My imagination works best if I give it time. #writetip Turning off airport, or whatever you use to access the internet, is a good step. No dings when an email arrives, no temptation to check twitter or facebook. I blog first thing in the morning, then cut myself off. If you can switch off your phone, that’s even better.

Now if only the dog didn’t need a walk, I could get to work.

Feedback can be hard to hear. #writeip Especially when it’s not positive.

I try not to react right away. I listen, and make an attempt t to stop my mind from accepting or rejecting an idea too quickly. Then I go away and mull over the comments and decide what changes, if any, I’m going to make.

I find I am more open to suggestions if I ask specific questions.

Are there any awkward dialogue moments?

Are any of the passages boring?

Are character motivations clear?

It’s hard for someone to tell you that what you’ve written is boring, but if you ask a specific question, you’re more likely to get an honest answer. Then you can write a better story.

I write mystery novels and the most important question I have for my readers is: When did the reader figure out who committed the crime? I have my readers jot down each time they suspect a character. My hope is that they suspect different characters at different points in the novel. Their notes help me determine if I’ve put too many or not enough clues. In the end I want to surprise them with the villain. If I haven’t done that, it’s time to revise.

How many times have you heard that advice? #writetip. I think it should be: write what you’re passionate about.

It’s easy to do research about something you love, but hard to do research about something that bores you. And if it bores you, think about the readers.

There will be areas in your novel that you must research but are not your main areas of interest. That’s okay. I find they turn about to be small parts of the novel.

My novels take place in a fictitious ski resort called Stone Mountain. I certainly know about ski resorts and their inner workings, but I don’t think I could write about it if I wasn’t passionate about the sport and the industry.

When I’m not sure about something, I ask an expert or do research.

You and your novel will spent many hours together. Make it about something you enjoy.