Author Archives: LauraDrake

About LauraDrake

Author of romance and women's fiction. Grand Central and Harlequin author, debut book, The Sweet Spot, due out May 28.

How to Avoid the Dreaded Dialogue Tag

Posted on March 28, 2014 by LauraDrake

by Laura Drake Okay, I admit it. I’m prejudiced against dialogue tags. Yes, I know they say, ‘He said/she said’ are invisible to the reader. They’re not to me. Even if you don’t share my pet peeve, why settle for … Continue reading →

Posted in Craft | Tagged , , , , | 71 Comments

How to be an Agent’s ‘Dream Client’

Posted on March 7, 2014 by LauraDrake

By Chuck Sambuchino How does a literary agent define their “ideal client”? The question is extremely important because it’s one that factors into an agent’s mindset before and after they sign you. If an agent has read your complete novel … Continue reading →

Posted in Bumps & Bruises on the Road to Publication, Chuck Sambuchino | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

Adding a playlist to your blog or website

Posted on January 29, 2014 by LauraDrake

By Sierra Godfrey Remember back in the day when you made a mixtape for a good friend, a long car ride, or a guy you liked? It was our way of personally selecting songs with meaning that told one larger … Continue reading →

Posted in Sierra Godfrey, Technology Fun | Tagged , , , , , , | 20 Comments

You Know You’re a Writer If . . .

Posted on December 25, 2013 by LauraDrake

By Laura Drake I’m between books. Which is to say that I took two days to clean up everything on my ‘to do’ list, and today I’m diving into plotting my next book. Yeah, right. Everyone who follows WITS knows … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Does an Extroverted Writer Have the Advantage? Maybe Not

Posted on October 18, 2013 by LauraDrake

By Laura Drake I’ve read a lot of blogs lately about introverted writers, whining  pointing out how hard it is for them, nowadays. There are probably more introverted authors than extroverts. After all, it’s darned near a cliché – the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bumps & Bruises on the Road to Publication, Craft, Inspiration, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , , , | 42 Comments

Writing and Lovin’ It

Posted on August 14, 2013 by LauraDrake

By Laura Drake It sometimes seems that everything around us is negative: coworkers complain, kids whine, and don’t get me started on politics or the news. I think social media magnifies this. Hop onto Twitter and look right now – … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , | 33 Comments

Writing Outside the Box – with Storyboxes

Posted on August 12, 2013 by LauraDrake

Today I’m proud to welcome to WITS a debut historical author, Alina K. Field. You may not have heard of her yet, but trust me,  you will! Take it away, Alina! Thanks to the Writers in the Storm crew for … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Craft, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

How to Choose a Literary Executor

Posted on August 9, 2013 by LauraDrake

Hey, all just a quick update: The person who won an LWA online class is ——- Selena Fulton  CONGRATULATIONS !!!! Please email Margie::::: address is:  margie (at) margielawson(dot) com Sorry to step in, Susan – go for it! by Susan Spann Last … Continue reading →

Posted in PubLaw | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Writer Strong: My Obsessive-Compulsive Muse

Posted on February 6, 2013 by LauraDrake

Today’s guest, Barbara Claypole White, is a strong woman, a great mom, and a Women’s Fiction Author — a good one, as you’ll see from her post. Here’s Barbara: Readers constantly ask if my debut novel, THE UNFINISHED GARDEN, is … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogging Guests, Bumps & Bruises on the Road to Publication, Craft, Inspiration, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

Don’t Shrink from Synopses!

Posted on November 9, 2012 by LauraDrake

Susan Spann is back, with another amazing post that will help you create an Author Business Plan. If you missed her first two posts in the series, they are: Overview of an Author Business Plan, and 7 Steps to Writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Craft, Miscellaneous | Tagged , , , , | 45 Comments