Megan DiMaria

I learned a painful lesson many years ago. It’s this: no one has to be nice to you. No one. Many people don't understand this. Not...

Sometimes, I go through my old files from past writing seminars and conferences to brush up on what I've learned. Today, I compiled a...

There's truth and then there's a character's perspective. Both can be honest, even if the reality is experienced in different ways. I...

Your protagonist—the main character of your novel—has some specific needs that must be addressed up front that will compel the reader to...

Writers and artists, what does it mean to you to be a creative? I've been thinking about the challenges and joys of being creative. Being...

Sometimes it good to remember stuff we've already been taught. Elementary, yes—but it's good to ponder the basics of novel writing. One:...

As writers, we work with words the way a sculptor uses chisels, files, and hammers. The words we choose and the way we arrange them...

If you’re writing a book, you need to have an elevator pitch prepared for when someone asks you about your work. An elevator pitch is a...

One of the hardest decisions you’ll ever face in life is choosing whether to walk away or try harder. ~Zaid K. Abdelnour Have you been...

Today's message is simple and straightforward: just pray! There are days when challenges seem to come out of the air. There are days when...

Writers can get overwhelmed trying to find a new way to communicate the ordinary and everyday moments that make up life. Writers can get...

Everyone’s a critic. Everyone has an opinion. And of course, everyone's entitled to their opinion. But what happens when a critic or a...

In today’s world, a careless word or Tweet can circle the globe faster than a shooting star can light up the heavens. We move in a...

You've heard the quote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." It's from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The saying implies...

Participating in a critique group can be one of the best things you can do to help move forward in your writing skills. A crit group will...

Hi! I'm back after my Lenten break. I didn't blog, but I haven't neglected my writing. I like simple tips, ones that make you say ah-ha...

Sorry I missed posting this past Tuesday. I had intended to, but I felt an urge to withdraw. I still do, actually. This Lent I feel a...

Do you have an unfulfilled dream? Is there something that you always dreamed of doing? Is there a goal that's been hidden in your heart...

Did you know you have the power to change someone else's reality? Extend yourself and show kindness, either in word or deed. Your...