Anyone Can Write! ✒

To all aspiring writers: Have you always dreamed of writing a book but aren't sure where to start? Do you know there's a story or message inside you, if you only had the tools to uncover it? Do you want to be an author but doubt whether you're talented, educated, or qualified enough?Anyone can write a …

The 4 Mistakes Your Editor Can’t Fix in Your Romance Novel

As some of you know, in addition to writing, reviewing, and publishing many novels, I am also a certified editor with over five years’ industry experience editing for small publishing houses and indie authors alike. Oftentimes, I’m asked about the most common, frustrating or egregious mistakes I come across while editing novels, particularly romances, since …

Why Prophecy is the laziest literary device

I'll never forget waiting three years between releases of the fourth and fifth Harry Potter novels. Rumor had it, we were finally going to find out WHY the evil Lord Voldemort had tried to kill innocent Harry as a baby. That was the crux of the whole series, wasn't it? The morning of Order of the …

Mailbag: Suggestions for writing action scenes

I recently received this email from fellow Michigan writer, Jaclyn E. Dunlop. She had a very good question: Jaclyn's Email: Hey. Do you have any suggestions on how to write a combat scene? ...My main character is fighting a dragon to prove her worth, and I'm not sure how to go about it. C.K.'s Response:The …

My Story: Part 2 (Happily Ever After)

Did you miss my Once Upon a Time? Read Part 1. The Plot Thickens... Had I known what I was getting myself into when I began writing The Duchess Quest, I would've been too horrified to even try! (I suppose the same can be said of childbirth.) Therefore, I am grateful for my ignorance at the time! …

My Story: Part 1 (Once Upon A Time…)

I don't generally get too personal online, and I try to keep my posts about my or other people's books, rather than about myself. However, I've read some inspiring stories by other authors brave enough to speak of their writing and publication journeys, and thought perhaps it was time to share my own. In two …