Writing Tips

My Average Day as an Author, Librarian, and Mom

After my last post - My Postpartum Writing Life: Working-Writing Mom with a 4-Month-Old - I received a few questions about where I fit my writing in, so I thought it was time for another "average day" post. I've actually written a handful of these over the years. The last time I wrote one was… Continue reading My Average Day as an Author, Librarian, and Mom

Miscellaneous

When You Don’t Write As Much As You Should

Recently, I didn’t write as much as I should have over a few weeks. Or should I say, I didn’t write as much as I thought I should have.  Let me break it down.  Every first of the month, I take a moment to look at my stats and see how much I've written. In March, I wrote… Continue reading When You Don’t Write As Much As You Should

Miscellaneous

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

Writing Tips

I’m a Writer with Imposter Syndrome

I have imposter syndrome. For those of you who don’t know, imposter syndrome “is a concept describing individuals who are marked by an inability to internalize their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.” At least according to Wikipedia. (And, yes, I see the humor in starting this article with a… Continue reading I’m a Writer with Imposter Syndrome

Miscellaneous

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

Writing Tips

Authors Who Give Up

As writers, we discuss lots of ups and downs. Writer’s block, in particular. But what about something stronger than writer’s block? What about feeling like you want to give up? “Giving up” is hard to define. Quite frankly, the definition will be different for every writer. One author might feel like giving up writing altogether,… Continue reading Authors Who Give Up

Miscellaneous

The Difference Between a Fan and a Follower—and Why It’s Okay to Have Both

Marketing books can be difficult. And confusing. When I talk to brand-new writers who venture out into the marketing side of things, one of the first discussions we have is the difference between a fan and a follower. A fan = someone who reads and/or buys your books A follower = someone who follows your… Continue reading The Difference Between a Fan and a Follower—and Why It’s Okay to Have Both

Miscellaneous

#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!

Guest Blogger · Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Cartoons Make You a Better Writer

Intro: I love cartoons, and I love comic books and manga, and I’m very open about my love for these things. That being said, cartoons and comic books and manga are often depicted as things for children…something I obviously disagree with. J There are many reasons to love cartoons, and today, author Grant Goodman gives… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Cartoons Make You a Better Writer

Author Announcements · Miscellaneous · Writing Tips

#WW Writing in Limbo

This may be personal in regards to my writing life, but I’d be surprised if it were unique to me. During and right after a book release, it’s difficult for me to write. Not because I don’t want to, but because I end up spending hours upon hours on Luna-P (a.k.a. my lappy toppy) for interviews,… Continue reading #WW Writing in Limbo