Scribes & Archers

How to Stick with a Project (Past the First Draft)

Posted on January 21, 2025December 26, 2024 by R.M. Archer

While I’ve previously written on the topic of sticking with a project–and the principles from that post do apply beyond the first draft into revisions, edits, etc.–it was recently brought to my attention that I don’t have a post addressing some of the obstacles that can arise specifically after the first draft is complete, so that is what I will be discussing today!

Obstacle #1: Feeling Inadequate

As you shift from the writing process into the process of identifying problems and rewriting to remedy those problems, it’s easy to feel unequal to the task at first–especially if this is your first time stepping into the rewriting stage. It can be daunting. I get it!

It’s important to remember that even Continue reading “How to Stick with a Project (Past the First Draft)” →

How to Choose a Good Editor

Posted on January 14, 2025January 10, 2025 by R.M. Archer

If you’re an indie author, in particular, you likely know that a professional editor is part of the investment. But it can be hard to know which editor to choose. How do you know who is going to be a high-quality editor, and how do you know they’ll be the right fit for your book? This post will address both the traits of a good editor, as well as how to assess whether or not an editor has these qualities and whether or not s/he is a good fit for you specifically.

Traits of a good editor

Timeliness

Especially if you’re working with a particular schedule for a given project–whether you’ve announced a release date, plan to submit a project somewhere by a certain date, etc.–it is important to have an editor who can and will get your project scheduled and edited in a timely manner. Many editors will have an average turnaround time posted Continue reading “How to Choose a Good Editor” →

Top Reads of 2024

Posted on January 7, 2025December 26, 2024 by R.M. Archer

This list does not include rereads such as the last two books of the Wingfeather Saga (having started rereading the series in 2023) or the Truth series by Dawn Cook, which were also highlights among last year’s reading–or Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland, which I reread when outlining Thunder early this year.

Asterisked links are BookShop affiliate links. This means that if you buy through these links I make a commission at no extra cost to you. And the cool thing about BookShop is that it supports local small bookstores in the US!

The Story Raider and The Story Hunter by Lindsay A. Franklin

I read The Story Peddler all the way back in 2022, but unfortunately didn’t get around to finishing the series until early this year. Fortunately, that didn’t impede my enjoyment any! It was pretty easy for me to get re-situated in the story, and the strengths I had noted in the first book–namely, the way that the two Continue reading “Top Reads of 2024” →

2024 Wrap-Up & Goals for 2025

Posted on December 31, 2024December 30, 2024 by R.M. Archer

Happy New Year (just a little early, for those of us in the U.S.)! As 2024 comes to a close and we embark on 2025, the time has come for my annual post of reflection and new goals. Not interested in looking back with me? Jump to the section of 2025 goals for an idea of what to expect from Scribes & Archers in the coming year.

2024: An Overview

2024 has been a year of the unexpected–and, in some ways, a year of Continue reading “2024 Wrap-Up & Goals for 2025” →

2024 Know the Novel: Part 3 – Words Written

Posted on November 26, 2024November 13, 2024 by R.M. Archer

Welcome to the final installment of the Know the Novel link-up, hosted by Christine Smith! This installment usually goes up in December, but I’ll be taking a hiatus through the month of December (and Thunder is already finished) so I’m getting an early start on Part 3.

Want to keep in touch through the hiatus? Subscribe to the newsletter to continue receiving consistent updates through the end of this year and into 2025!

1. How did writing this novel go all around?

The first half was difficult; I dove right in after finishing Lightning and burned out not too far into Thunder, then kept trying to push on anyway until Sarah Grimm talked sense into me at Realm Makers and gave me permission to shift gears for a while. Once I did that–setting Thunder aside to work toward finishing my worldbuilding book instead–I was able to Continue reading “2024 Know the Novel: Part 3 – Words Written” →