We have a chance

It may just seem like time flies by, running away from us. Every day we're closer to the end but not closer to our dreams. Or are we? Does our chance to accomplish something decrease with age? Not really. Many writers first publish after they're 30- or 50-years-old. Sometimes we forget that our heroes are … Continue reading We have a chance

For your new literary agent

When searching for a literary agent, some people think about only their query letter. But usually agents ask for more. Synopsis These are not always the most fun, but they do point out your plot right off the back. Does it all flow together? Does it make sense? Is there a spot where it may … Continue reading For your new literary agent

Should we write what we read?

They say to write what you read, but I think that confines us in a way. If we only write what we read, must we always read something we love? I'd only read fantasy/sci-fi then, never knowing any nonfiction or poetry much. I'd limit myself the number of stories I dive into. My world would … Continue reading Should we write what we read?

Just so you know

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and that could mean taking a break from writing. Don't be discouraged though. Things always happen, but it's always what you make of it. It doesn't mean you'll never write again or that your writing will turn bad. Everything will be all right.

Quiet now, pay attention

My university is always quiet when people leave and that’s when you notice things. You’ll find broken, empty branches, hiding behind the leaves. Or the discolored rock that has been there for at least five years and will be there for another ten. You’ll notice black paint peeling off the railing because the school only … Continue reading Quiet now, pay attention

11 editing tips from a professional

At the ACES conference, one session had many editing tips for editors and writers. Here are some: Check all quotations (to see if it is a verified source) Don't ignore your inner voice (when it says something's wrong) Omit needless words Favor active voice (because we need passive voice sometimes) Edit out loud Advice is … Continue reading 11 editing tips from a professional

Updating my most inspirational books!

It has been a while, but I finally updated the list of books that have a lasting effect on me. I can't believe how many powerful books I have come across since I last updated it. By now, I did book reviews for some of those books, including Turtles All the Way Down, The Hate … Continue reading Updating my most inspirational books!

Biggest writer worry

As a writer, I don't like looking back on my old writings. Something that seemed like wonders when I wrote it could feel like trash when I go back and read it. It's almost like a self-hate for my past self even though I know I wasn't as experienced then. A part of me believes … Continue reading Biggest writer worry

Toughest of the tough

You'd think writing the novel was the hardest part. Or perhaps editing the novel was worse. But no. Queries always seem to be the hardest. They are the one thing I have never gotten a "this is amazing" from. I always get critiqued hard and have to start over again. I took a break from … Continue reading Toughest of the tough

2019 writing goals

Happy New Year! 2019 is an interesting year for me already as I'm sure it is for you. I have an English degree now with new goals. Writing goals are always important to me. Even if I don't complete them, I get something in life to look forward to, to work toward. My goals this … Continue reading 2019 writing goals