When I first began writing, I had no notions of writing YA. I was going to be the next Nora Roberts or Sophie Kinsella. I hadn't decided quite yet. And then I read Sarah Addison Allen, and I was terrified I'd never be able to write like that (I won't, and that's ok. We're different). … Continue reading Identity Crisis
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Wanna Know How/Where to Start Your Novel?
Wanna Know How/Where to Start Your Novel? Read a TON of first chapters. I'll talk about published ones today, and unpublished ones in another post. On my week of not-writing, one of the things I did was go to Amazon and read a TON of first chapters. (I may write up something on how important … Continue reading Wanna Know How/Where to Start Your Novel?
EGO is not for editing
I've seen a lot of authors struggle for years to get their books out into the world, and something that many of them have in common, is the unwillingness to accept critiques. There are a million reasons under the sun to keep something in your story the way you want to keep it, but when … Continue reading EGO is not for editing
In Brief: Mooshing 2 Genres/Writers Into One Book
I've read a few posts on this already, but I'm going to throw my few cents into the conversation. Okay. No cents. Just words. I'm lame. We have this idea that if we write a book that crosses genres rather dramatically, we will widen our audience to epic proportions. So, if we write a book … Continue reading In Brief: Mooshing 2 Genres/Writers Into One Book
In Brief: Levels of Edits
This post is probably most useful to pre-published authors. ROUND ONE - CONTENT This is where you take the seed of an idea that you love, and turn it into something workable. What to keep in mind in round one, as both the author or a reader: Overall story arc Pacing Character arc and characterization … Continue reading In Brief: Levels of Edits
Rant: Teens Aren’t Dumb (the mini version)
Psst. Teens aren't dumb. 90% of the teens I know could handle my TV and logins better than me. When I need an App for something specific, I ask the teens I know. And they have always steered me well. So, why, why, WHY would anyone feel the need to "dumb down" a book for them … Continue reading Rant: Teens Aren’t Dumb (the mini version)