Writing Tips

#WW Writing Quicksand

Writing quicksand is a term I like to use to describe when writing is doing more damage than good. You know, the more you move, the faster you sink? It can happen in writing, too. Of course, writers should write all time. Whenever they can, really. But sometimes, it’s best to walk away for a… Continue reading #WW Writing Quicksand

Miscellaneous

August’s Ketchup

Wow! August, I’m looking at you. You are wonderful. For those of you just now checking in this month, Ketchup actually means “catch up.” At the end of every month, I write these posts describing what goes on behind the scenes at ShannonAThompson.com. Some of the topics I cover include my big moments, top blog… Continue reading August’s Ketchup

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

#WW When You Shouldn’t Write That Book

There comes a time in every writer’s life when they realize they cannot write that book….and I’m not talking about writer’s block. I’m talking about when you want to write a book, but you know you shouldn’t. Maybe not yet. Maybe never. Of course, I’m not saying a writer CAN’T write that book. Not forever… Continue reading #WW When You Shouldn’t Write That Book

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

#WW Connecting Books Across Genres

I’m a young adult author who writes in various genres. I have contemporary, paranormal romance, fantasy, and science fiction published, but my two main series include a Dark vs. Light paranormal romance that takes place in the small Midwest town of Hayworth—The Timely Death Trilogy—and a science fiction duology—Bad Bloods—about children with hindering abilities fighting… Continue reading #WW Connecting Books Across Genres

Miscellaneous

#WW Website Wonders

Every month, I share all of the websites I come across that I find helpful, humorous, or just awesome. Below, you’ll find all of July’s Website Wonders categorized into Writing, Reading, and Art. If you enjoy these websites, be sure to follow me on Twitter because I share even more websites and photos like this… Continue reading #WW Website Wonders

Writing Tips

#MondayBlogs Writing With Barbie

Authors use various methods to write novels. Some of these strategies are popular, while others are simply bizarre, and two years ago I confessed one of my strangest approaches. Barbies. You see, I began writing what would be my first published novel when I was 11, and because I was 11, I loved to daydream… Continue reading #MondayBlogs Writing With Barbie

Writing Tips

#WW Taking a Writing Break (And Why It’s Important)

I am taking a break from writing. (Why does that feel so dramatic to say? …Well, I don’t know. Maybe because writing is practically my life.) So what do I mean by taking a break? I mean just that. A break. A normal, little vacation for the writer’s mind. I’m not quitting. I’m not giving… Continue reading #WW Taking a Writing Break (And Why It’s Important)

Writing Tips

#WW Writing Tips: Build Your Vocabulary

Vocabulary. It’s definitely a necessity for writing a book. A novel, after all, is written with words. It’s built on the structure, the sound, and the meaning behind every word you use, so naturally, building an extensive vocabulary is a vital aspect of every writer’s life. That being said, it’s not as easy as it… Continue reading #WW Writing Tips: Build Your Vocabulary