First Cup of Coffee – November 18, 2024

Instead of writing what you know? Write what you are. Other thoughts on revision, integrity, and a story about a guy I knew back in my peer counseling days in college who behaved badly toward women. Warning: abrupt stop. Instead of hitting pause, I hit the stop button, but I was done anyway, so… you just don’t get the usual sign-off today. But I will talk to you all on Friday. You all take care 💙



First Cup of Coffee – November 11, 2024

My hot brilliant mess that I’m revising from the beginning today, with some reflections on how a focused crit can solve everything. Also, “women telling men what to do” and how I’m feeling moving forward politically.



First Cup of Coffee – May 27, 2024

Happy 10th Anniversary to THE MARK OF THE TALA! I’m talking about why that was a milestone book for me and the journey from crack ho to the rise of #Romantasy. Also being an intuitive writer and how that impacts my process, especially revision. And balancing a traditional publishing career with an indie one.



First Cup of Coffee – March 4, 2024

How writing a novel is like building a road brick by brick, and how some days you’re nose in the mortar and other days you lift your head to look. Also thoughts on revision, the 3-Act structure, story logic, and knowing whether you have brain juice or not.



First Cup of Coffee – December 4, 2023

Some pitfalls to watch for in contracts with traditional publishing and literary agencies. Also author finances and taxes, why owning your process doesn’t mean loving it, and why experienced authors find it hard to teach.



First Cup of Coffee – November 3, 2023

How the patriarchy affects book covers, what about book covers makes books sell and other variables with a direct correlation. Also, revision and how I know when it’s time to stop drafting and start revising.



First Cup of Coffee – July 21, 2023

Spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and Oppenheimer – I’m talking story structure, breaking the gridlock of chronology (which both of these do), the difference between backstory and flashbacks, and how a climactic beat CAN happen in a flashback!



First Cup of Coffee – February 28, 2023

More granular insight into my revision process, including how I create and name “new” monsters, stealing from the best houses, and how we all borrow from other creators, whether we realize it or not.



First Cup of Coffee – February 27, 2023

Breaking down my revision process today, including sharing some interesting thoughts from crit readers on where I can improve as a storyteller, and a bit on content/developmental editing.



First Cup of Coffee – September 22, 2022

Discussing my revision process today, how it works for me and what I learned about it in writing this book regarding revising with more than two POVs. Also a tidbit on what NOT to do with review requests.