“How do you revise?” is a question I’m often asked when talking about novel writing, especially if I’m giving a speech to a group of writers who are approaching the end of their first draft. Writing a first draft is hard enough. But perfecting it? Well, that can feel so daunting that many writers freeze.… Continue reading How Three Different Rounds of Critique Partners & Beta Readers Help Me Revise
Should Young Adult Books Teach a Lesson?
I was working on my WIP recently when I started talking about my book with a librarian friend. Specifically scenes where my main character fixes up an old sports car and starts racing around her country town. To my surprise, my friend assumed she would crash the car and eventually learn that this behavior is… Continue reading Should Young Adult Books Teach a Lesson?
My Writing Life During Maternity Leave
I'm heading back to work this week. Between that and starting 2023, I've been reflecting a lot on how the last twelve weeks went since my daughter was born. It was tough. That's the easiest way to summarize all my emotions. Of course I knew going in that newborns require a lot of energy and… Continue reading My Writing Life During Maternity Leave
2022: My Complete Year
At the end of every year, I write a reflection post about where I’m at, not just in my writing life, but also in my personal life and how it all correlates. I’m calling 2022 My Complete Year because it coincides with how I called 2021 the Year of Unfinished Change. Last year, I got… Continue reading 2022: My Complete Year
My Favorite Books of 2022
As per tradition, I am back to share my favorite reads of 2022. Before I jump into it, though, I wanted to mention a few caveats. My original website template retired. (RIP, Bueno. You served me well–and for ten years!) I’m now using Button 2. I might be changing it intermittently as I try to… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2022
Maternity Leave Update: Baby Girl is Here!
I meant to write this last month, but alas, newborns require a lot of love (and attention). You may have already seen on my social medias, but... Baby girl arrived in October! Her name is Winsloe, and she is such delight. We are very excited to have her here, healthy and smiling. (She's actually 5… Continue reading Maternity Leave Update: Baby Girl is Here!
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…
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 (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
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?
Shannon A. Thompson 