Recently, as many of you know, I signed with a literary agent. (See announcement.) It’s a time a lot of writers dream of, a time highlighted with celebratory GIF tweets screaming, I did it! I did it! And I’m READY. It’s a lot of fun, definitely exciting, and often followed up with a “How I Got My… Continue reading My Experience Querying & Getting an Agent
Tag: agents
Why Some Books Resonate and Others Don’t
I’m here to tell you why some books resonate and others don’t. Why? Because so many publishers/agents/editors are out there searching for the next big thing, and many authors are trying to become that. As authors, sometimes we stare at three or four different projects and wonder which one we should work on next (because… Continue reading Why Some Books Resonate and Others Don’t
Why I Don’t Have a Publication Coming Out This Year
If you’ve been following my publication journey over the past few years, then some of you have probably already guessed that I don’t have a book coming out this year. Usually, you’re not supposed to admit these sorts of trials as an author, but I like to be transparent because I wish more authors were… Continue reading Why I Don’t Have a Publication Coming Out This Year
How Writing Conferences Can Surprise You
Today, I am attending a writing conference. (In case you’re wondering, I’m at the Middle of the Map Conference in Overland Park, Kansas.) While prepping last night, I began thinking about how much I love conferences—and about how many writers are on the fence about attending them. I always tell writers to attend conferences if they… Continue reading How Writing Conferences Can Surprise You
When Your Writing Issue Is…
Writing a book—or anything—comes along with a lot of challenges, and sometimes those challenges can feel overwhelming. So here’s a quick tip guide to help you navigate your writing journey. I have an idea, but now what? Well, now you write. (And write and write and write again.) Don’t focus on being perfect. Don’t focus… Continue reading When Your Writing Issue Is…
Editing the “Final” Draft
This month, I’m covering my editing process. If you haven’t read the first two steps—My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process and Editing (Rewriting) the First Draft—then check those out now. Today is the last post about editing, but, as always, feel free to ask questions! We are discussing the “final” draft. The “Final”… Continue reading Editing the “Final” Draft
#MondayBlogs How To Find Beta Readers
Beta reader (n): an avid reader/critique partner/superhero who looks over your novel/baby/everything before anyone else sees it in order to improve language/characters/grammar/basically the whole package. Okay, but really, beta readers are necessary, because they are an extra set of knowledgeable eyes on your work. They’ll see those plot holes you understand (but accidentally forgot to… Continue reading #MondayBlogs How To Find Beta Readers
#MondayBlogs Dear Writers, 2017 Can Be Your Year!
This year, I had three writing goals. 1. I wanted to sign one of my books during a Barnes & Noble event. 2. I wanted to attend a book convention as an author (booth and all!) 3. I wanted—and this one I thought I’d never reach—to receive a full request from a literary agent. I’m… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Dear Writers, 2017 Can Be Your Year!
#WW Website Wonders
Every month, I share all of the websites I come across that I find helpful, humorous, or just awesome. Below, you’ll find all of July’s Website Wonders categorized into Writing, Reading, and Art. If you enjoy these websites, be sure to follow me on Twitter because I share even more websites and photos like this… Continue reading #WW Website Wonders
#WritingTips No, Reading Is Not An Option.
As an author and full-time editor, I’m coming across more and more writers who don’t read their own genre, or—even worse—don’t read at all. There are generally two types of these writers. 1. Writers who claim to read but obviously don’t (and I’ll get to how it is obvious later). 2. Writers who haven’t read… Continue reading #WritingTips No, Reading Is Not An Option.
Shannon A. Thompson 