Writing Tips

Podcasts for Writers, SFF, & More

I love podcasts. Since I spend most of my day on the computer, I’ve fallen in love with listening to podcasts while I’m off the computer. It helps me rest my eyes, while also giving me a chance to continue my research—whether it’s for publishing or writing in general. Below, I’m including my top three… Continue reading Podcasts for Writers, SFF, & More

Miscellaneous

Reward Your Writing

Writing is hard. So is publishing. It’s easier than I want to admit to fall into a downward spiral of imposter syndrome. Or something worse. But there are ways to combat that spiral of doom. For me, that spiral consists of workaholic syndrome. I will write, write, write until I burn out, and sometimes, I’ll… Continue reading Reward Your Writing

Miscellaneous

Give An Author A Second Chance

Recently I came across a poll on Twitter. How many times do you give an author a chance before you swear off their work indefinitely? Before I get into what everyone said, please take a minute to consider this question for yourself. Do you pick up every book someone writes and try it out? Do… Continue reading Give An Author A Second Chance

Miscellaneous

Surprise! Bad Bloods Cover Reveal and Release Date!

My next books are coming THIS spring! Bad Bloods: July Thunder will release April 10 and Bad Bloods: July Lightning will release May 1 by Clean Teen Publishing. I’ve been a bit mum about my publishing life, and there’s a reason for that. I’ve been CRAZY busy preparing the next Bad Bloods books for release,… Continue reading Surprise! Bad Bloods Cover Reveal and Release Date!

Miscellaneous

Writers, Stop Comparing Yourselves

Recently, I finished my first manuscript of 2017. It was also my first pantsing novel…and a novel that I’m truly excited about. So excited, in fact, that I think it fueled me to write more than usual and share more information about a WIP than I normally do. If you follow my social media, you… Continue reading Writers, Stop Comparing Yourselves

Miscellaneous

Discovering My Characters’ Secrets

Every human being has secrets. Why we hide the truth (or lies) from others and sometimes ourselves is often the most interesting part behind a good secret, but understanding what makes up a secret can help an author write a character in a more genuine way. So what should we know about our characters’ secrets?… Continue reading Discovering My Characters’ Secrets

Miscellaneous

Is Romance Necessary in YA?

Romance sells. (Or, as they usually say, sex sells.) And now more than ever, sex is being introduced into young adult literature every day. But that’s another debate for another day. Instead, I wanted to focus on the overall umbrella term of romance in YA. Is romance necessary in every YA book? The short answer… Continue reading Is Romance Necessary in YA?

Miscellaneous

Should Authors Have More Say in Adaptations?

Should authors have more say when their novels are adapted to TV or film? Short answer: Absolutely. But the long answer is a lot more complicated. For one, authors write novels for a reason. That’s how they like to express themselves. TV and movie writing is a completely different ballgame. When I studied screenwriting in… Continue reading Should Authors Have More Say in Adaptations?

Guest Blogger

When Writing Makes Reading Hard

When Writing Makes Reading Hard by Susannah Ailene Martin I’ve been writing seriously since I was 15. In other words, I’ve had 5 years of training in the craft of writing. That’s how writing works; the more you do it, the better you get at it. I’ve learned a lot about how story structure works and… Continue reading When Writing Makes Reading Hard

Miscellaneous

Trying to Write as a Pantser

I’m a pantser for the first time. What’s a pantser? Someone who writes a book with no plan, as opposed to a plotter, who, you know, plots. Normally, I plot like crazy. I have plots for my plots. (Also known as subplots.) And though I almost always deviate from my original plans, I always have… Continue reading Trying to Write as a Pantser