To writers who fear the first draft

Dear writers who are afraid of the first draft, It's all right. As cliché as it might sound, we've all been there with a blank page hovering in front of us. Uneven plot lines. Characters with blue eyes one page and brown eyes twenty pages later. Ideas swarm around in our heads, but none make … Continue reading To writers who fear the first draft

How to write an author bio for submissions

Author bios can seem difficult. It's impossible to narrow a person down to a few sentences. But writers also do the impossible all the time. My experience with this is limited to Submittable. Most places ask for a bio between three to five sentences long. Bios are simple and can have a bit of creativity … Continue reading How to write an author bio for submissions

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

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?

What writers submit queries and when?

Some writers have to their work completed and edited before submitting a query to an agent. But not all writers. Sound weird? There are two main genres that define how a writer publishes their work in the traditional route: non-fiction and fiction. Fiction queries are the kind of queries that everyone hears about. You finish … Continue reading What writers submit queries and when?

Get To Know Ya Book Tag

I found this book tag over on My World Of Books blog, and I thought it would be a fun one to do. I hope you enjoy! FAVORITE BOOK(S) OF ALL TIME I have too many books that are my favorites and what I would consider 'a book of all time.' I'll run through a … Continue reading Get To Know Ya Book Tag

How to use social media when querying

At the base line, social media is a good way to connect with agents. Agents talk about their manuscript wish list (#MSWL) from time to time. They list what they're looking for in the next book they represent. Look out for them. You might see one that matches your book. However, warning: do not directly … Continue reading How to use social media when querying

Book review – Yesterday I Was the Moon (Spoiler Free)

it only takesa second or twoto look into their eyesand decidewhether you're homeor at just anotherperfectly decorated house Title: Yesterday I Was the MoonAuthor: Noor UnnaharGenre: nonfiction, poetryPages: 160Publication date: March 27, 2018Publisher: Clarkson Potter Publishers I got Yesterday I Was the Moon as a birthday gift last month. By the end of the day, I had some … Continue reading Book review – Yesterday I Was the Moon (Spoiler Free)

Book review – The Only Pirate at the Party (Spoiler Free)

“I make art for the sake of art . . . and for my own selfish gratification, because I’m an artistic monster.” Title: The Only Pirate at the Party Author: Lindsey Stirling Genre: Non-fiction Pages: 254 Publication date: January 12, 2016 Publisher: Gallery Books As I flip through the pages of The Only Pirate at the Party, I’m reminded … Continue reading Book review – The Only Pirate at the Party (Spoiler Free)