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My blog posts below are geared toward helping writers undertsand the business. On Substack, I write The Curious Kat, a brief monthly newsletter that seeks to connect us through art and creativity. Get behind-the-scenes stories about writing - and recommendations for books, art, movies & ideas that rocked my world. Check it out here.

What to Do After Attending a Writing Conference

What to Do After Attending a Writing Conference
Jun 02, 2021
Writers attending conferences tend to react to the experience in one of two ways: despair or elation.
 

Words of Wisdom for Weary Writers

Words of Wisdom for Weary Writers
Apr 07, 2021

We're all weary. At least I am. 

Time to Snag an Agent

Time to Snag an Agent
Mar 03, 2021
Agents are eager for good work they can sell (after all, that's how they make their living). But why, then, are they so incredibly hard to reach?

Are You Ready to Query Agents?

Are You Ready to Query Agents?
Jan 06, 2021

Do your pages match your pitch?

Can an Editor "Fix" Really Bad Writing?

Can an Editor "Fix" Really Bad Writing?
Dec 02, 2020
Editors often see projects at radially different stages of development. Truthfully, we sometimes see writing that is really, well, bad.

Being a "Good Enough" Writer is a Brilliant Strategy

Being a "Good Enough" Writer is a Brilliant Strategy
Oct 07, 2020

All writers are a crazy mixture of egotistical, manic, single-minded, optimistic on the one hand and...
 

Get Inspired: Time to Strategize for Writing Success

Get Inspired: Time to Strategize for Writing Success
Sep 02, 2020

Are you finding it hard to write? We live in deeply unsettling times, and it's easy to get distracted by all that's going on in the world. 

Reading Novels While Writing Novels: Yes or No?

Reading Novels While Writing Novels: Yes or No?
Aug 05, 2020

I'm amazed by writers who stop reading in their genre while writing their own books. 
 

Launching a Book During an Epidemic

Launching a Book During an Epidemic
Jun 03, 2020

For those of you reading this who haven't yet published your first book, I'm sure you've dreamed about your book launch. 

What You Need to Nail in the First Pages of Your Book

What You Need to Nail in the First Pages of Your Book
May 06, 2020

Last month, feeling unmoored and wanting to build community during self-isolation, I launched something I called #fivefreepages.

What Writers Do in Times of Crisis

What Writers Do in Times of Crisis
Apr 01, 2020

I sat down to write this post and have now written four openings and ditched them all.

Research While Writing: Handle With Care!

Research While Writing: Handle With Care!
Mar 04, 2020

Today, March 4, is the official Boston launch of my second novel, This Terrible Beauty.

Is Productivity Always Good for Writers?

Is Productivity Always Good for Writers?
Feb 05, 2020

How long does it really take to write a book? From beginning the first draft to seeing it on bookshelves?

It's the New Year! Some Writerly Resolutions

It's the New Year! Some Writerly Resolutions
Jan 01, 2020

Last year, I didn't make any New Year's resolutions.

What I Learned from Editing

What I Learned from Editing
Dec 04, 2019

In the past few years, I've done an enormous amount of editing. 

Insider Advice from Newly Published Authors

Insider Advice from Newly Published Authors
Nov 06, 2019

The first time you publish a book, it’s a pretty surreal experience.

On the Virtues & Vices of Being a "Pantser" vs a "Plotter"

On the Virtues & Vices of Being a "Pantser" vs a "Plotter"
Oct 02, 2019

I write a lot, more true than this list even makes it sound, because so, so, SO much of my writing goes nowhere.

Ten Writing Rules That Will Improve Your Life

Ten Writing Rules That Will Improve Your Life
Sep 04, 2019

Stick to a daily word count. Take more writing classes. Write twenty more queries. Yada Yada.

How to Survive Writing a Book: The Rollercoaster of Engagement

How to Survive Writing a Book: The Rollercoaster of Engagement
Aug 07, 2019

It recently occurred to me that writing a first draft is not unlike revitalizing a room.

How to Know When to Quit Your Novel

How to Know When to Quit Your Novel
Jul 03, 2019

Last year, I was thinking a lot about this question as it relates to writing: When is it okay to give in and give up?