A writer’s journey (part ten) – getting an editor’s feedback

It has been a while since I've done a writer's journey. Last time, I spoke about getting accepted in a journal and building my credentials. I’ve continued to do so over the past year. I made a goal last January to submit pieces on Submittable two times a month. Now, I've gotten two more accepted … Continue reading A writer’s journey (part ten) – getting an editor’s feedback

What I hope for out of NaNoWriMo

In eighth grade, my creative writing teacher introduced me to NaNoWriMo. I was thirteen at the time. NaNo was a way to express myself and to let some of the stories out of my head.  Did I do well? Nope! If I remember right, I didn’t even make it halfway. I didn’t do NaNo the … Continue reading What I hope for out of NaNoWriMo

3 questions to build your characters’ voices

One of my favorite panels from DV Con was about voice. The presenters brought up many powerful points. They mentioned questions to ask about your main character (MC). Preferably, you'd ask these questions before you begin writing. But if you're like me, you don't know your characters as well on the first draft, so this … Continue reading 3 questions to build your characters’ voices

Is “said” worthless?

In college writing classes, we sit in a tight circle, facing each other. Sometimes, we critique our own works; other times we discuss writing. But one time—and only once—everyone raised their voices against what I suggested. I disagreed with the author using the word said for every single dialogue tag. I raised my hand and … Continue reading Is “said” worthless?

First lines given – #9.5

Welcome to First Lines Given! If that sentence confuses you, here's a link to where I explain what this is. So, you might remember the first line is by Innerdialects. She said: I got a request to continue the story a bit more. Here's the first one in case you missed it, and here's the … Continue reading First lines given – #9.5

First lines given – #9

Welcome to First Lines Given! If that sentence confuses you, here's a link to where I explain what this is. Today's first line is by Innerdialects! She said: I decided to go in a different direction than I normally go in. Here's the result: It seemed like a good start. It had that edge, that … Continue reading First lines given – #9

What credentials should you put in your query letter?

At the end of a query letter, it's important to write something about yourself. But...what do you write? Some people write about where they got their college degrees from. Or perhaps how long they've been working on this manuscript. But is that necessary? Let's find out! Degrees (BA OR MFA) Degrees are usually only necessary … Continue reading What credentials should you put in your query letter?

A writer’s journey (part eight) – blogging, more research, and twitter

It has been a while since I’ve written one of these. I’ve been meaning to, but my busy schedule took control for a little bit. I have three topics in the title, because I’ve seen the most growth in these areas. Let’s go one by one. Blogging As I mentioned here before, my blog has … Continue reading A writer’s journey (part eight) – blogging, more research, and twitter

The Decade Tag

Hello everyone! The amazing Teresa Grabs tagged me for The Decade Tag! Thank you so much! You're awesome. Rules: Please share a link to the creator of the tag, Jesusluvsall Share some highlights for you over the past decade and a few low points if you want Tag whoever you wish to Ask them some questions … Continue reading The Decade Tag

Can you stop writing—take a break—for “too long”?

On the first day of class, eighteen students sat in a circle, facing each other as awkward as can be. We didn't really look at each other, and most of us had no idea what we were doing there. Our teacher leaned forward and turned to look at each of us. She asked how long … Continue reading Can you stop writing—take a break—for “too long”?