Challenging your writing is important, but what does that mean? It means trying something new—attempting a project outside your box of comfort—or switching everything up entirely. Challenging yourself can be a big or small adventure. You can try a new genre in a short story rather than a novel, for instance. But pushing yourself to… Continue reading Challenge Your Writing
Tag: writing
An Author with Poor Penmanship
Recently, I sent out letters and signed swag to some of my super fans who attended an online release day party for my books. And like so many times before that, I found myself dreading writing the letters. Why? It’s simple really. I am an author with poor penmanship. Now, please don’t tell me “I’m… Continue reading An Author with Poor Penmanship
My Hate-Love Relationship with Historical Fiction
I love historical fiction. In fact, I’m currently binge reading, watching, and writing it right now. But I have a beef with it. (Does anyone even say that anymore? No? Oh, well.) If you’re curious, I’m reading Stalking Jack the Ripper, watching Reign, and writing a book set in the ancient world. Very different time… Continue reading My Hate-Love Relationship with Historical Fiction
Can Genres Die?
“Why are you writing a vampire/dystopian/princess novel? That won’t sell today! It’s been overdone. It’s dead.” If you’re a writer, you’ve probably participated in a conversation similar to the one above. Trends have a lot to do with the publishing industry. If you’re lucky enough to have something written and ready to go as the… Continue reading Can Genres Die?
Writers, It’s Okay To Log Out
Social media is a must for writers today. Connecting with readers through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms is easy and welcomed, but it can get overwhelming. With the myriad of ways we have of posting information—sometimes live—it’s easy to succumb to publishing pressures. Personally, I still struggle to figure out where my balance is… Continue reading Writers, It’s Okay To Log Out
Reward Your Writing
Writing is hard. So is publishing. It’s easier than I want to admit to fall into a downward spiral of imposter syndrome. Or something worse. But there are ways to combat that spiral of doom. For me, that spiral consists of workaholic syndrome. I will write, write, write until I burn out, and sometimes, I’ll… Continue reading Reward Your Writing
Writers, Stop Comparing Yourselves
Recently, I finished my first manuscript of 2017. It was also my first pantsing novel…and a novel that I’m truly excited about. So excited, in fact, that I think it fueled me to write more than usual and share more information about a WIP than I normally do. If you follow my social media, you… Continue reading Writers, Stop Comparing Yourselves
Discovering My Characters’ Secrets
Every human being has secrets. Why we hide the truth (or lies) from others and sometimes ourselves is often the most interesting part behind a good secret, but understanding what makes up a secret can help an author write a character in a more genuine way. So what should we know about our characters’ secrets?… Continue reading Discovering My Characters’ Secrets
Is Romance Necessary in YA?
Romance sells. (Or, as they usually say, sex sells.) And now more than ever, sex is being introduced into young adult literature every day. But that’s another debate for another day. Instead, I wanted to focus on the overall umbrella term of romance in YA. Is romance necessary in every YA book? The short answer… Continue reading Is Romance Necessary in YA?
Should Authors Have More Say in Adaptations?
Should authors have more say when their novels are adapted to TV or film? Short answer: Absolutely. But the long answer is a lot more complicated. For one, authors write novels for a reason. That’s how they like to express themselves. TV and movie writing is a completely different ballgame. When I studied screenwriting in… Continue reading Should Authors Have More Say in Adaptations?
