Dianne McCartneyJul 30, 20181 minThe Little Writer's Engine That CouldFive reasons to stay firmly rooted in your writer’s chair when temptation beckons. 1. You have story ideas that keep you up at night. 2....
Dianne McCartneyJul 2, 20182 min The Writer's Wishing WellThe difference between wanting to write and wanting to be a writer. Everyone thinks they can write. After all, we all went to school and...
Dianne McCartneyJun 25, 20182 minNavigating the NeighborhoodFive mistakes to avoid while finding your way as a writer. 1. Don’t talk only about your projects. It’s one thing to be excited about...
Dianne McCartneyJun 18, 20182 minStriking Down the EnemyFive things that threaten a successful manuscript. 1. Be merciless about repetition. The worst offenders are: was, were, just, that and...
Dianne McCartneyMay 28, 20181 minMotivational Magic Five easy ways to get yourself back on track when you’re straying from your goal: 1. Get some fresh air and exercise. A change of view is...
Dianne McCartneyMay 24, 20182 minThe Perfect PitchBlog # 8 Pitching your writing project can be one of the most intimidating moments in a writer's life. With some preparation, you can go...
Dianne McCartneyMay 14, 20181 min The Happy Conference Grab BagFive encouraging things to bring away from any writers' conference: 1. A great pitch appointment that yields a request for a few chapters...
Dianne McCartneyMay 8, 20181 minAdding Color to your CharactersHow to make your characters come to life. 1. Don’t make the good guys too pure. They won’t be believable. Feel free to give your...
Dianne McCartneyApr 30, 20181 minFive Ways to Kick a Manuscript into Shape.Take your manuscript to the next level. Try these tips to get it into shape fast! 1. Kill every passive you can find. The most common...
Dianne McCartneyApr 24, 20181 min The Secret Life of Writers Here are five things you might not know about a writer's life. 1. We frequently spend too many hours in our pajamas, talking to...
Dianne McCartneyApr 16, 20181 minClimb Your Way To First PlaceMinimize your obstacles and win a writing competition with a little extra preparation: 1. Read the category descriptions with care. You’d...
Dianne McCartneyApr 9, 20181 min Conference CalamitiesHere are five things to avoid at your writer's conference: 1. Telling total strangers all about your book. You might be giving away an...
Dianne McCartneyApr 3, 20181 minFive Ways to Benefit from Your Writer’s ConferenceWriters Conference are essential to your growth as an author. Here's how to make it worth your time and money. 1. Doing so allows you to...
Dianne McCartneyMar 31, 20182 minMy Favorite Contest and ConferenceIf you’re a writer and you haven’t been to the Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference in Oklahoma City, OK during the first week in May,...