Agreed, Chad! I was the same when I was younger—I was so determined to make everything a Tolstoy- or Tolkien-worthy EPIC. It's very liberating to explore shorter formats! Always wonderful to hear from other writers with similar experiences!

Short stories are compact yet powerful, allowing authors to explore new ideas and flex their creative muscles between longer projects. As a busy adult trying to do all the adult-ing things, squeezing in time for reading isn’t always easy — and I used to be a voracious reader. Enter my…

As a writer and avid reader, I sometimes get intimidated — or downright discouraged — by the immense talents of other writers. I’ve decided it’s time to reframe my mindset. Like many writers, I’m also a big reader. I have great appreciation for any author who can lift me out…

Some readers dismiss the thriller genre as adrenaline-pumping fluff, designed only to shock and awe. I think it goes deeper. As a writer, I consider reading part of my job. One way to hone your craft is to learn from others. That said, I do get into reading slumps. …

You wouldn’t settle when looking for love. You also shouldn’t settle when looking for a ghostwriter. When you decide to work with a ghostwriter, you are opening yourself up to a new relationship. You will have hours upon hours of conversation with this person. You will spend time with them…

On Kate Atkinson, AI, and the rare gift of forgetting the real world in a great book. When the world feels overwhelming (which it often does these days), the ability to lose yourself in a creative work — be it a movie, book, video game, whatever — is a true…

Cheerleading is a critical part of the ghostwriter’s job. I ghostwrite both fiction and nonfiction, so the topic areas I cover are broad. I might spend my morning working on a nonfiction book about business leadership — and then spend my afternoon writing a werewolf shapeshifter romance (literally). The diversity…

Welcome to ghostwriting scandals 101. Ghostwriting can give you an exhilarating peek into intriguing worlds you never thought you’d be privy to. The top ghosts work with athletes, politicians, actresses, pop stars, business tycoons, political prisoners, former CIA operatives… The options are endless. Barbara Feinman Todd is one example of…

Road blocks are inevitable. Be prepared to handle them. Starting a manuscript is incredibly exciting. Finishing a manuscript? Even more exciting. You’ll have an adrenaline rush that makes you want to pop the champagne and celebrate victory over what seemed (at one point) like an insurmountable foe. But everything that…