Writing Tips

Authors Who Give Up

As writers, we discuss lots of ups and downs. Writer’s block, in particular. But what about something stronger than writer’s block? What about feeling like you want to give up? “Giving up” is hard to define. Quite frankly, the definition will be different for every writer. One author might feel like giving up writing altogether,… Continue reading Authors Who Give Up

Author Announcements

Back to Blogging!

Hey, everyone! I’m back, but the major change around here will be my posting day. Instead of Mondays, I will post every Saturday. It should be easier to remember. I mean, I’m SAT…and I’ll post on SATurdays. Aside from one exception… This year I’m a featured author in YASH, a.k.a. The Young Adult Scavenger Hunt.… Continue reading Back to Blogging!

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!

Miscellaneous

Choosing the Next Book to Write

If you’re a writer, you probably have more than one piece in that head of yours that you want to get out now, but we’re only human. There’s only so much we can do with the time that we’re given. So how do you choose which project to prioritize? Honestly, I have more than one… Continue reading Choosing the Next Book to Write

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…

Writing Tips

World Building: Where to Start, What to Consider, & How to End

I mainly write science fiction and fantasy, and both of those genres tend to come with heavy world building. A few of you have asked me where I begin. How do I start? How do I know when to write? When does world building end? Well, if you read my editing tips series, then you… Continue reading World Building: Where to Start, What to Consider, & How to End

Miscellaneous

Editing the “Final” Draft

This month, I’m covering my editing process. If you haven’t read the first two steps—My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process and Editing (Rewriting) the First Draft—then check those out now. Today is the last post about editing, but, as always, feel free to ask questions! We are discussing the “final” draft. The “Final”… Continue reading Editing the “Final” Draft

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

Author Announcements

My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process

The other day I asked you all what topic you would most like me to cover, and editing rose to the top, so…I decided to post a month-long series on this topic—mainly because my editing process is as complicated as my writing process, and I want to get as in-depth as possible. So you can… Continue reading My Editing Process Starts in My Writing Process

Miscellaneous

The Ideal Writing Pace

Writing is a different experience for everyone. Just check out the #amwriting hashtag on Twitter and you will see authors hitting 50,000 words in two weeks…and in two years. So how long should it take to write your book? Stephen King claims to give up on a book if you can’t finish the first draft… Continue reading The Ideal Writing Pace