Hi Reader, Once upon a time… (See? You’re already hooked!) Fairy tales aren’t just bedtime stories for kids—they are the storytelling secret weapon, a treasure trove of narrative wisdom that has been enchanting audiences for centuries. Whether you’re penning the next Hollywood blockbuster or crafting a novel that will keep readers up all night, fairy tales offer a foolproof blueprint for crafting compelling, emotionally charged stories. Here’s how fairy tale magic can transform your...
8 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Right now, there are no words for what Los Angeles and the entertainment industry are going through. It feels like the world is ending. Everyone is nervously watching the skies, hoping the fires go out and smoke clears. Maybe you have experienced the unthinkable and lost your home. If you’re feeling like writing is the last thing on your mind right now, I get it. Life’s challenges—especially ones as big and immediate as wildfires—can make it hard to focus on anything else. But...
15 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Over the holidays and the first week of January I had trouble sitting down to write. Between the whirlwind of the holidays and being under the weather, I have been extra distracted The prevailing wisdom is to get your butt in the chair even if you're not in the mood to write. You need to treat writing like a job and do it everyday. But that's not possible for a lot of us. The pressures of family, day jobs, and health challenges sometimes mean we're only writing for a few minutes a...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I had a newsletter written for today about finding motivation to write. But with the devastation in Los Angeles, a cheery article felt tone deaf. Los Angeles was my home for 30 years, 20 years in Laurel Canyon, which was evacuated last night. I know that many of you live in LA. I pray that you are safe. I know that you are gutted. I have found in the midst of terrible times, the best way to feel better is to help someone else. Even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference....
29 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Over the holiday break, I listened to a podcast where an author was unhappy that he wrote thrillers instead of literary fiction. This man has written 7 novels, both traditionally and independently published. He writes entertaining, well-written books. Success by any measure. But he feels like they're not important because they are not Art. He's fighting against his author brand, which is funny thrillers with heart. That is a great brand to write; it's fun to read and easy to sell....
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, The holiday season is the perfect time for inspiration. Infuse your writing with joy, magic, and maybe a sprinkle of holiday chaos. Whether you’re neck-deep in revisions or crafting your next bestseller, let’s have some fun decking the halls of your story with festive analogies for key story beats. Here’s how to turn your plot into a holiday wonderland: 1. The Inciting Incident: The Christmas Tree Reveal 🎄 Remember that magical moment when the family unveils the perfectly decorated...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, My Christmas gift to you is a free ebook that has the past three years of newsletters about writing craft. It's called Write On: Story Secrets Every Writer Needs, and you can download it here. This is my new reader (lead) magnet that I use to build my email list. How to Build your E-Mail list with a Reader Magnet One essential aspect of the creator life is an email newsletter. It is a powerful tool for building a connection with fans and customers. As a writer, your email list is...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday time is a lot of fun. The downside is that things slow down until mid-January. This is a great time to take a break from writing and refresh. You can still have a low key, but productive December by working on your craft. Below are some of my favorite podcasts, video channels, and books for writers. While I divided them into screenwriting and fiction, story is story. No matter what kind of project you are working on, you will...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you! I am honored to help you on your writing journey. I love creating content for you and interacting with you. Wishing you a day filled with joy and love. Black Friday Deals for Writers From now until Christmas I am offering 30% of all my coaching packages – 3 one hour sessions, 6 sessions, and 12 sessions with the coupon code XMAS! Get some for yourself or as a gift with gift certificates. Start the new year off with a bang! Purchase...
2 months ago • 1 min read