Whether you’re writing a brooding warrior, a mischievous fae lord, or a reluctant heroine, building a dynamic character is key to making your fantasy novel unforgettable. I’ve written a lot of fantasy books—seven of which are published (two are free right now!). It’s why I teach writing classes and why I always recommend creating a… Continue reading How to Create Fantasy Characters Readers Will Obsess Over
Tag: Shannon A Thompson
2024: The Year of Revision
How my writing life - and personal life - shaped 2024 into a year of revision.
Trusting the Writing Process When You Must Kill Your Darlings
Right now, I am in the process of killing my darlings. A common phrase used in the writing world, and yet many writers have different definitions for it. Recently, it seems many writers take "kill your darlings" literally and they kill characters. While that technically counts, "kill your darlings" is a reference to eliminating any… Continue reading Trusting the Writing Process When You Must Kill Your Darlings
Why I Want to Publish My Stories and Not Just Write Them for Me
"What’s a story without a reader?" feels a lot like "If a tree falls in a forest and nobody is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" Let's talk about it.
2023: A Whirlwind Year
At the end of every year, I write a reflection post about where I’m at, not just in my writing life, but also in my personal life and how it all correlates. I’m dubbing 2023 a whirlwind year, because oh boy, was that a lot. In my writing life, I finished writing a young adult… Continue reading 2023: A Whirlwind Year
My Favorite Books of 2023
As per tradition, I am back from hiatus to share my favorite reads of 2023. Before I jump into it, though, I wanted to mention a few caveats. I’m hoping to return to my regular blogging schedule, but there's a lot going on in my life. Unfortunately, we had a loss in the family, and catching up on… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2023
Revising Tips for Beginners
I recently started writing my seventeenth novel. A bit mind-blowing, I know, but I’ve learned a lot over the years. Especially how to set myself up for success. To be honest, it mostly comes down to staying organized from Chapter One to The End…and throughout my various revisions. The more organized you are, the easier… Continue reading Revising Tips for Beginners
Summer Writing Tips for Teens
When I look back on my writing life as a teen, I think about the summer a lot. I loved nothing more than spending hot sunny days swimming, evenings working at the restaurant, and late late evenings writing in my books. (Seriously, how did I have so much energy?) That said, there are a few… Continue reading Summer Writing Tips for Teens
Becoming a Mom Has Made Me A Better (And Worse) Writer
One day after my first Mother’s Day and my mind is reeling. I am so incredibly lucky to be a mom. I love Winnie bear. I love watching her grow and explore, and her giggles just wake up my life in a way that nothing else ever has. Kids are amazing. But they do change… Continue reading Becoming a Mom Has Made Me A Better (And Worse) Writer
A Lesson in Backing Up Your Books
I recently hit THE END in my young adult contemporary, my first book since my baby was born. It was an exciting moment. I formatted it and sent it off to my betas, ready to sit back and work on a palette cleanser until I got their notes so I could start revising. What is… Continue reading A Lesson in Backing Up Your Books
