Most writers aren't able to write full time. That means we tend to work full time and write full time. Between writing, querying, editing, and marketing, our schedules can quickly feel crushing, especially if you’re working toward a very specific goal, such as a revision deadline. Taking breaks can often make writers feel guilty. But… Continue reading Balancing Writing During the Holidays
Tag: Authors
A Writer’s Best Friend is Google
As an author, I LOVE helping fellow writers. In fact, I encourage writers to message me whenever they want with whatever questions they have. But don’t forget, folks. Google is your best friend. Recently, maybe due to NaNoWriMo, I've received A LOT more messages than usual. The most common one: “How can I get my… Continue reading A Writer’s Best Friend is Google
Take Notes While Writing a Series
While on Twitter the other day, writer A.J. Forrisi asked an amazing question! https://twitter.com/AjForrisi/status/928268520458260482 P.S. Give A.J. a follow! My quick answer? Take notes on your first book, so that writing the sequel isn't as difficult. (And definitely do a read-through. ) I keep a character bible and chapter summaries for each book in a series.… Continue reading Take Notes While Writing a Series
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
Burning Out on Your Fav Genre
Before every YA fantasy writer in the world loses their mind, I want to start out by saying that I, myself, am a YA fantasy writer and reader. Again, try not to lose your minds. This isn’t a personal attack. There’s some AMAZING YA SFF coming out right now. My most recent fav was Warcross… Continue reading Burning Out on Your Fav Genre
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
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
Authors Can Change Their Mind
I’m a blogger, but I’m also an author. I love to write about writing, and I love to help fellow writers. Why? Because I didn’t have a lot of help back in 2007 when I was first published. There wasn’t as much information online or writers groups at the tips of your…keyboard. I mean, you’re… Continue reading Authors Can Change Their Mind
Book Marketing Woes
Marketing is a word authors either embrace or want to stoke in the fire, but one aspect is universal: It’s necessary. Whether you’re self-published, published with a small press, or published by a HUGE publishing house, authors have to take on some of the marketing efforts in order for their book to be as successful… Continue reading Book Marketing Woes
First or Third Person? Present or Past Tense? How Do You Decide?
So you're writing a book...but your book requires some decisions. Your narrative needs structure. And there are a million options to choose from. So how do you decide a perspective and a tense? What is the best combination for your book? Let me start out by saying that making the choice to write in first/third… Continue reading First or Third Person? Present or Past Tense? How Do You Decide?
