Miscellaneous

See You Later, September!

It’s that time again. Every year, I take one month off of blogging and social media to reevaluate, get organized, and…well, relax. (And by “relax” I mean write more books.) I’ll probably be around on Twitter and Instagram still. Other than that, I’ll be signing books and talking about young adult literature at Barnes &… Continue reading See You Later, September!

Writing Tips

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…

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

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

#MondayBlogs My Average Day as an Author

The average day as an author varies from writer to writer, but I think there’s a huge misconception that we wake up, write all day, and fall asleep at the end of the night with thousands of words ready for print. In reality, most authors—yes, even The New York Times Best Sellers—work day jobs. Writing is… Continue reading #MondayBlogs My Average Day as an Author

Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Confessions of a Slow Writer

I’m a slow writer. There. I said it. I’m a slow writer. (Just for extra measure.) You see, I used to think I was a fast writer. “I can write a manuscript in two months,” “I wrote that novella in a few days,” “That short story took me an hour.” Okay. So, I’ve never actually… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Confessions of a Slow Writer

Miscellaneous

February’s Ketchup

First thing is first, you can read my latest interview with Laugh Riot Press via their monthly newsletter, the Laugh Riot Report. We discuss writing tips, publishing tips, and how to market yourself while writing your next book. Read that by clicking here. (You don't have to sign up to read the interview, but I highly… Continue reading February’s Ketchup

Writing Tips

#WW Top 5 Tips I Gave Out This Year as an Editor And Marketer

As 2015 is coming to an end, I’m reviewing all of the authors and writers and publishers I’ve been able to work with over these past 12 months, and I’m blown away by the many talented artists I’ve met. I’m proud to say we saw over a dozen novels to publication, and even more are… Continue reading #WW Top 5 Tips I Gave Out This Year as an Editor And Marketer

Guest Blogger · Miscellaneous · Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Find Your Perfect Editor: 7 Valuable Tips

Intro: Last week we talked about how to self-edit before you found an editor for your manuscript. This week we’re talking about how to find that perfect editor. This topic is very important to me, since I’m a full-time editor. It’s vital for authors and editors to find the perfect fit for one another. Special… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Find Your Perfect Editor: 7 Valuable Tips

Miscellaneous

#WW Bullies and Their Writers

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Clean Teen Publishing participates by hosting giveaways and sharing posts about bullying. This is my story. I was twenty-one and out on the town with a friend one evening—a rare event for an introverted writer and cat lady, such as myself—when I found myself on a bar’s balcony.… Continue reading #WW Bullies and Their Writers