https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-11-30 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/beta-readers-the-top-four-things-to-know monthly 0.5 2025-11-30 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/no-one-likes-an-info-dump-what-they-are-how-to-spot-them-and-how-to-fix-them-so-your-readers-keep-reading monthly 0.5 2025-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/8a0b6b04-c787-48ef-9a12-26a74ea94977/Untitled+design+%283%29.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - No One Likes an Info-Dump. What They Are, How to Spot Them, And How to Fix Them, So Your Readers Keep Reading. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/how-to-introduce-your-characters monthly 0.5 2025-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/1ae74022-53e3-470a-980c-7150347a0030/Dos+and+Dont%27s+of+Introducing+Characters.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - How to introduce your characters - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/how-to-effectively-incorporate-flashback-scenes-into-your-manuscript monthly 0.5 2025-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c0d78c07-6974-4afb-b534-a2e5998257ba/Flashback+graphic.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - How to effectively incorporate flashback scenes into your manuscript - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/trailblazing-authors-who-bucked-book-market-trends-and-achieved-success monthly 0.5 2025-07-30 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/staying-healthy-as-a-writer monthly 0.5 2025-06-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/10a87266-32d3-4898-b8c0-a1e9fa81c3e9/Cobra.jpg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Staying Healthy: recommendations for writers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/3fc14835-be60-4eb2-83e2-ed3f75941c43/woman+neck+stretch.jpg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Staying Healthy: recommendations for writers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/b415be40-32d5-47e6-a268-678d7342ebc3/dude+at+desk.jpg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Staying Healthy: recommendations for writers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/b2a5d34c-c861-43c1-b70f-c5b23d04a3a3/man+stretching+exercise+band.jpg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Staying Healthy: recommendations for writers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/wcdy4palhmgdh3m4hwddswhxybil12 monthly 0.5 2025-05-27 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/surviving-your-editors-recommendations-and-feedback monthly 0.5 2025-04-30 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/zd5n3hchdra9sxx69ww0atek9px96a monthly 0.5 2025-04-01 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/what-they-dont-tell-you-about-submitting-a-manuscriptnbsp monthly 0.5 2025-02-06 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/twelve-books-for-writers-a-holiday-book-gift-guide monthly 0.5 2024-12-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/8cf6b418-9aea-4446-abb4-54365ee2b1c9/Writers+Thesaurus.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus, Third Edition Love this thesaurus. Though I still use an online thesaurus, this provides better explanations and the synonyms are more exacting. There is also a great section that addresses animals, cooking terms, colors, dance forms, and more. A great tool for any writer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/eb35c955-9a17-4702-8749-d5803580dcad/Writing+Down+the+Bones.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg This book is inspirational and encouraging for writers and artists alike. As a practicing meditator, Natalie’s philosophy comes across as inherently wise and accepting of all the intricacies of the writing life. She addresses creativity, productivity, routines, self-care, revision, and more. She approaches topics in a non-dogmatic way and instead acknowledges how hard it is to be a creative human being. She offers guidance in how to overcome common hurdles along the writing journey. Readers walk away feeling validated, encouraged, and empowered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/832a409b-42ad-44e8-af29-76e813b9959d/Intuitive+editing.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Intuitive Editing: A Creative & Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing, by Tiffany Yates Martin Tiffany approaches editing first at the macro level and then at the micro level, helping authors to be efficient during their revision process. At the macrolevel, she addresses character arc, stakes, and the plot. Once the author strengthens these elements, they can then move on to the microedits which focus on suspense and tension, point of view, showing and telling, structure, momentum and pace, and voice. Though her book is structured to address each aspect of writing a manuscript, and may seem technical, she approaches the process acknowledging the greatest tool of all is the author’s intuition. Readers will walk away prepared to tackle their revisions, and will view revision as an opportunity to improve their story instead of something to feel intimated by or fearful of. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/770c2340-564f-47e9-88a6-5cbf8c19adbd/The+Artful+Edit.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - The Artful Edit, by Susan Bell This book addresses revision in macro and micro editing format. Though this book is helpful and informative, enhancing any writers understanding of what should be edited and how to do it, I found it difficult to get through. With that said, I do go back to it and look at my notes and highlighted sections. She references the Great Gatsby throughout the book, and I know I’m in the minority here, but it wasn’t my favorite book so it made some of her examples less helpful for me. There are still plenty of gems to behold here and several writers swear by her work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/399aa2bc-d3d6-4e27-a16b-05f1e93cbe7e/Character+Arcs.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Creating Character Arcs, by K.M. Weiland Characters are the heart of any story. If your readers don’t care about the characters, they won’t care much about anything else that transpires. This book addresses how to build characters, what to tune into, and at what point in the structure should certain character development points show up. This book is a thorough and approachable look at building remarkable characters. If I could improve this book at all, I would include more diverse genre examples than those he used, as he used a lot of action, and marvel-type examples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/9d24664c-3378-4b5b-9f61-03408dfc9fa1/Emotional+thesaurus.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - The Emotion Thesaurus, by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglist This book is great for helping writers express body language indicative of various emotions. They also discuss cognitive reactions and physiological responses as well. One commentary is that the examples of body language from one emotion to the other aren’t all that different or unique. Upon further analyzation, I realize that most of our body language is communicated through micro movements and therefore is very difficult to express in words. For instance, the smallest dilation of a pupil, or the mouth turning horizonal, are hard to express with words without sounding robotic. It’s one of the few books out there that even address this, so for now, this is my favorite emotional thesaurus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/4236eb61-39eb-4c7b-9d68-da697d831d82/Writing+Naked.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Write Naked, by Jennifer Probst Write Naked is an inspiring book with amazing quotes sprinkled throughout to lift your morale and keep you going. The greatest takeaway from this book is the necessity of being naked in our truth as writers. While we may be writing fiction, readers still want to walk away with a human experience. This requires vulnerability on the part of the author. We must dig deep and pick at the parts of humanity that aren’t pretty, but are relatable and ultimately unifying. Though her primary focus is on writing romance, this book addresses so many other topics, it transcends genre alone. Jennifer also addresses the life of the author and how to nurture creativity, productivity, self-care, and more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/46d1a56c-9c56-4e57-83ed-4b57371ad96d/Romancing+the+Beat.jpg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Romancing the Beat, by Gwen Hayes I love this book and if I could only recommend one book to romance writers, this would be the one. Why do I love it so much? Because it’s streamlined, doesn’t get lost in semantics, and gets to the heart of the matter immediately - pun intended. From “the ordinary world,” to the “met cute,” to the “dark night,” to the “happily ever after,” and everything in between, readers walk away knowing what they need to include to stay true to genre. Gwen tells you what every great romance book requires without overcomplicating matters. Extra bonus points for addressing non-heterosexual relationships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c9652a5e-4bac-46cc-8cbd-15a5f53b9c2a/Swoon+Worthy+Romance.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Sweet Romance Novel, by Victorine E. Lieske. This was one of the first books I picked up on the art of writing romance and it remains a favorite. Victorine takes one of her own published romance novels and dissects it at every important structural stage, such as the necessary “meet cute.” She explores her character’s wounds, their arc of change, and so forth. Having excerpts from her book, offers concrete examples of what these story beats look like. She also explores why it’s important to include certain beats and how to do this. If you like thorough examples and detailed explanations, this is your book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/1b204066-20ce-4556-83ca-e7f9c718bd43/Show+Dont+Tell.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Show Don’t Tell by Sandra Gerth Show, don’t tell, is one of the more frustrating concepts for writers to nail down and understand. Full disclosure, it’s something I continue to struggle with but this book and others, have helped demystify the process. This book keeps things simple and offers great examples of what showing and telling each look like. Readers will walk away feeling they have a better understanding of how to tackle this common challenge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/d27d05ea-b466-43ce-9818-56a3f5abc03b/On+Writing+Well.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - On Writing Well, by William Zinsser This well loved book is in it’s 30th edition and addresses different aspects of writing in various fields such as sports, science, arts, technology, business, memoir, and more. William is proficient in the English language in terms of proper use, grammar, and more, but he doesn’t harp on this more than he needs to -that’s what editors are for. Instead, he approaches writing from a place of wanting to connect with readers, honing the importance of being your authentic self as a writer, and offering your unique take on life, whatever that may be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/a369eae7-16f1-460f-882c-d16ea5fc6401/Twyla+Thorpe.jpeg How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Twelve books for writers: A holiday Gift book Guide - Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit, Learn it and Use it for Life, by Twyla Tharp Though Twyla’s background is in dance and theatre, she addresses the core of what it means to be a creative and offers wise advice on how to keep that creativity rich, primal, and authentic to one’s self. She shares what works for her in terms of stoking the fires of creation, and tips for making creativity a habit. There are beautiful and inspiring quotes throughout, and readers walk away feeling invigorated to create. As an artist who has bucked the rules herself, she gives permission for her readers to to the same - a freeing sentiment amongst a sea of books that say otherwise. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/l472zmj1nd9i66tqi6ayvjme1knft2 monthly 0.5 2024-11-26 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/commit-to-your-why monthly 0.5 2024-10-28 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/what-my-concussion-taught-me-about-writing monthly 0.5 2024-09-26 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/set-yourself-up-for-success-this-fall-with-a-writing-routine-that-works-for-you monthly 0.5 2024-08-24 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/the-pitfalls-of-expert-advice monthly 0.5 2024-07-25 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/managing-authors-expectations monthly 0.5 2024-06-24 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/07ldisthoywywj5qvne9r1xy6cxbb1 monthly 0.5 2024-08-23 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/writers-who-hate-to-write monthly 0.5 2024-08-23 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/playing-into-your-creativity monthly 0.5 2024-03-19 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/helping-mothers-write-their-books monthly 0.5 2024-08-23 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/creating-a-vision-board-for-writers monthly 0.5 2023-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c11ec1ae-3107-42f5-ad9e-d8e9d23a6026/Canva+Vision+Board+Outline.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Creating a Vision Board for Writers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/73b10e3e-3112-4a55-94f6-5b05e8b8c317/Canva+Vision+Board+for+writers.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Creating a Vision Board for Writers - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/great-gifts-for-writers-that-arent-books monthly 0.5 2023-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/258a4106-16d3-499b-a66e-533cbe74c689/Harry+Potter+book+ornament.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Great ornament for your beloved Harry Potter fans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/800e2b59-a861-4368-be27-52172eb0a327/Writer%27s+Travel+Mug.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out When you drink from this mug, consider others warned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c06cd3e1-3c94-4a17-addd-63f1885e731b/Secret+Garden+Pencil+Holder.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Use as a vase to brighten up your work space or as a pen holder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/b0e6d72f-ce33-4494-8276-8376a467783e/Digital+Starbucks+Gift+Card.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Because all writers NEED coffee and a place to hang out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/ce4c9270-5a9a-43d5-8377-8be010b72b5e/Candle+for+writers.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out I love writing with candles on my desk and these eco-friendly candles are the perfect choice. Soy based and lead-free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/d2161e8c-c7ff-44e0-94d6-b33c29fe6189/Do+Not+Disturb+Writer+Sign.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Protect your quiet time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c78a1330-5174-413b-b4be-bb9f4454f43c/image_2023-12-12_131426619.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Keep your coffee table looking fresh with these charming coasters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/dc05e83f-8522-43bf-b36c-54fd240c2938/Book+Tote+Bag.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Tote your books in this cute and stylish bag by Kate Spade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/98ce4514-9b11-4ed2-b08a-0814b00625f6/Personalized+leather+Bookmarks.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Who couldn’t use one of these? What a great gift for a writer or a book lover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/b9deec8a-b087-414f-9abc-469162d7ca78/writers+emergency+pack.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Writer’s Digest says the Writer Emergency Pack “is a portable tool for story resuscitation or creativity rejuvenation.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/49f00792-7709-47b9-b406-b6de83e45a65/Writing+Dice.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Sometimes you just need a little help to get your mental motor started. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/a5b0a0f3-9e08-4909-a283-09655fa5a6a3/Weekly+Organization+Board.png How Often "Should" Authors Write? - Great Gifts for Writers that aren’t books - Make it stand out Organize one week at a time to help manage tasks and writing goals. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/reading-romance-novels-are-good-for-you monthly 0.5 2023-11-09 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/how-meditation-can-help-improve-creativity-for-writers monthly 0.5 2023-09-21 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/how-to-live-with-criticism-and-keep-writing monthly 0.5 2024-08-23 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/howoftenshouldauthorswrite monthly 0.5 2023-08-22 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/author+tips+and+tricks monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+trends monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/romance+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/revising+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/manuscripts monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/introducing+characters monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/beta+readers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/publishing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+routine monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/author monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+schedule monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/first+draft monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/polishing+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/improving+your+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/first+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/fixing+info-dumps monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/revising+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/manuscript+editing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/first+draft+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+on+trend monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/New+authors monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/authors monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/revising monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+tips+and+tricks monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/track+time+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/publication+trends monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/getting+published monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/reviewing+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+routine+for+health monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+life monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/health+tips+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/editing+manuscripts monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/how+to+write+a+flashback+scene monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/emerging+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/flashback+scene monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/tools+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/make+writing+fun monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/new+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/story+telling monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/gifts+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/New+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+tips monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writing+struggles monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/editing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/finishing+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/tips+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/category/writer monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/play monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+daily monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/working+with+editors monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/romance+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/the+publishing+journey monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/manuscripts monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/beta+readers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/publishing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+routine monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/author+self-care monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/expert+advice monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/author+inspiration monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/food+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/hate+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/improving+your+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/stamina+during+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/first+draft+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/finding+an+agent monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/making+revisions+on+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/info-dumping monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/navigating+advice monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+is+just+like+growing+up monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writer%27s+block monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/being+an+artist monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/everything+you+need+to+know+about+beta+readers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/getting+published monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/reviewing+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+fiction monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/Is+it+normal+to+hate+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+life monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/health+tips+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/editing+manuscripts monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/how+to+write+a+flashback+scene monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/Authors+talk+about+hating+parts+of+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+a+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/taking+chances monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/new+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/Famous+author+quotes monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/art monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/know+your+why monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/author+advice monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/roller+skating monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/women+authors monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/manuscript+revisions monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+tips monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+struggles monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/seasoned+authors monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/how+to+fix+info-dumps monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/Revision+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/how+to+break+through+writing+procrastination monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+effective+dialogue monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/Book+Coaching monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+the+first+draft monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/what+to+ask+beta+readers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+during+the+holidays monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/author+productivity monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/author+tips+and+tricks monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/daily+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/Writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/manuscript+revision monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/surviving+publishing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/flashback+scenes monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/how+to+publish+a+book monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/rules+of+storytelling monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/choosing+the+right+words monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+routines monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/time+tracking+and+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/introducing+characters monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/creativity monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/revision+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/how+to+infuse+personality+into+your+characters monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/author monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+advice monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/editor+feedback monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/best+books+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/polishing+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/effective+writing+routine monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/holiday+gift+guide+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/must+have+books+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/publication+trends monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/emerging+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/productivity monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/creative+writing+tips monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/story+structure monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/writing+inspiration monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/gifts+for+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/editing+your+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/New+writers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/rules+of+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/author+routines monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/editing monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/Writing+coaches monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/book+coaching monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/how+to+find+beta+readers monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/editing+manuscript monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/blog/tag/how+to+deal+with+writing+feedback monthly 0.5 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/about daily 0.75 2025-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/465f1a19-79d0-4572-b1cd-560a9e1dbebb/2024+bio+pic+standing+big+smile.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/0accde54-d297-41c2-af5a-2e4b33d8d4ec/Certification+FICTION+badge.png https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/workshop daily 0.75 2023-06-02 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/home daily 1.0 2024-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Home https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/consultation daily 0.75 2023-08-11 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/services daily 0.75 2024-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/3d34405d-98ca-4939-831d-86c819b0c879/pexels-linkedin-sales-navigator-7245793.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Services https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/coaching daily 0.75 2024-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/e17a0762-2e59-4908-a6a4-400ad8eee98a/pexels-karolina-grabowska-6920355.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c60241d4-e79b-4200-bb9e-a5c6c83ace17/pexels-polina-kovaleva-5546874.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/4586ed76-624e-48c7-8867-20ce61faf188/pexels-cottonbro-4855351.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/2aa7f866-188e-41fd-aeb6-121770043d78/2024+bio+pic+sitting+profile.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Coaching https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Coaching https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Coaching https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/contact daily 0.75 2024-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c627189b-c159-404c-af34-ecf34612b7cf/pexels-melike-benli-10213120.jpg https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/work-with-me daily 0.75 2023-07-12 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/faqs daily 0.75 2024-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/f2730951-5ddc-43fa-82be-006e64d69a1d/lonely+black+male+writer.jpg FAQs - Why do you only edit the first two chapters during a manuscript evaluation? While the entire manuscript is read and evaluated, the track-change edits are applied to the first two chapters. These edits are intended to help you see your strengths as well as the issues requiring refinement. Often, these strengths and challenges are repeated throughout the manuscript. Once they are identified, you are better equipped to tackle them during the revision process. It is also typical to submit the first two chapters to an agent, therefore, having the first two chapters in tip-top shape is best practice. You will receive feedback on the entire manuscript in the editorial letter and will be prescribed actionable steps to take in order to get your manuscript to the next level. Once you have your manuscript evaluation, you can determine if you want to do the next revision on your own or if you would like to continue with coaching. If you decide you would like coaching support, you can submit pages weekly to be edited. Feedback will be provided and a weekly coaching meeting will take place to discuss feedback, concerns, and next steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/bc96b04b-0f5c-4686-91a2-a69e66c3ec65/muslim+male+writer.jpg FAQs - What is Developmental Edititng? Developmental editing evaluates the “big picture” of the story and is the first stage of editing. Genre, plot, pacing, the cause and effect trajectory of each scene, story arc, character motivation, character development, point-of-view consistency and more, are thoroughly examined. Developmental editing offers fresh eyes and objectivity. Through the developmental editing process, the writer begins to understand how the intended reader might perceive and digest their story as a whole. Developmental editing does not focus on sentence structure, grammar, formatting, spelling or punctuation. Copy editors perform these tasks once developmental editing is complete. Most writers benefit from both types of editing services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/e1e7f2f3-672f-43ba-b7e1-6e8489ac6940/love+is+love+book.jpg FAQs - I do not serve the following clients Any person who is racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic, antisemitic - or harbors hate or rage against any group of people. I do not work with material that involves rape, incest, or child sexual abuse. Though these subjects have the potential to ignite conversation, intellectual growth and healing for some - I cannot create the necessary distance from the material to be objective. I am happy to make a referral for those writing about these subjects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/67810dd7-219f-4618-a8f8-b0895a0e01f9/distracted+balck+female+writer.jpg FAQs - You’re a licensed psychotherapist, does part of your coaching involve therapy? No, as this would not be ethical, professional or helpful. I utilize my skills as a psychotherapist to lend empathy and understanding to writers struggling with motivation, creativity, completing projects, fears surrounding critiques, and more. My background in clinical psychology provides the effective tools and support to work around these blocks and help writers create a successful writing process, which in turn, helps improve their writing. In regards to developmental editing, my psychology background is invaluable in helping create realistic characters with logical motivations and backgrounds. For example, if a character’s mother dies during his childhood, this will create behaviors, fears, motivations, hopes, and desires that need to be in alignment with such a loss. In this way, I make sure the characters and their actions, emotions and behaviors, remain consistent throughout the story and their arc of change is logical. Nothing takes a reader out of story more quickly than an inconsistency or piece of information that doesn’t add up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/100193e2-96e9-4063-a4d2-e24dc0ecc396/joyful+asian+women+writer.jpg FAQs - Can you guarantee that i will be published? Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that you will be published or wildly successful. In fact, if anyone does make that promise, consider it a red flag. Publishing and success are dependent on several factors, many of which are outside of our control. For instance, an author may want to publish a book similar to one that was recently published. In this example, their book may be put aside until the publishers believe the timing is right for that particular book. I can guarantee, I will help you present the most polished version of your story and help instill the confidence and motivation to persevere in this industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/ef69f1fb-b065-4356-8f52-2621b7b61368/old+man+writing+with+wine.jpg FAQs - Why do i need a writing coach? We live in the age of information saturation and while there are many great writing workshops and online writing programs, many of them approach writers and writing through a myopic lens. Using a one-size-fits-all approach, many writers’ needs are left unmet. Instead of feeling inspired and energized, writers may feel overloaded, rudderless, and deflated. Worst of all, writers tend to lose their unique writing voice in an attempt to conform to a prescribed writing style. Coaching on the other hand, offers personalized support to writers at every stage of the writing process, to all types of writers. Coaching serves to elevate three facets: The writing itself The writing method (creative process, project management and routine) The writer (confidence, motivation, enhancing their unique voice) Each writer is unique with distinctive needs and will benefit from customized support. From idea to outline, through securing an agent and beyond, coaching support is beneficial during each and every phase. Writing is one of the lonelier professions and coaching offers the accountability, support and objectivity writers desire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/37db0a9a-9801-4684-95fb-229fa6373d45/lonely+female+writer.jpg FAQs - I love writing but I can never finish anything, can you help? Yes! This happens to a lot of writers, especially newer writers or those transitioning from writing articles or short stories to manuscripts. While some writers are off and running at the beginning, they slow down in the middle. Others have difficulty starting but know how they want the story to end. Some writers will complete an entire manuscript but have trouble with revision. Whatever the particular struggle, coaching can help you complete your project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/9df80840-bb51-4cae-bd29-64f9fea7ef6b/stories+matter+typewriter.jpg FAQs - How do i get started working with you? The first step is to take advantage of my 30-minute free consultation. During this Zoom meeting, we can discuss your goals and how I might help you meet them. You can then decide if you would like to proceed. The next step involves completing the intake form. This information will help me assess your project, timeline, and your goals. If it looks like we will be a good fit for one another, we will proceed with payment and scheduling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/c8330e18-df70-439d-87cf-0ebc7dcb65e0/cross+legged+writer+in+library.jpg FAQs I don’t want to write a book, can you stil help me with my writing? Yes! Whether you are writing content for a website, short stories, or want to improve your writing for personal projects, I can help you reach your goals. How long does it take you to complete a manuscript evaluation? Depending on current demand, the time of year and the length of the manuscript, a manuscript evaluation requires about 4-6 weeks. How long will it take to publish my book? It can take anywhere from one to several years to publish a book. Writing a book requires a lot of patience, persistence, thick skin, determination, and revision. The writer of Little Miss Sunshine, Michael Arndt, wrote his screenplay in three days. After his first draft, he spent a year revising it. Revision tends to be the most time consuming phase of writing. The publishing marketplace is always in flux and therefore influences how long it will take to get a book into stores. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/e02f3d38-f56e-4c12-855c-2c580f0cd1a5/the+last+bookstore.jpg FAQs How important is developmental editing if I want to Self-publish vs using a publishing company? If you plan on self-publishing, it is imperative to have a polished manuscript. After we work together to complete the developmental editing phase, I will recommend the next phase of editing, which is copy editing. If you want to use a publishing company, the developmental edit remains imperative. However, it is common for publishers to request changes - even on the most polished manuscripts. Changes can include something as simple as developing a new title, to more complex issues such as changing the ending. The publishing company typically provides a copy editor to tighten up sentence structure, prose, grammar, spelling and more. Why can’t I just use ai to help me write and edit? You certainly can if you wish - the technology is available. However, writing is an art form, just like painting. AI generated paintings, though technically sound, simply don’t illicit the same emotions a human artist can produce. It is the same with writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647a2d52deed515c30bf3644/185b6401-5889-4941-b42e-f32d8e51cb9c/pexels-erika-quirino-2585618.jpg FAQs - I’m scared to share my writing with anybody, including a coach. This is perfectly normal. When we are writing, our stories belong to us and we regard them as special, unique, and almost perfect. We may understand they need editing or tweaking, but to expose ourselves to criticism or possible rejection can be enough to stop us from writing all together. Using a writing coach is the safest and kindest feedback you will receive. The intention of any writing coach is to improve your writing and to support the writer behind the writing. Any writing coach that is rude, condescending, or downright mean, is in the wrong profession. Feedback should always be provided with the understanding that it is difficult to receive - no matter how seasoned an author may be. https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/course-welcome daily 0.75 2023-06-02 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/course-welcome/week4-f5l2w monthly 0.5 2022-06-06 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/course-welcome/week1-r9epr monthly 0.5 2022-06-06 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/course-welcome/week2-whmkf monthly 0.5 2022-06-06 https://www.illuminatedwritingandcoaching.com/course-welcome/week3-t6csw monthly 0.5 2022-06-06