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Colleen McCracken

Fantasy & Sci-fi Author

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Tag: first drafts

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Writing Tips

How to outline a novel, however you want

colleenmccrackenOctober 26, 2023October 26, 2023

I’ve wanted to do a post for a while about my outlining method, but I keep running into a problem.

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Writing Tips

How to write a sequel (without getting overwhelmed)

colleenmccrackenOctober 12, 2023October 11, 2023

Happy Preptober! It’s officially Nanowrimo Prep season, and I’ve got some fun stuff planned this month as we approach what

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Writing Tips

Underwriting vs. Overwriting: How to make it through a novel when your brain only wants to write half

colleenmccrackenJuly 19, 2023October 11, 2023

Do you ever write a draft and then look back at it and realize that you did not in fact

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Writing Tips

Goal setting for people who hate goals

colleenmccrackenJanuary 1, 2023October 11, 2023

Happy new year! And happy New Year’s resolution season to those who celebrate. I, for one, do not. But this

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Warmup Wednesday

Warmup Wednesday: Get ready for the Now What? Months!

colleenmccrackenNovember 30, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Story Structure Sunday

Story Structure Sunday: How to end a novel

colleenmccrackenNovember 27, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Stupid Advice Saturday

Stupid Advice Saturday: Should you really write every day?

colleenmccrackenNovember 26, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Warmup Wednesday

Warmup Wednesday: the Wikipedia method of worldbuilding

colleenmccrackenNovember 23, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Warmup Wednesday

Warmup Wednesday: Outlining a novel, for people who hate outlines

colleenmccrackenNovember 16, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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Story Structure Sunday

Story Structure Sunday: What to do about the 30k blues

colleenmccrackenNovember 13, 2022May 18, 2025

Author’s note: This post was originally written prior to the November, 2023 child grooming scandal and subsequent slow death of

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About Me

Hi, I'm Helen! I write fantasy and sci-fi under the pen name Colleen McCracken. I'm a bookworm and literary analysis junkie from the Pacific Northwest heading down the road toward publication, and sharing advice, analysis, and updates along the way. I hope to publish my debut fantasy novel, Hunter of Seals, in 2025.

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Recent Posts

  • So you need to pick an editor… now what?
  • So you got some feedback… now what?
  • The magic and terror of sharing your writing
  • A sci-fi author’s guide to Sanderson’s Laws
  • Character design, and how to make it up as you go

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