Maartje's Blog...
where you can read all about writing
9 creative ways to smoothly write about sound
Reading Time: 12 minutes The senses play an enormous part in creating a believable new world. But it’s not always as easy. Here are some tips on how to write about sound.
5 delicious Steps to writing yourself Zen
Reading Time: 6 minutes When you are writing yourself zen, your inner voice turns off. Your mind becomes quiet. Here’s how you can achieve that.
The editing checklist for writers – and other tips to prevent grammar mistakes
Reading Time: 5 minutes When using an editing checklist for writers, authors can turn a struggle into a habit. Get your free PDF here now
How much does a writing retreat cost? – And a few amazing options
Reading Time: 3 minutes Getting a way for a couple of days to submerge yourself in your work is a dream, but how much does a writing retreat cost?
Personal Writing Story: Being Interviewed by Oliver Adams
Reading Time: 4 minutes Wow, a new experience! Oliver Adams from Letter Review interviewed me on what it is like to be a writing coach.
12 tips to master writing every day – number 6 is an absolute eye-opener
Reading Time: 17 minutes Writing every day helps build a habit and the key to success is consistency. Here are some tips on how to do it.
The struggle with revising & the joy it brings – a personal story of tears and smiles
Reading Time: 7 minutes As an author, I struggle with revising. But I am also aware of what joy it brings. That’s why I found a way to work with it. And it couldn’t make me happier.
9 ways freewriting will boost your creativity – number 7 is mind-blowing!
Reading Time: 7 minutes Freewriting will boost your creativity in very many ways. From shutting up your inner critic to making new connections in your brain. Read on to find out more.
How writing the wrong perspective can ruin your story
Reading Time: 7 minutes Writing the wrong perspective can ruin your whole story. It often happens when a writer is ill-prepared. Luckily there are steps you can take, that guide you.
9 ways to write about sight and make your work even more amazing
Reading Time: 8 minutes As an author, you guide the reader through a story and make it come to life. How? By speaking to their senses. Here’s how to write about sight.
Personal Writing Story: Finding an agent (or 2)
Reading Time: 4 minutes Just like any other author, I’ve dreamed of my big break. Now I am taking action to achieve it. This week’s personal story: finding an agent.
What is a writing retreat? – and why you should go!
Reading Time: 4 minutes More and more writers are doing them, but what is a writing retreat exactly, and why should you do one?
Personal Writing Story: making choices like a badass
Reading Time: 3 minutes Making choices can sometimes lead to having to defend yourself. This is my personal writing story.
What makes fictional characters feel real?
Reading Time: 5 minutes What makes fictional characters feel real? What makes the fans want to cue up to read and meet them?
Feedback analysis for writers – go from painful to hell yeah!
Reading Time: 5 minutes Feedback analysis for writers is a valuable tool to get in touch with your audience, improve your writing skills, and grow as a writer. But how do you process?
Creative prewriting – plan your masterpiece
Reading Time: 5 minutes If you are looking for a more organized approach to your writing, creative prewriting is a good place to start.
Relatable character traits – 9 amazing ways to write them
Reading Time: 6 minutes Relatable character traits help you to create strong personalities that your readers can identify and connect with. But how do you write them?
Relatable character flaws – an absolute must
Reading Time: 4 minutes Nobody likes a perfect hero. Relatable character flaws are needed for contrast and engagement. But how do you write them?
How to create a well-written character- 9 tips
Reading Time: 6 minutes Developing a relatable and well-written character is not easy, but it is vital to writing a strong story. How do you create them?
5 games for writers that will boost your skills
Reading Time: 4 minutes Games for writers, can they really help you improve your skills? They sure can! So here are my top five games to play!
The cost of promoting your book – Savvy ways to sell yourself, and your work
Reading Time: 8 minutes Writing a book is one thing, selling it another. The cost of promoting your book can easily rank between $0 and $15,000. But where do you even start?
First vs third – what perspective does the reader prefer?
Reading Time: 4 minutes All authors wonder at one point: what perspective does the reader prefer? First or third?
The magic of a writer’s residency -and how you get inside
Reading Time: 4 minutes While a lot of authors dream about a writer’s residency, not everybody knows how it could benefit them or how to get inside.
Writing a nail-biting thriller – these 4 tricks will blow your mind!
Reading Time: 4 minutes There are many flavors when it comes to thrillers, but the recipe for writing a nail-biting thriller remains the same.