third quarter of a novel, or Act 2 Part 2. Story Structure Books (Links are affiliate links.) Save the Cat Save the Cat Writes a Novel Structuring Your Novel Outlining Your Novel

This week, if you’re writing along in National Novel Writing Month, you may be hitting the first part of Act 2 in your story. Have a listen to see what happens plot-wise for this quarter of a story. Story Structure Books (Links are affiliate links.) Save the Cat Save the Cat Writes a Novel Structuring… Read More »Episode 10: Act 2 Part One

If you’re writing along in National Novel Writing month, this week you’ll be crafting your Act One, a.k.a. the first quarter of your story. Listen to today’s episode to go over what needs to happen in that first act. Story Structure Books (Links are affiliate links.) Save the Cat Save the Cat Writes a Novel… Read More »Episode 9: Act one of a novel