Writing Life

How to Crush Writer's Block With Four Little Words

Stuck in the middle of your draft and can't move forward? This one writer's block trick will get you unstuck and back to writing in minutes.

Catherine Forrest

4 days ago7 min read

4 Steps to Finish Your Writing Project on a Deadline

Can't seem to finish what you start? Here's a 4-step system for setting a writing deadline that actually works — and breaking your project down until it's done.

Catherine Forrest

4 days ago9 min read

The First Step to Getting Published That Most Writers Skip

Before query letters, agents, or book covers: every writer needs to complete their first draft before they can pursue getting published.

Catherine Forrest

4 days ago9 min read

an image of a blank piece of paper with a pen and a balled up sheet of paper reads "why you should stop trying to get good at writing and just write badly instead"

Why You Should Stop Trying to Get Good at Writing (and Just Write Badly Instead)

The first step to doing anything well — including writing — is being absolutely terrible at it. A professional editor makes the case for writing badly, consistently, without worrying about quality, and explains why comparing your work to published books is like comparing rhubarb to rhubarb pie.

Catherine Forrest

Sep 46 min read

an image of two hands, one holding a large tomato and one holding a cherry tomato reads "3 unfair writing comparisons to stop making (and 2 that actually help)

Comparison Is the Thief of Confidence: 3 Unfair Writing Comparisons to Stop Making (and 2 That Actually Help)

Writers make three common comparisons that quietly destroy their confidence — comparing their drafts to published books, to peers in their writing group, and to writers at a similar age or stage. Here's why those comparisons are unfair, and two useful comparisons you can make instead.

Catherine Forrest

Sep 46 min read