Author Archives: Deborah

When the words won’t come easily

Kia ora Some days the words flow so smoothly that you’re convinced you can smash out your first draft by the end of the week. Some days the words come as easily as picking your way through a field of nettles. Or gorse. Or cow pats. (We’ve all been there.) When the words aren’t coming,Continue reading “When the words won’t come easily”

How to include flashbacks in your writing

Flashbacks send readers back in time to events that happened outside your story’s “present”. Knowing how to nudge your readers in the right direction will keep readers engaged, instead of having them go “huh?”

Quick writing wisdom: 3 tips

Kia ora, I missed writing last week’s email. I was on a tight deadline for my current edit, but it’s under control and I’m back in action. This week I want to give you three tips for your adventure writing. Do get help with your self-publishing project. You don’t have to do it all yourself.Continue reading “Quick writing wisdom: 3 tips”

Aligning our values

Kia ora, When it comes to working with writers, my biggest value is trust. You need to trust me with your manuscript, story, and vision. Sharing your work with someone can be a vulnerable experience, and that trust is not something I take lightly. That’s why I always ask to see your manuscript before weContinue reading “Aligning our values”

How long should your book be? A word count guide for travel and adventure writers

The short answer: as long as it needs to be. While this is a vague answer, understanding word counts can make the difference between readers finishing your book or abandoning it half way through.  Let’s discuss why your word count matters, look at some examples, and look at ways to reduce your word count whenContinue reading “How long should your book be? A word count guide for travel and adventure writers”

Out vs in: 2025 edition

Kia ora, You know what I’m going to say: Happy New Year! I hope you had a good break over Christmas. My break was a bit chaotic 😅 Lots of house projects, garden work, a couple of walks, and a bike ride that sent me over the handlebars. I survived, and somehow want to doContinue reading “Out vs in: 2025 edition”