Boost Your Writing: Top Productivity Hacks

Boost Your Writing: Top Productivity Hacks

Hey fellow writers and curious souls! After nearly 30 years as a secondary school teacher—guiding students through essays, stories, and the occasional existential meltdown—I’ve finally traded in my classroom keys for full-time writing life. But don’t worry, the procrastination and writer’s block didn’t retire with me. Over the years, I’ve discovered some surprisingly effective productivity…

assorted book lot

Exploring Genres: Finding Your Narrative Niche

Hey there, fellow wordsmiths! Whether you’re a seasoned author searching for a fresh narrative direction or an aspiring writer still figuring out exactly where your storytelling heart belongs, choosing the right genre can feel a bit like finding the perfect pair of shoes—it has to fit just right and feel comfortable from the start. As…

Story Pacing is Magical

Story Pacing Perfection: Engage Your Readers

Hey there, fellow authors and aspiring storytellers! It’s your friendly neighborhood author and secondary teacher here, ready to dive into the exciting world of story pacing. Today, we’re unpacking a crucial element that can make or break your narrative – the art of balancing action and reflection. Whether you’re penning a high-octane thriller or a…

Boy Looking at a Scary Clown

Mastering Plot Twists: Captivate Your Readers

Hey there, fellow authors and aspiring wordsmiths! It’s your friendly neighborhood author and secondary teacher of writing and computer science here. Today, I’m diving into the exhilarating world of plot twists and tension. You know, those heart-racing, eyebrow-raising moments that keep your readers glued to the pages, eagerly flipping to find out what happens next….

A College Student Reading a Book white Sitting on the Stairs

Reader Engagement: Empathy, Curiosity, and Suspense in Storytelling

Hey there, fellow educators and word enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to dive into the psychological principles that turn pages and ignite minds. Think empathy, curiosity, and suspense – the secret ingredients to a captivating tale. Whether you’re penning your next novel or inspiring young writers in the classroom, understanding these principles can transform the way…

The Science of Writing: Engage the Reader

The Science of Storytelling: Using Psychology to Engage Readers

Hey there, fellow authors and aspiring storytellers! I’m excited to dive into something that’s both a passion and a profession for me—storytelling. As a secondary teacher who juggles the worlds of writing and computer science, I’ve found that the most compelling stories are those that weave in a bit of psychology. Why? Because understanding how…

Building School Writing Communities

Building Writing Communities: School Edition

Hey there, fellow educators! 📚✏️ As someone who juggles the worlds of authoring and teaching (yeah, that heady blend of writing and computer science in the classroom), I’ve seen firsthand the power of a strong writing community. Remember those late-night writing sessions, fueled by coffee and creativity? Let’s recreate that magic for our students. Dive…