Reading the Right Book on Writing: Improving your Novel-Writing Skills

This summer I’m giving myself a mini self-guided MFA program on novel craft. As I perused numerous books that purport to teach me the craft of writing, I decided, what better way to absorb their material than to write reviews of each? Asking ourselves what a “good book” on craft should teach requires us to define those intangible questions we’ve been struggling with in our own writing life.

How to Create a Novel Critique Group that Won’t Drive You Crazy

How to Create a Novel Critique Group that Won’t Drive You Crazy

You’re jealous to the core. Heck, you’re even jealous of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien for having the Inklings, and they’re both dead. Meanwhile, all you have is a bunch of Meetup misfits who never remember to staple their single-spaced pages and whose go-to comments for your work are always either, “This really flows!” or “I don’t feel like this flows. Can you add more details?”

How to Get Your Novel Noticed: Engaging Agents at Creative Writing Conferences

If you’ve splurged on an upcoming conference, you’re probably equally excited to improve your craft and anxious about pitching your novel. Most creative writing conferences have agents present—possibly even a chance to pitch to one—so here’s some advice on getting your novel noticed.