Miscellaneous

A Writer’s Health + Tips

As some of you know, I’m going through some health issues, and though I’m not really open about what those issues are, the struggles have definitely caused me to appreciate good health a lot more. I also pay more attention to health now, so I thought I’d write up a list of health issues writers… Continue reading A Writer’s Health + Tips

Miscellaneous

Why Some Books Resonate and Others Don’t

I’m here to tell you why some books resonate and others don’t. Why? Because so many publishers/agents/editors are out there searching for the next big thing, and many authors are trying to become that. As authors, sometimes we stare at three or four different projects and wonder which one we should work on next (because… Continue reading Why Some Books Resonate and Others Don’t

Writing Tips

I’m a Writer with Imposter Syndrome

I have imposter syndrome. For those of you who don’t know, imposter syndrome “is a concept describing individuals who are marked by an inability to internalize their accomplishments and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.” At least according to Wikipedia. (And, yes, I see the humor in starting this article with a… Continue reading I’m a Writer with Imposter Syndrome

Miscellaneous

Your Story Ideas Aren’t Enough

The other day I was on Twitter and saw someone tweet out something along the lines of, “YOUR STORY IDEA DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING,” and I about had a heart attack, because WHAT. I mean, of course ideas matter. In fact, I’m one of those authors that keep lists and lists of ideas, because I believe… Continue reading Your Story Ideas Aren’t Enough

Miscellaneous

Tips for Writing During a Life Change

Life is crazy, right? There’s moving, job changes, babies, weddings, divorces, health complications, weather disasters, and (okay, I’ll stop listing all these crazy life changes. You get the point.) Life is fun, but it can get complicated. Working full time while writing is hard enough, but what do you do when you’re also coping with… Continue reading Tips for Writing During a Life Change

Writing Tips

Why I Don’t Have a Publication Coming Out This Year

If you’ve been following my publication journey over the past few years, then some of you have probably already guessed that I don’t have a book coming out this year. Usually, you’re not supposed to admit these sorts of trials as an author, but I like to be transparent because I wish more authors were… Continue reading Why I Don’t Have a Publication Coming Out This Year

Writing Tips

Writing in a New Genre

Maybe you hit a slump with your usual genre. Maybe you’re feeling the urge to explore. Maybe you just want to. Sometimes, authors want to write in a genre they’ve never written in before, but they don't know where to start. Well, that's what I'm here for. In fact, I recently went through this myself,… Continue reading Writing in a New Genre

Writing Tips

NA or YA? College-Aged Protagonists

If you live on Twitter like me, then you probably saw last week’s discussion on college-aged protagonists in young adult fiction. Many were calling for it. Others pushed back. Personally, I’m somewhere in the middle. I desperately want college-aged protagonists, but I want them placed in NA, and I want NA to rise up on… Continue reading NA or YA? College-Aged Protagonists

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