Author Announcements

I’m Now Represented By…

ICYMI! I am so excited to announce that I am now represented by Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency! From the beginning, Marietta understood the importance of my middle grade novel-in-verse about losing my mom to the opioid crisis when I was 11, and I cannot wait for us to share it with… Continue reading I’m Now Represented By…

Miscellaneous

Maternity Leave!

It’s time! My baby is due in a week, so I am logging out for the time being. I hope to be back on my regular blogging schedule in time for my yearly reflection posts in December. (Though I may pop in before then with a baby picture or two. Maybe even an announcement! *wink… Continue reading Maternity Leave!

Writing Tips

Writing (and Working) While Pregnant: Third Trimester

I am 37 weeks pregnant, which means I am full-term, but have a few weeks to go and, honestly, I didn’t want to wait any longer to write this blog post. Why? Because I’m tired. If I wait any longer, I’m not sure I’ll be able to get the blog post out on time. (Not… Continue reading Writing (and Working) While Pregnant: Third Trimester

Publishing Advice

Should You Talk About Querying While Querying?

Only a few years ago, it was a huge no-no to talk openly about querying while querying. Sure, you could DM your closest writing friends, but tweeting about it openly? Hard nope. It was seen as unprofessional, a sign that the author wasn’t able to keep a level head when negotiations are taking place. You… Continue reading Should You Talk About Querying While Querying?

Miscellaneous

Why We Need More Books Like Jennette McCurdy’s I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED

Controversy erupted in publishing last week when child star Jennette McCurdy released her memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died. Ever since, I’ve seen various discussions being bounced around online. Some supportive; some not.  I get it. I do. There’s lots of folks out there who cannot imagine disliking their mother so much that death feels… Continue reading Why We Need More Books Like Jennette McCurdy’s I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED

Publishing Advice

Pay-To-Play in Traditional Publishing, and Why We Need to Talk About It

A few weeks ago, I was querying when I kept coming across agent after agent who was closed to submissions except from those who they’ve met at conferences. Below that, a list of conferences was provided, where a writer could go and purchase a ticket (often in the hundreds), and then an additional ticket to… Continue reading Pay-To-Play in Traditional Publishing, and Why We Need to Talk About It

Publishing Advice · Writing Tips

What It’s Like Going Unpublished for Five Years

My last published novel - Bad Bloods: July Lightning - released on July 24, 2017. Five years ago.  That fact can feel pretty staggering some days. Obviously, more so when the anniversary comes up than other times of the year. But alas, here we are, standing at a time of reflection.  Back in 2017, I… Continue reading What It’s Like Going Unpublished for Five Years

Writing Tips

Sometimes Writing That Book Was A Waste Of Time

Before you freak at the title, please know that the point of blogging titles is to get you here, and now you’re here, so voilà.  That said, I really do believe writing a book can be a waste of time. Why is that such a controversial thing to say?  I know that the publishing industry… Continue reading Sometimes Writing That Book Was A Waste Of Time