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Two Key Things I’ve Learned About Writing Novellas vs. Novels

In the beginning there was the novel … well, at least in the beginning of my fiction writing career, there was the novel, and nothing but the novel.

And then my editor asked, “What do you think about writing a novella?”

And I said, “Why not?”

My first novellawas You Made Me Love You. And I liked the process, even as I learned that writing a novel and writing a novella are two very different things.

And then I read a Facebook post where some people were discussing novel versus novella – you know, the whole choose one or the other. And I wondered why. Why does it have to be novel or the novella? Why not enjoy both? Choose a novel when you’re up for a longer read, a more detailed story. And choose a novella when you’re looking for something shorter, something simpler, but just as enjoyable as a full-length novel.

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Finding Balance in Writing & Life: Between Deadlines

Once I turned in my latest manuscript, I realized something—I was between deadlines, meaning I don’t have any contracted novels to jump right into. While that’s good to allow myself time to relax after back-to-back deadlines, it doesn’t help the bank account. However, I needed the downtime. I needed to refresh my spirit and refuel my writing energies. Here are five suggestions for others who may find themselves between deadlines or without contracts yet: Breathe. Maybe you’ve put in long hours finishing up your manuscript before your deadline. Or perhaps, you’re still waiting for that offer to come through. Either way, take time to simply breathe…relax. I submitted my last manuscript during a family crisis, which tripled the stress level. But, once I turned it in, I was able to […]

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When It is Time to Rewrite: 4 Steps to Improve Your Manuscript

My fourth novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, is due to my editor on August 1. Yes, I am aware that is a mere 29 days away. No, I am not counting hours or minutes — yet.

With my fast draft in hand … well, spread all over my desk and sometimes all over the coffee table in the family room … I am ready for rewrites.

Yes, yes, I am.

First things first: there are certain things I don’t do when I am this close to deadline and deep into rewriting.

I do not clean my house.
I do not cook.
Hmmm. Reality is, I don’t clean my house or cook that much when I’m off deadline. I’m just being honest here. When I’m off deadline, I’m plotting a new novel or I’m dealing with second round edits or galleys . . . or something! I’m thankful my husband loves me.

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Emotion: It Don’t Come Easy

My decision to layer in stronger, deeper emotion into Somebody Like You cost me more than I ever anticipated. Why? Because if I wanted my imaginary characters to express emotions that my readers connected with, I had to tap into very real emotions inside me.

While the story is a contemporary romance, it also examines themes of twins and family, widowhood and grief, loss, estrangement, brokenness … all wrapped around the Story Question: Can a young widow fall in love with her husband’s reflection?

Another question I had to answer? How honest was I going to be as I wove stronger, deeper emotion into my novel?

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