As per tradition, I am back from hiatus to share my favorite reads of 2023. Before I jump into it, though, I wanted to mention a few caveats. I’m hoping to return to my regular blogging schedule, but there's a lot going on in my life. Unfortunately, we had a loss in the family, and catching up on… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2023
Tag: young adult
How an Unexpected Hospital Stay Changed My Writing
My hospital stay was unexpected. So was the affect it had on my writing.
Start a Writing Club for Teens at Your School
Having friends who understand what you’re going through helps you keep pursuing the dream. That’s why writing clubs are so important.
Create A Book Bible With Me
Every time I write a novel, I create a book bible. What is a book bible? It’s a collection of documents that helps you keep your story consistent and believable. You might include character descriptions, timelines, world building notes, and more. This process can be vital in staying organized through various revisions, especially if you’re… Continue reading Create A Book Bible With Me
Revising Tips for Beginners
I recently started writing my seventeenth novel. A bit mind-blowing, I know, but I’ve learned a lot over the years. Especially how to set myself up for success. To be honest, it mostly comes down to staying organized from Chapter One to The End…and throughout my various revisions. The more organized you are, the easier… Continue reading Revising Tips for Beginners
Summer Writing Tips for Teens
When I look back on my writing life as a teen, I think about the summer a lot. I loved nothing more than spending hot sunny days swimming, evenings working at the restaurant, and late late evenings writing in my books. (Seriously, how did I have so much energy?) That said, there are a few… Continue reading Summer Writing Tips for Teens
Happy Memorial Day! + Blogging News & Giveaways
Happy Memorial Day! I usually blog on the first and third Mondays of the month (and will include one if there’s a fifth), which is why I thought today might be a great time to update everyone. My blogging schedule is changing! Moving forward, I’ll be posting on the first and third Wednesday of the… Continue reading Happy Memorial Day! + Blogging News & Giveaways
Becoming a Mom Has Made Me A Better (And Worse) Writer
One day after my first Mother’s Day and my mind is reeling. I am so incredibly lucky to be a mom. I love Winnie bear. I love watching her grow and explore, and her giggles just wake up my life in a way that nothing else ever has. Kids are amazing. But they do change… Continue reading Becoming a Mom Has Made Me A Better (And Worse) Writer
SATurdate: It Ends With Us, TikTok Cookies, & Love is Blind
Remember these? It’s been a loooonnnggg time since I wrote a SATurdate. (The last one was in 2016.) For those of you who haven’t been with me for that long, they were generalized Saturday posts just updating everyone with what I am up to in writing, publishing, and my personal life, like what I’m watching… Continue reading SATurdate: It Ends With Us, TikTok Cookies, & Love is Blind
A Lesson in Backing Up Your Books
I recently hit THE END in my young adult contemporary, my first book since my baby was born. It was an exciting moment. I formatted it and sent it off to my betas, ready to sit back and work on a palette cleanser until I got their notes so I could start revising. What is… Continue reading A Lesson in Backing Up Your Books
