Writing Tips

How to Plot a Series and Make Every Book Stand Out

As an author with three series under my belt, I’m often asked how to plot a series, and I thought it was finally time to share a few tips.  First thing is first, anyone considering traditional publishing should make book one a standalone. Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to have the dream of writing a series,… Continue reading How to Plot a Series and Make Every Book Stand Out

Writing Tips

Inundated with Writing Advice

There comes a point in every writer’s career that they seek out feedback and advice from others. Whether that be critique partners, beta readers, or studying craft books, writers are often doing their best to continuously hone their skills. And while that is commendable, there comes a point where a writer can feel overwhelmed by the… Continue reading Inundated with Writing Advice

Miscellaneous

2018: The Year of Writing Limbo

Last year I wrote this article—2017 Wasn’t My Writing Year—and I talked about failing my top three goals. Those goals were wanting an internship at literary agency, working for a library, and signing with a literary agent. Every year, I write an article like this. But this year, despite struggling to find time to blog,… Continue reading 2018: The Year of Writing Limbo

Miscellaneous

YA Scavenger Hunt Fall 2018!

Welcome to the YA Scavenger Hunt!  Hello! I’m Shannon A. Thompson—young adult author, blogger, and poet. I'm also a youth librarian, so I obviously love to talk about books. About Me! During the day, I work as a Youth Librarian, but at night, I write stories about monsters and mayhem. I just finished my first… Continue reading YA Scavenger Hunt Fall 2018!

Miscellaneous

Kindle Unlimited, Audiobooks, & Giveaway!

As promised, even though I’m not blogging writing tips right now (though I am trying to work it back into my schedule), I'm keeping everyone updated. Today, you’ll find out how you can read both of my series for FREE—and there’s an awesome giveaway somewhere below. Let’s start with some news! For the first time… Continue reading Kindle Unlimited, Audiobooks, & Giveaway!

Miscellaneous

Why I’m Not Blogging Right Now

Hey, folks! I know I’ve been absent from the blogging world for longer than ever since I began in 2012. Some of you might have noticed that I returned to social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), so I thought I’d post a short (okay, so I tried to make it short) explanation as to why… Continue reading Why I’m Not Blogging Right Now

Miscellaneous

YA Scavenger Hunt Spring 2018!

Welcome to the YA Scavenger Hunt!  Hello! I’m Shannon A. Thompson—young adult author, blogger, and poet. Every Saturday, I share writing and publishing tips right here. I also love to talk about books. About Me! I’m addicted to coffee, KDramas, and Sailor Moon. During the day, I work as a Youth Librarian, but at night,… Continue reading YA Scavenger Hunt Spring 2018!

Miscellaneous

Shaming the Ship

If you’ve ever attended a movie premiere or book signing, you’ve probably heard someone squeal, “I totally ship them!” I admit, the first time I heard this was at Cassandra Clare’s book signing in Kansas City over a year ago…and I was super confused. “Ship?” I thought. “Like a boat?” So here I am, picturing… Continue reading Shaming the Ship

Writing Tips

When A Character Does Something You Dislike

I read a lot. I also read reviews, though I tend to read reviews after I have read a book myself. Why? Well, I used to rely on reviews to pick books, but now I tend to rely on a trusted few (and my own gut) to pick and choose. Even so, my interest in… Continue reading When A Character Does Something You Dislike

Miscellaneous

Setting 2018 Writing Goals

Now that we’re a week into 2018, you’ve probably set new goals and you’re already striving after them. And that’s awesome! But I made a huge mistake while setting goals last year, and I thought I’d discuss it, so you don’t make the same mistake I did when you tackle your writing life this year.… Continue reading Setting 2018 Writing Goals