Practical Writing and Editing Tips for Aspiring Authors

As a Penguin Random House author, I've learned a few things about getting through writer's block. My top tips include writing fanfiction of your own characters, rereading your earlier work, setting a short timer, or simply giving yourself permission to rest.

My best tip for when you're stuck on a scene is to write fanfiction of your own characters. This simple technique helps you get out of your head, connect more deeply with your characters, and overcome writer's block so you can feel more confident in your story.

Here's a writer's block hack that has been a game-changer for me. Try writing chapters out of order. This "writing from the gut" technique allows you to work on the scenes you're most excited about, which saves time and can give you clarity on the parts where you were stuck.

A writing lesson I learned from a bad date. Revealing your main character's tragic backstory on page one is like talking about your ex on a first date. Let the reader get to know your character first to build connection and curiosity.

Writer's block is almost always a mindset issue, stemming from a fear of possibility. Instead of focusing on the fear of rejection or not writing a perfect draft, I coach writers to see these as opportunities to grow, learn, and give readers a new favorite book.

A closer look at the fears that cause writer's block. The possibility of letting yourself down, getting rejected by agents, or being judged by others can be paralyzing. My coaching focuses on building a rejection-proof mindset to navigate these fears.

If you know, you know. Online baby name directories are an author's best friend. Finding the perfect name for a character is a crucial part of the writing process, and it's one of the many small details we obsess over.

The advice that you have to write every day to be a good writer is nonsense. I believe in quality over quantity. I coach my clients to find a routine that works for their schedule and health, whether that's writing daily or a few times a week.

Here are a few things my therapist wants me to tell myself as an author. Your worth has nothing to do with book sales, it's okay to be proud of your efforts, and your past self would be thrilled with how far you've come. Mindset is everything.