After getting your query package (query letter, synopsis, beginning pages, etc.) together, it can be impossible to know how well it will do on the agent market. It's so subjective out there. And after getting a rejection, you usually cannot query that project again to that same agent unless it goes under intense revision. That … Continue reading 2 methods to send out query letters to agents
Tag: important
ARCs — What are they? And why do writers need them?
ARCs—advanced reader copies—are important in the publishing process for every writer. The one major thing to do before publishing a book is build hype. You want your readers to jump up and down with excitement for your upcoming book. Quite similar to how many people get excited every time Marvel releases a new trailer. And … Continue reading ARCs — What are they? And why do writers need them?
Common writing mistakes #13
#13 — Dialogue tags vs. action beats Dialogue tags can be tricky. But they're easy to understand after knowing the difference between them and action beats. Dialogue tags show who's speaking and how they're speaking. These can include but are not limited to: Begged Exclaimed Grumbled Muttered Mumbled Said Screamed Shrieked Snapped Whispered Yelled Dialogue … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #13
Fantasy and sci-fi tips from an award-winning editor
I attended a Reedsy Live where Jonathan Oliver gave some wonderful tips for fantasy and sci-fi writers that I'd like to share. Some of these tips are for all genres though. What's a word count for fantasy and sci-fi? For adult fantasy, he mentioned the range to be about 130,000 to 250,000 words. Sci-fi landed … Continue reading Fantasy and sci-fi tips from an award-winning editor
When to tell instead of show
We've all heard the saying show, don't tell. Even as I edit, I find instances where I need to point that out. However, telling does have a purpose. It's about how it's used. And perhaps understanding it more will help writers know when and when not to use it. There are two main concepts where … Continue reading When to tell instead of show
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
Book review – Probably Someday Cancer (Spoiler Free)
"What are you afraid of?" she asked. I paused before answering. How much time did she have? "Everything," I said. Title: Probably Someday Cancer: Genetic Risk and Preventative MastectomyAuthor: Kim Horner Genre: NonfictionPages: 208 pagesPublication date: April 1, 2019 I wanted to read Probably Someday Cancer for a while now. I thought it would be an … Continue reading Book review – Probably Someday Cancer (Spoiler Free)
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
First lines given – #1
Welcome to the first 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 Bree Dawn! She said: Honestly, this sentence made me laugh. Such a good prompt. Kind of nervous, but here's the result: I was supposed to learn how to … Continue reading First lines given – #1
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
Robin LeeAnn 