What Decorating Cookies Can Teach Writers About Story Detail
I adore the holiday season. I love the twinkle of lights, stockings hung by the fireplace, the nip in the air (even in Birmingham,...
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Laura McNeill
- Oct 21, 2018
- 3 min
Six Writing Lessons Learned from Watching ‘Stranger Things’
My 13-year-old son loves Stranger Things. He sits on the sofa, rapt, as the music starts and the action begins. He can’t wait for season...
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Laura McNeill
- Apr 29, 2018
- 2 min
Best Writing Books, Part 1
I’m often asked about my favorite books on writing. I have shelves of books on writing, editing, publishing, story structure — you name...
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Laura McNeill
- Jan 20, 2016
- 2 min
Writer Wednesday: 4 Reasons Not to Rush Revisions
I’ll admit it. I’m an impatient writer. When I’ve finished the first draft of a book, I can’t wait to get it out into the world. I want...
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Laura McNeill
- Jul 1, 2015
- 3 min
Publishing, Pen Names, and Breaking the Rules
When I first began writing, several authors generously shared their unwritten rules for forging a successful career. They unanimously...
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Laura McNeill
- May 6, 2015
- 3 min
Writer Wednesday: Defining Platform & Brand
Defining Brand & Platform Can Be Confusing! There are quite a few abbreviations and terms tossed around in the publishing business,...
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Laura McNeill
- Apr 28, 2015
- 2 min
What’s In a Name? Selections for Center of Gravity
Naming characters is almost as daunting as naming a new baby. And, once your book goes to print, it’s just as permanent. As an author,...
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Laura McNeill
- Apr 1, 2015
- 1 min
Signing ‘Center of Gravity’ Sept. 5 & 6, 2015 – Decatur Book Festival
I’m super-excited to be a part of the 2015 Decatur Book Festival, taking place from Sept 5 – 6th. I’ll be speaking briefly and signing...
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Laura McNeill
- Mar 30, 2015
- 2 min
Creating Unforgettable Settings: Mobile, Ala.
Recently, I asked my Facebook friends about their favorite novel settings. The answers were awesome, and varied, with people mentioning...
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Laura McNeill
- Feb 22, 2015
- 2 min
5 Ways to Write A Fantastic First Line
There’s no one perfect formula for writing fantastic first lines. They can be short or long, descriptive or straightforward. The choice,...
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Laura McNeill
- Feb 22, 2015
- 3 min
5 Ways to Write Great Scenes – The Tiny Details
Last time, I talked about 5 key things to keep in mind when writing scenes. Today, let’s break down the small, but crucial details. 1....
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Laura McNeill
- Feb 22, 2015
- 3 min
5 Ways to Write Sensational Scenes – The Big Picture
Read a novel lately that you couldn’t put it down? What about a book that haunted you in your sleep or kept you up at night? The author...
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Laura McNeill
- Feb 22, 2015
- 3 min
7 Ways to Test Your Story Spark
Last time, I talked about story sparks—those small ideas writers use to jump start their novels. Those little epiphanies can come at any...
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Laura McNeill
- Feb 15, 2015
- 2 min
What’s Your Story Spark?
Story ideas for me, and many other authors, happen when a little spark hits. It may be during dinner, or a conversation with friends. It...
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