From the Reading Chair

Writing tips

Writing Self-help Part 3: Finding Your Voice

Writing tips

You may be an excellent facilitator, good with blogs, and effective with one-on-one clients – but writing a book is another whole way of reaching an audience.

Writing Self-help Part 2: The Mix of Content

Writing tips

The content of your self-help book will likely contain a range of ingredients, a mix of material, so it's important to understand the role of each ingredient.

Writing Self-help Part 1: Clarity of Purpose

Writing tips

The self-help genre, also known as personal development, is as popular as ever with readers, and also with writers. The more you understand about the genre, the better.

The Value of a Mentor

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, Writing tips

A writing mentor can help you understand your work and your practice in new ways, and help you navigate the often tricky emotional terrain of writing a book.

Are You Paying Attention?

Rewriting and editing, The writing life, When you're done, Writing tips

One of the keys to success for a writer is an ability to pay attention to the macro as well as the micro, to the mundane as well as the sublime.

Story Design

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Theme. Plotlines. Characters. Backstory. Point of view. The artistry in developing work for publication lies in understanding how these elements work together to create your story design.

Vital Organs Part 3: The Central Event

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

The central event is the one event the book cannot do without; it is central to and creates the story. Without it, the book collapses like a house of cards.

Vital Organs Part 2: The Major Dramatic Question

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

To develop your work and create a strong story structure, it is crucial to understand the major dramatic question that lies at the heart of your story.

Vital Organs Part 1: Story Essence

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

Where does the real story lie? What is the essence of your tale? What are you really trying to say? What is it about?

Endings

Rewriting and editing, Writing tips

When you are crafting your ending, think about whether you have said what you wanted to say. Are there any loose ends? Are there story questions posed that aren’t answered?

Laurel Cohn and her team offer comprehensive editing and manuscript development services, as well as mentoring and consultations to help you realise your writing goal.

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‘I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I live and work, the Midjungbal of the Bundjalung, and pay my respects to Elders past and present. For thousands of years the First Peoples of this Country have understood the power of story to shape and reshape our understanding of ourselves and our world, a continuing practice from which we can all draw inspiration.’ Laurel Cohn

From the Reading Chair

Writing tips

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