Miscellaneous

A Writer’s Best Friend is Google

As an author, I LOVE helping fellow writers. In fact, I encourage writers to message me whenever they want with whatever questions they have. But don’t forget, folks. Google is your best friend. Recently, maybe due to NaNoWriMo, I've received A LOT more messages than usual. The most common one: “How can I get my… Continue reading A Writer’s Best Friend is Google

Miscellaneous

Take Notes While Writing a Series

While on Twitter the other day, writer A.J. Forrisi asked an amazing question! https://twitter.com/AjForrisi/status/928268520458260482 P.S. Give A.J. a follow! My quick answer? Take notes on your first book, so that writing the sequel isn't as difficult. (And definitely do a read-through. ) I keep a character bible and chapter summaries for each book in a series.… Continue reading Take Notes While Writing a Series

Miscellaneous

How Writing Conferences Can Surprise You

Today, I am attending a writing conference. (In case you’re wondering, I’m at the Middle of the Map Conference in Overland Park, Kansas.) While prepping last night, I began thinking about how much I love conferences—and about how many writers are on the fence about attending them. I always tell writers to attend conferences if they… Continue reading How Writing Conferences Can Surprise You

Writing Tips

Burning Out on Your Fav Genre

Before every YA fantasy writer in the world loses their mind, I want to start out by saying that I, myself, am a YA fantasy writer and reader. Again, try not to lose your minds. This isn’t a personal attack. There’s some AMAZING YA SFF coming out right now. My most recent fav was Warcross… Continue reading Burning Out on Your Fav Genre

Miscellaneous

Should You Revise & Resubmit?

Querying can be terrifying. Whether you’re searching for an agent or applying directly to an editor/publisher (or even your own agent), sending your work out there is a nail-biting experience for nearly everyone, including established writers. In fact, most writers will tell you that rejection is a constant part of the publishing process. No matter… Continue reading Should You Revise & Resubmit?

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…