New Year’s Book Tag

I did this book tag last year, and I thought I'd do it again since it was fun. Hope you enjoy it! How many books are you planning to read in 2023? Thirty-five! I already have two down. I usually read between thirty-seven to forty books a year, not including books I edit and beta … Continue reading New Year’s Book Tag

10+ LGBTQIA+ Reads

Happy Pride Month! There are a lot of awesome LGBTQIA+ books out there that don't get the spotlight as much. So, here's a list of some great stories (with their Goodreads blurbs) to check out. Amulet of Wishes — Rita A. Rubin The Guardians are the protectors of Aloseria. They are the keepers of the … Continue reading 10+ LGBTQIA+ Reads

How does a book become a book? — part one

Books become books in different ways, but they usually take the same general path. But how does that work? Here's a general sense from a manuscript to a book in hand. #1 — Decide trade vs self-publishing If you want to go into trade publishing, your next step is to get a literary agent. Once … Continue reading How does a book become a book? — part one

Common writing mistakes #6

#6 — Unnecessary details The plot is coming along. We're getting to an important moment—but wait! I forgot to mention something. Let me write it down because it's important. But now the reader is wondering why I stopped the story to describe something in the middle of the chapter. As a writer myself, I get … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #6

One big tip for knowing how you’ve gotten a good editor

Editing is essential. As writers, we all need some type of editing. Even me, who is trained in editing, is not the best editor for my own work. There are mistakes that our brains cannot find in our stories, our children. So, editors become our biggest helpers. What's great is that some editors will give … Continue reading One big tip for knowing how you’ve gotten a good editor

How many books do you have to write to write a good one?

I've had that question for a while now. How many books do you have to write to write a good one? I knew some authors wrote one book, had a few drafts, and published a brilliant piece of work. Some wrote a few novels before one of theirs got published. Some writers told me that … Continue reading How many books do you have to write to write a good one?

How many rejections is too many?

A while back, I was on a live stream with Anna Akana when she did something that surprised me. Instead of saying "aw man" or so when I mentioned how many rejections I have gotten, she got excited. She said it was good for me. After the rejections made a mountain on my desk, they … Continue reading How many rejections is too many?

Writing a book is two jobs

A while back, Hank Green made a Vlogsbrothers video, talking about writing. He mentioned what Tommy Orange said when he saw him speak at the University of Montana. "At one point in the talk, he referred to himself as a kind of duality. There are times when he's a writer, and there are times when … Continue reading Writing a book is two jobs

More than writers

Every Tuesday and Friday, I watch the new Vlogsbrothers video like any other Nerdfighter. But—at the time I'm writing this post—the newest video from John struck me. John, who is the John Green by the way, talked about his wife, which is rare. He didn't gush over her or talk about an issue they have … Continue reading More than writers

Common writing mistakes #1

#1 — Using multiple adjectives "The house on the hill was old, broken, and abandoned. I always passed it on my way home. It stared back at me with its empty, death-glaring eyes." Adjectives help, but too many of them back-to-back can weigh down a story. It sounds more like a bumpy ride on a … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #1