When I first started writing seriously, I was struck by the generosity of many of the experienced authors I encountered along the way. These writers were willing to take a fledgling by the hand and explain both craft and professional practice. They made all the…
Back when I was writing my third practice novel – one of the three I’m intensely glad never saw the scorching light of publication – I found it next to impossible to write the words “The End” on the final draft. I procrastinated. I told…
by Cathy Chester, Guest Blogger I’ve been writing all my life. As a child, I dreamed of being a famous author, writing a work of fiction that would stand the test of time, like Harper Lee or, dare I say, Jane Austen. But life got…
by Mally Becker After 81 rejections, self-published author Eva Lesko Natiello had had enough. It didn’t matter that self-publishing was unfamiliar territory. That was no excuse not to learn. And learn she did. Since she took on the “indie author” mantle, her suspense thriller, THE…
On January 7 and 8, The Writers Circle held three Resolve to Write sessions facilitated by TWC Directors Judith Lindbergh (in South Orange) and Michelle Cameron (in Summit), and TWC instructor Lisa Romeo (in Montclair). Below Mally Becker, who attended the Summit event, shares her experiences and thoughts about getting…
On January 7 and 8, The Writers Circle held three Resolve to Write sessions facilitated by TWC Directors Judith Lindbergh (in South Orange) and Michelle Cameron (in Summit), and TWC instructor Lisa Romeo (in Montclair). Below Steph Auteri, who attended the Montclair event, shares her experiences and thoughts about getting…
I jumped into NaNoWriMo this year the way I jump into a pool on a hot summer day. Standing with my toes on the edge thinking, “It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna cold.” Then taking the leap, feeling that first splash…
by Mally Becker, TWC Outreach & Development The person sitting next to you at a dinner party leans in and asks: “So, what’s your book about?” They mean well. Of course they do. But you go blank. Or you answer, “Ummm.” Because how do you…
by Michelle Cameron, Director, The Writers Circle I’ve never before had the opportunity to research my novels in the places they happened. When I was writing both The Fruit of Her Hands and my current work, a variety of factors kept me at home – not least…
by Jeff Campbell, author and instructor at The Writers Circle Storytelling is storytelling, no matter what medium. That is the second lesson I learned at the annual SCBWI New Jersey conference on June 4 and 5. Not only that, I learned it on the first…
Now that you’ve come up with your brilliant Elevator Pitch, drafted your query letter and the dreaded synopsis, it’s time to face the part of the process over which you have little control: actually finding an agent. Not only “an agent” but the RIGHT agent.…
Sarah Lyman Kravits knows what it takes to write a great college essay. Not only is she the co-author of the Keys to Success college textbook series, but she’s read applications and interviewed candidates for the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholars program for more than…
