Publishing Advice · Writing Tips

What It’s Like Going Unpublished for Five Years

My last published novel - Bad Bloods: July Lightning - released on July 24, 2017. Five years ago.  That fact can feel pretty staggering some days. Obviously, more so when the anniversary comes up than other times of the year. But alas, here we are, standing at a time of reflection.  Back in 2017, I… Continue reading What It’s Like Going Unpublished for Five Years

Writing Tips

Shannon’s Top Three Tips for Writing Romance

It's February, so romance is in the publishing air. Whether or not you write romance novels or have romantic subplots in your work, almost every writer has had to think through a couple's relationship in their work.  Here are my top three tips for writing romance. 1. Read Romance: As Stephen King famously said, "If… Continue reading Shannon’s Top Three Tips for Writing Romance

Miscellaneous

An Ode to My Laptop

My trusted laptop since 2014 died the other week. I know that may not sound like a big deal, but for me, it was like letting go of an old friend. You see, writers spend an extraordinary amount of time on their computers. There are very few days in the year that I don’t use… Continue reading An Ode to My Laptop

Writing Tips

When to Begin & End Chapters

When writing a novel, writers must consider a lot of factors: characterization, pacing, plot, etc. Take a look around the internet and you’ll find tons of articles on how to begin a novel, outline a novel, flesh out a novel, and end a novel, but when it starts to get into the nitty gritty details,… Continue reading When to Begin & End Chapters

Miscellaneous

FINAL YASH Fall 2020

Welcome to the YA Scavenger Hunt! Hello! I’m Shannon A. Thompson—YA SFF author, librarian, and neighborhood cat lady. I can't believe this is the FINAL YASH. ::insert tears:: But I've had so much fun participating over the years, and I hope you have a blast this time, too. About Me! During the day, I am… Continue reading FINAL YASH Fall 2020

Miscellaneous

YASH Spring 2020

Welcome to the YA Scavenger Hunt! Hello! I’m Shannon A. Thompson—YA SFF author, librarian, and neighborhood cat lady. About Me! During the day, I am the Program Manager of The Story Center for the Mid-Continent Public Library, the largest library system in Kansas City, but at night, I write stories about monsters and mayhem. I’m… Continue reading YASH Spring 2020

Miscellaneous

YASH Fall 2019

Welcome to the YA Scavenger Hunt! Hello! I’m Shannon A. Thompson—YA SFF author, librarian, and neighborhood cat lady. About Me! During the day, I am the Program Manager of The Story Center for the Mid-Continent Public Library, the largest library system in Kansas City, but at night, I write stories about monsters and mayhem. I’m… Continue reading YASH Fall 2019

Miscellaneous

Is it Possible to Read Too Much as a Writer?

Last year, I read 167 books according to Goodreads. Granted, this is a mixture of everything under the publishing sun: adult fiction, YA, MG, graphic novels, and, yes, even picture books. My job at the library has definitely broadened my reading sphere, for which I’m super grateful. (I never knew picture books could be so… Continue reading Is it Possible to Read Too Much as a Writer?

Miscellaneous

YA Scavenger Hunt Fall 2018!

Welcome to the YA Scavenger Hunt!  Hello! I’m Shannon A. Thompson—young adult author, blogger, and poet. I'm also a youth librarian, so I obviously love to talk about books. About Me! During the day, I work as a Youth Librarian, but at night, I write stories about monsters and mayhem. I just finished my first… Continue reading YA Scavenger Hunt Fall 2018!

Miscellaneous

Kindle Unlimited, Audiobooks, & Giveaway!

As promised, even though I’m not blogging writing tips right now (though I am trying to work it back into my schedule), I'm keeping everyone updated. Today, you’ll find out how you can read both of my series for FREE—and there’s an awesome giveaway somewhere below. Let’s start with some news! For the first time… Continue reading Kindle Unlimited, Audiobooks, & Giveaway!