Pack Wisely

A tour guide’s advice for writers

Last evening, I expected the TV travel program would give suggestions on visiting Europe. But travel guru Rick Steves also offered wisdom for writers.

The episode, from 2006, gave a behind-the-scenes look at how segments of Rick Steves’ Europe come together. One of their best practices can contribute to the success of any writer.

They visit each city with a script … Continue reading

Baby Your First Draft

Like an infant, a manuscript needs further work.

Five months after my newest granddaughter was born, her parents continue to nurture her. Though she’s recently learned to roll over and is working on sitting, Mom and Dad know she has further potential—as do their three-year-old and almost seven-year-old.

That’s not to say … Continue reading

Birds or Binoculars?

Don’t waste your sentence’s key part.IMG_7501 2to3

by Andy Scheer

Today as I edited a manuscript for busy moms, I thought of birds and binoculars:

Specifically, I thought of an illustration that taught me how the words a writer places at the end of a sentence stick in a reader’s mind.

Here’s the … Continue reading