This winter has been wonderfully warm and spring-like in my neck of the woods, so I’ve been going on some fun walks. Thanks to a post by harrybipedhiking, a local blogger, I recently discovered Ravensdale Retreat. This place is an amazing contradiction–A beautiful forest with a little stream that runs through it, packed between aContinue reading “A Change of Scenery: Hiking for Writers”
Monthly Archives: January 2015
Booklist: Finding Books To Get Excited About
During my last visit to the library–on my mad hunt for middle grade fiction represented by agents I want to query–I happened upon Booklist, a magazine full of book reviews from the American Library Association. I browsed the magazine and noticed it also had a web component booklistonline.com. Though that site wants you toContinue reading “Booklist: Finding Books To Get Excited About”
Sources For Guided Revision
Since my first read-through of my novel–in which I could barely read it for all the horrible typos and grammar issues and ended up hating my manuscript–I have been actively avoiding my novel. However, having given myself a strict deadline which is rapidly approaching, it’s time to get to work. As I am stillContinue reading “Sources For Guided Revision”
Be Prepared: Inspiration Can Surprise You!
Yesterday, I had my whole day planned–the whole week actually–but while wandering the blogs of wordpress, I happened upon Catherine Austen’s Blog – Deadline? What Deadline? She had a post about writing contests for kids that ended with some no entry fee writing contests for adults. As usual, I find a contest I’d like toContinue reading “Be Prepared: Inspiration Can Surprise You!”
Finding the Nearsighted Narwhal
It’s easy as a self published author to focus all of your promotion and marketing on the web. However, I recently experienced the joy of seeing my books on the shelves of a local bookstore and it feels great! It all started with a facebook invitation to a Saturday night showing of local films. ItContinue reading “Finding the Nearsighted Narwhal”
Reading as a Writer: Today I learned something I do NOT want to know!
Recently, while reading a manuscript, I came across some dialogue that looked to be punctuated incorrectly, so I made a note about it that I intended to give to the author. This morning, I got online to find reputable sources that would back my claim. To my surprise, honestly horror, I found seven different sourcesContinue reading “Reading as a Writer: Today I learned something I do NOT want to know!”
How To Make Each Query Letter Personal
You’ve written a hook to draw in the reader. You’ve summarized your story in a paragraph or two. You’ve ended the letter with a bio that makes it clear you are the only person to write your book. You received great feedback from online forums. Your critique group loves it. So it’s time to sendContinue reading “How To Make Each Query Letter Personal”
Revision: A New Year, A NewLook
I finally decided on a new theme. I went with Splendio. I’m still tweaking things, but I hope you find this easier to read and enjoy the new look. Anyone else out there using Splendio have any tips or tricks to make this site look even better? What do you think? Do you like theContinue reading “Revision: A New Year, A NewLook”
Querying and the Journey to Representation
As I mentioned yesterday, I have thrown myself into querying my chapter book MY MONSTER IS BETTER THAN YOUR MONSTER. I’m very grateful for the many online tools I have at my disposal for researching agents and tightening up my query letter. I thought I would share the sites that have helped me so far.Continue reading “Querying and the Journey to Representation”
Marketing: Societies, Associations, Meetups and Clubs
I apologize for neglecting you last week, dear readers. I received the fully copy-edited version of my chapter book and dove into choosing agents to query and revising my query letter. As I believe I’ve mentioned before, querying is a nerve-wracking full time job. Today, I posted my second revision, after many helpful critiques, onContinue reading “Marketing: Societies, Associations, Meetups and Clubs”
Experience Writing 