LaurelLit.com

Writer, Reader, English Teacher

Writer

I love writing, and I also love to write ABOUT writing, classic female authors, and whatever else might be on my mind. I hope you enjoy the variety!

Which 80’s Soap Opera Worthy-Plot Twist Is The Best?

·

In the new novel I’m working on, an unlucky-in-love Jackie Collins/Nora Roberts type of author describes her romantic history, which mirrors the kind of books she writes.  Perhaps I should watch old soap operas from the 80s, like General Hospital or All My Children for inspiration. Except, I was never really a daytime soap fan, which means I could use your help! Please let me know which of these plot twists are you favorite (read through them, and then …

Continue Reading

Things That Inspired Me Lately

·

#1 Source of Inspiration: John Proctor Is The Villain

I just got back from a family trip to NYC, where we took in a Broadway show. John Proctor is the Villain stars Sadie Sink from Stranger Things, and she was great. But what's with the title? John Proctor is the protagonist of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, a play I taught multiple times to eleventh graders. It takes place during the Salem Witch Trials, and Miller wrote it as an …

Continue Reading

5 TIPS TO WRITING YOUR NOVEL IF YOU DON’T LIKE TO OUTLINE

·

  I've written lots of novels. Sometimes, it's almost embarrassing. Because, people often ask me, "How do you have time to write so much?" And I'm not always sure how to answer. But here's the thing. Anyone can write a lot if they don't get blocked. Productivity isn't as much about finding the time to write as it is using your time well. Perhaps I'm fortunate that I don't often experience writer's block. And yet, I know what works for me, and what doesn't work. The thing that …

Continue Reading

How to be Legit as an Indie Author: What Does & Doesn’t Work for Me

·

Last summer I went to an author event at a local bookstore. I was happy to be there. But I was also jealous and frustrated. Because I knew there was little chance I’d be invited to have an event at this store. I tried. Their website has an online form you can fill out. You need to have a good cover (check), be distributed by Ingram (check), a book that’s a romance (check), and preferably local (check). That’s just to be included on their shelves. In the message section, I explained that my …

Continue Reading

Four Reasons Why Jane Austen’s Persuasion Couldn’t Get Published Today

·

Jane Austen is the OG romance writer. Emma and Pride and Prejudice are just about flawless. But what about her final novel, Persuasion? When I began my WIP, I Bet You Think About Me, (a VERY LOOSE modern retelling of Persuasion), I realized what a quiet, contemplative novel it is. Sure, it’s got Austen’s signature wit and charm. But (warning – shocking statement ahead) I don’t think it could get published today.

That’s not to say it isn’t good. …

Continue Reading