Miscellaneous

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

Miscellaneous

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

Miscellaneous

Editing (Rewriting) the First Draft

This month, I’m covering my editing process, so if you haven’t checked out the first part— My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process—check it out. Today, I’m continuing the writing journey by explaining what happens after I finish writing a first draft. 1. Review Your Notes & Plans Hopefully, you took a break between… Continue reading Editing (Rewriting) the First Draft

Writing Tips

The YA Protagonist’s Age: You’re 17? Me too!

The young adult genre is normally defined by coming-of-age stories, where the protagonists are often between the ages of 14 and 18. That being said, if you are publishing a YA story right now, chances are your protagonist is 17 years old. So why are most YA protagonists 17? Short Answer: The protagonist is old… Continue reading The YA Protagonist’s Age: You’re 17? Me too!

Miscellaneous

November Snow Paperback Release & Sequel Sneak Peeks!

Today’s post is short and sweet. The paperback of Bad Bloods: November Snow released! So, who wants some sneak peeks? 😀 Bad Bloods: November Rain is FREE Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads Bad Bloods: November Snow Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads Free Bad Bloods Prequel: Wattpad What are the latest readers saying? “A powerful work of art. In November Rain, Thompson… Continue reading November Snow Paperback Release & Sequel Sneak Peeks!

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs My Protagonist and Illiteracy

My protagonist is illiterate. She recognizes a few letters, she can identify her name, and she loves listening to stories more than anything. But she cannot read. Her name is Serena, and Serena is a bad blood. Bad Bloods in 35 words or less: 17-year-old Serena is the only bad blood to escape execution. Now… Continue reading #MondayBlogs My Protagonist and Illiteracy

Miscellaneous

#MondayBlogs Writing Tips: Naming Your Characters

Naming characters is really important! It can also be fun…and a little daunting. Choosing them can take hours, and on top of that, publishers might change them anyway. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the process. In this article, I’ll list a few aspects to consider while naming your characters, and I’ll include websites… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Writing Tips: Naming Your Characters

Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Writing Tips: Different Perspectives

I love writing from different perspectives. Both my YA series—The Timely Death Trilogy and Bad Bloods—are written in first POV but from two different speakers. I love using this technique for novel writing, because I enjoy first person, but I dislike how it restricts the storytelling to one character, especially when a scene would be… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Writing Tips: Different Perspectives

Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs: Writing Tips for a Trilogy or Series

So, you have an idea for a trilogy or series. Awesome! Writing a series can be a lot of fun. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend more time with their characters and worlds? But many aspiring writers aren’t sure where to start, and writing a series is a lot of work. With these three… Continue reading #MondayBlogs: Writing Tips for a Trilogy or Series

Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Writing Tips for Love Interests

Romance sells. This is a proven publishing fact. Though that doesn’t mean you should add romance to your novel just to add it, romance is quite popular in ANY genre, and let’s be real, love is everywhere. The chances of writing a book with no one (not even a side character) falling in love or… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Writing Tips for Love Interests