blogpage
My blog posts below (published monthly by GrubStreet from 2015 - 2021) are geared toward helping writers understand the business. On Substack, I write The Curious Kat, a free 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  - as well "Anatomy of a Novel," insights into the process of drafting novel #4. Check it out here.

Rules for Writing Good Fiction

Rules for Writing Good Fiction
May 08, 2019

In the most recent New Yorker, Teddy Wayne wrote an article called “Eight Rules for Writing Fiction.” Wayne’s rules got me thinking of my own personal version of his eight rules.

Snapshots of a Book Launch: Part 2

Snapshots of a Book Launch: Part 2
Apr 03, 2019

What’s launching your book really like? 

Snapshots of a Book Launch: Part 1

Snapshots of a Book Launch: Part 1
Mar 06, 2019

What's launching your book really like? 

The Truth about Book Readings

The Truth about Book Readings
Feb 06, 2019
When we think about launching our books, we dream of doing readings (among other things like catching sight of our books in airports, and, of course, getting on bestseller lists), but in this day and age why are readings still so important to us?

Writers are Thieves--When Do They Go Too Far?

Writers are Thieves--When Do They Go Too Far?
Jan 16, 2019

When writing the fiction of violence, Katrin Schumann finds that there are no easy answers about how to get it right. This article first appeared in CrimeReads.

Countdown to Launch!

Countdown to Launch!
Jan 04, 2019

What's it's really like for authors in the months before launching a new book into the marketplace?

Your #1 Secret Weapon: Writing Communities

Your #1 Secret Weapon: Writing Communities
Jan 02, 2019

Building a supportive network takes time and courage. It's worth starting to cultivate community early on, even if your instinct or your preference is to work alone. This post first appeared on Jane Friedman.  (Photo credit Eden Project Communities on Foter.com / CC BY)

Starting from Scratch: Staring Down the Blank Screen

Starting from Scratch: Staring Down the Blank Screen
Nov 07, 2018

What happens when, after a long time writing and editing, you once again find yourself at the beginning of an entirely new project?

Is it Time to Re-Assess Your Writing Habits?

Is it Time to Re-Assess Your Writing Habits?
Oct 03, 2018


Sometimes change is good.

When Stumbling on a Book Can Change Your LIfe

When Stumbling on a Book Can Change Your LIfe
Sep 18, 2018

When finding an inspiring book gives you courage to keep going with your own nutty ideas.

Tips on Getting Those Dreaded 'Blurbs' for Your Book

Tips on Getting Those Dreaded 'Blurbs' for Your Book
Sep 05, 2018

Does it influence you when a writer you admire endorses a book you're considering buying? For most readers, seeing killer blurbs from known names can make the difference.

Twenty Tips from Published Writers

Twenty Tips from Published Writers
Aug 29, 2018

Top tips from writers who've been there and done that.

Seven Surprises for Debut Authors

Seven Surprises for Debut Authors
Jul 04, 2018

We make all sorts of assumptions about what it will be like to actually become published authors for the first time. I know that I was in the dark about so much--for example, I had no idea what marketing would entail and I had almost no understanding about realistic sales numbers and what constitutes "success."

Dealing with Copy Edits--the Dreaded Past Perfect!

Dealing with Copy Edits--the Dreaded Past Perfect!
Jul 03, 2018

The final stages before book publication involve copyediting (and then proofreading). It's your last chance to make changes before your writing goes public. What can you do at this stage to assure your book stays true to your unique vision and style?

Do Authors Have Influence in Designing their Book Covers?

Do Authors Have Influence in Designing their Book Covers?
Jun 06, 2018
Book covers are supposed to draw readers in and convey the gist of a book. Bottom line: they're important. But how much say do traditionally published authors actually have in their book's cover design? 

Getting to Grips with a Big Revision of Your Novel

Getting to Grips with a Big Revision of Your Novel
May 02, 2018
It's hard to revisit old material--especially complex narratives you've invested a lot of time in. How best to go about a major revision?

How the Hell Does Creativity Work?

How the Hell Does Creativity Work?
Apr 21, 2018

One Argument, Two Books, a Magazine Article and a TV Show: How the Hell Does Creativity Work?

How to be a Successful Novelist in 38 Easy Steps

How to be a Successful Novelist in 38 Easy Steps
Mar 01, 2018

No one really knows what it takes to be a novelist. Here's a peek behind the scenes.

Lessons on Writing, from the Sweat Lodge

Lessons on Writing, from the Sweat Lodge
Feb 07, 2018
I think every writer is a daredevil. By putting your work out there to be judged, you're willingly being vulnerable. That takes real courage.

Tips on Attending Writers Conferences

Tips on Attending Writers Conferences
Jan 21, 2018
Conferences can be challengin for introverted writers. Here are some tips to not only get through the experince, but to really get something out of it: