Hello Executive Dysfunction, My Old Friend

March 27th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  5 mins 41 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, executive dysfunction, writers, writing, writing tips

Hi, my name is Morgan and I have executive dysfunction. What is executive dysfunction, what does it look like for me, and how do I manage it?

NOTE: This episode was recorded before I sought an ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Sometimes, all the coping mechanisms in the world can't help.

Tips and Tricks To Fix Word Count Issues

March 20th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  13 mins 7 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Each type of book has its own expected word count. From chick-lit to epic fantasy, from picture books, to middle-grade to adult, it’s often easier to find traction with agents, publishers, and even readers when your story length meets expectations.
What do you do when your story is WAY too short -- or too long?

Choices To Make With Beta Readers

March 13th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  11 mins 15 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

After you’ve written your manuscript and gone over it at least once, it’s usually time to ship it out to some beta-readers, to get an outside perspective. But -- how do you find and pick the right beta readers?

The 10 Types of Queriers: In The Query Trenches

March 6th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  8 mins 41 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, querying, writers, writing, writing tips

For those writers trying to get traditionally published, there are about 10 general approaches, and some are better than others. Which are you?

Top 11 Ways NOT To Respond To Feedback

February 27th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  9 mins 36 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

There are writers who take feedback well, but there are plenty who don’t. Try not to make these mistakes.
Feel your feels, but control your behavior.

5 Tips For Making Write-Ins Work For You

February 20th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  7 mins 22 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

I don’t know how your write-ins work, but these are the guidelines I follow, to get the most out of any write-in — virtual or not.

Romance In Genre Fiction

February 13th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  12 mins 18 secs

balticon, beta-reading, books, critique, romance, writers, writing, writing tips

In Romances, the romance is the point of the story. In genre fiction: the intrigue, the adventure, the mystery is the point, and the main character’s relationships are often what makes the victory possible — be they romantic or otherwise. How do you get the balance right?

Facing Feedback Backwards

February 6th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  4 mins 38 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

After you’ve sent out your writing out, there comes a day when you have to deal with the feedback. Most writers start with the big fixes, because there's no need to fix the line edits if you're not keeping that chapter. Is there?

Fighting Impostor Syndrome

January 30th, 2023  |  Season 6  |  13 mins 6 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Impostor syndrome. Most of us have experienced it. Some of us live with it. Here are some ways to confront it, head on!

When Writing -- Small Changes Can Fix Big Issues!

January 23rd, 2023  |  Season 6  |  5 mins 5 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Have you ever gotten feedback from someone who you respect, saying they hated your work? They liked the idea, but think you should have done it a completely different way?

Sometimes, the fix is smaller than it sounds like.