Tag: writer’s life
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Five Things Your First Page Needs
Use these five tips to nail your novel open and grab your reader on the first page! At a time in which you have about 13 seconds to capture a reader’s attention, writing a captivating first page matters! And if you plan to query agents to try and find a champion for your book, this…
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10 Hacks to Actually Get Your Novel Written
10 hacks to beat writer’s block and actually get your novel written! 2024 is the year you’re going to write that novel that you’ve been thinking about for the past 5-10 years. It’s something you’ve wanted to do, but can never find the time for. Or maybe you’re ready to dedicate the time, but don’t…
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“Light in the Dark” Published in Keys for Kids Magazine
My latest devotion is in Keys for Kids magazine! As a teacher for many years and a mom of four, I know my way around a children’s devotion or two. Often times, I can find them a bit didactic, or even, well… lame. Let’s be real, devotions in general can often fall into two categories:…
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Stop Comparing Your Writing Journey!
It’s time to stop comparing your writing journey to others’ and find the joy in writing again! How many writers do you follow on social media? I’m curious, because I follow quite a few. Mostly for inspiration but also because I want to connect with other people who do what I do. And it’s a…
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“The Three Brujas” Published in Touchdown Magazine
My story, “The Three Brujas” is published in Touchdown magazine! I read the book Born to Run years ago, and to this day it is one of my favorite running books. The book explores distance running by looking at several different cultures where running is part of the lifestyle. And no culture has a bigger…
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The Magic of Revision: Why you need to revise
The magic happens in revision. Finishing a draft of a novel is like finishing your last training run for a marathon. Its a a huge accomplishment! You’ve dedicated months, (or maybe even years!) to show up daily, put in the work, and make the choice every agonizing day to get it done. It can feel…
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Celebrate Your Writing Accomplishments
Take the time to celebrate your writing accomplishments no matter how big or small. I made a purchase the other day. Not a big one, but it felt big to me. Because this was a purchase that I would keep forever to remind me of a major accomplishment that I hit. I’ve shared in a…
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Why Creation Matters
Creation matters, even if you’re not “creative.” When I was about nine I was given a notebook. Nothing fancy, just a boring ole spiral notebook, the kind your mom picks up at Walmart for $.89. I think it was light blue. I remember getting that notebook and feeling like I had just been given a…
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The One Thing You Aren’t Doing as a Freelance Writer (And you should be!)
The one thing you should be doing as a freelance writer! The First Time I sold a piece (insert fist pump). The compensation would be significant (double fist pump). And, like many publications, I needed to sign an agreement and then submit an invoice with their specific information. Done and done. I was ready to…
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5 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Writing
These 5 tips can instantly improve your writing! I’ve taught writing for many years, mostly to middle school age kids and teenagers, and I’ve seen a lot of writing over the years. Some of it good, some of it bad, and some of it very, VERY ugly. No one is born a writer. It’s not…
Cathryn Free 