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

Miscellaneous

Writers and Vocabulary

“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.” The famous Stephen King said it, and so many more agree. I vehemently say this to every writer I know. Why? Because it amazes me how many writers don’t read on a regular basis. By reading, you’re expanding… Continue reading Writers and Vocabulary

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Feeling Down About Writing? Here’s How To Write Again!

Recently, I felt down about writing. When I sat at the computer, the words didn’t flow, and when I walked away, the urge to try again was gone. I struggled and searched for the reason I was struggling and continued to struggle again. Honestly, my “down” period was caused by the holidays, and let’s be… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Feeling Down About Writing? Here’s How To Write Again!

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Weaknesses in Writing

Writers always have room for improvement. Even if you’re a New York Times Best Seller, you are growing every single day, and knowing what aspects to work on can definitely help your career. How do you know what to concentrate on? Be honest with yourself. Most writers know what their weaknesses are. Maybe it’s those… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Weaknesses in Writing