Tag Archives: professionaldevelopment

‘We remember not the art but the impact’ – advice for fiction writers from Donald Maass

How many of you own or have read The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass? Today I’m interested in these ideas: “How many novels have moved you to tears, rage, and a resolution to live differently? How many have left a permanent mark, branding you with a story that you will never forget? TheContinue reading “‘We remember not the art but the impact’ – advice for fiction writers from Donald Maass”

Should Your Main Character Be Likeable? Insights from K. M. Weiland’s Crafting Unforgettable Characters

Should your protagonist be likeable? In Crafting Unforgettable Characters, K. M. Weiland challenges the notion that niceness is key. Instead, she argues that imperfection and charisma make characters truly compelling. Discover why flaws and internal struggles create more memorable stories.

Let’s talk need vs desire in storytelling. Here’s what John Truby says.

Need and desire are two distinct yet crucial story elements, often misunderstood as a single step. In The Anatomy of Story, John Truby explains how need drives internal transformation while desire propels external action. Understanding and balancing both can elevate your storytelling and deepen audience engagement.

FantasyCon 2024. Will you be there?

Jon and I are excited to attend our first FantasyCon, which is on between the 11th and 13th October 2024 in Chester, UK. We’re both appearing on panels, with Jon discussing the apocalyse, disability, grimdark, and rogues. I’ll be discussing editing, naturally! There are so many sessions on that have piqued my interest, so myContinue reading “FantasyCon 2024. Will you be there?”

What do readers need to see and know? Scene Technique advice for writers from Lisa Poisso.

Discover key insights on scene technique from writing coach Lisa Poisso in a 30-minute episode with hosts Louise and Denise. Learn the importance of building first drafts and refining scenes to show only what readers need. Dive into the craft of distinguishing what scenes can and should do to elevate your writing. Listen and reflect on how to decide what stays in your story. Find the episode link in this blog!

The three lessons that keep me growing as an editor.

Resting on your laurels as an editor or writer can stall your growth and harm client relationships. In this article, I share three key lessons I’ve learned about staying adaptable, engaging clients, and embracing lifelong learning to keep Cherry Edits thriving. Discover how avoiding complacency has shaped my journey, and join the conversation by sharing your own experiences and tips for staying motivated in the world of indie publishing.

How my editing work snowballed from one word-of-mouth recommendation.

Discover how a word-of-mouth recommendation sparked a long-term editing partnership with author G. J. Kemp. In this post, I share my journey from networking to building trust in the indie author community, and how genuine connections led to a thriving editing business. Learn the value of referrals and the power of relationships in the writing world.

How readers and writers connect through common experiences

Discover the surprising power of common themes in storytelling. This blog delves into why everyday experiences like love, loyalty, and trust captivate readers and how writers can make familiar concepts feel fresh and engaging. Explore insights from Lisa Cron’s Story Genius and learn how to resonate deeply with your audience by weaving the magic of the mundane into your narratives.