Writing Tips

How to Plot a Series and Make Every Book Stand Out

As an author with three series under my belt, I’m often asked how to plot a series, and I thought it was finally time to share a few tips.  First thing is first, anyone considering traditional publishing should make book one a standalone. Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to have the dream of writing a series,… Continue reading How to Plot a Series and Make Every Book Stand Out

Writing Tips

Inundated with Writing Advice

There comes a point in every writer’s career that they seek out feedback and advice from others. Whether that be critique partners, beta readers, or studying craft books, writers are often doing their best to continuously hone their skills. And while that is commendable, there comes a point where a writer can feel overwhelmed by the… Continue reading Inundated with Writing Advice

Miscellaneous

2020: The Strangest Writing Year (Hopefully?)

Every year I like to reflect and talk about expectations, goal-setting, writing life, changing trends, etc., and as strange as this past year has been, I still want to keep that tradition going. That said, looking back, January feels like it happened three years ago, not eleven months. In fact, right at the beginning of… Continue reading 2020: The Strangest Writing Year (Hopefully?)

Miscellaneous

Behind the Scenes of Pitch Wars with Team Snickersnee

Behind the Scenes at Pitch Wars with Team Snickersnee In case you missed it, Team Snickersnee announced our 2020 mentee for Pitch Wars! (But more on that below.) Since announcement day has come and gone, I thought it would be fun to give everyone a behind-the-scenes peek at what went down with Team Snickersnee.  We… Continue reading Behind the Scenes of Pitch Wars with Team Snickersnee

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

Writing Tips

A Writer’s Freakout Schedule

I used to think I didn’t have a freakout schedule, but then, the doubt would creep in.

Miscellaneous

Black Authors I Love + Resources

Today I wanted to share Black authors I love and some that I'm looking forward to reading this year! Why? It's important that we all take the time right now to read and listen to Black stories, reflect, and help in any way that we can. Sign petitions. Educate yourself. Spread the word. I also… Continue reading Black Authors I Love + Resources

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

Writing Science Fiction with Science Resources

Science fiction, by definition, has science weaved within the story, but as a science fiction writer, I often get asked where my inspiration comes from. Where do I learn about science? Do I have a science background? How does one get started when pursuing science fiction? All great questions! There are many ways to find… Continue reading Writing Science Fiction with Science Resources

Miscellaneous

2020 Author Goals

2019 is over, and honestly it feels like a blur.  I know this post is going to seem like a hard brag. I promise that isn’t my intention. I accomplished a lot this year, but I can’t say that I allowed much happiness into my life, especially toward the end of 2019. The beginning felt… Continue reading 2020 Author Goals