Another year older!

Hello everyone! Yesterday was my birthday, and I decided to do another casual update like last year since I've been so busy. I started off strong this year, but at one of the conferences I went to, I got behind schedule. With volunteer work on top of that and projects overlapping, it had definitely taken … Continue reading Another year older!

An important reminder for writers

You're not a writer after you sell a hundred copies. That mountain of rejections doesn't define you. You're not a writer once the world knows your name either. You're a writer if you write. Even if you don't write for a while, you're still a writer. You're not an aspiring writer. You are a writer. … Continue reading An important reminder for writers

6 things editors need to know from writers before editing

Editors are essential. It's also important to communicate some information with them when reaching out to get their services. Here are six things to keep in mind: Word count, not page count Knowing how many pages there are isn't as helpful as one might think. There is a general standard that every page is about … Continue reading 6 things editors need to know from writers before editing

7 things to remember when building your fantasy world

Fantasy worlds are complicated to build since everything is foreign. If you're a plotter (aka you plan your story before you write it), you may have thought most of this out already. But if you're more of a pantser like me (aka you build your story as you go), you may have to go back … Continue reading 7 things to remember when building your fantasy world

Common writing mistakes #8

#8 — The Words Feel and Felt No matter what POV you write in, you’re going to come across the words feel or felt at some point. When I edit novels or when I edit my own work, I find a lot of feels and felts. These words are sometimes glossed over without realizing the potential that could be brought to your … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #8

How does a book become a book? — part two

If you missed part one, here's a link. #3 — Editing your manuscript Don't panic, but this can take many rounds. Editing a book is difficult, and sometimes minds will disagree. You're about to dig deep into your work. How is your dialogue? Believable? Does your character's motivations seem valid, true to character? How is … Continue reading How does a book become a book? — part two

First lines given – #6

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 Danny Beattie! He said: I like the tone of this one. Here's the result: Of course Marko would say that. He always does. But that was the thing about Marko: … Continue reading First lines given – #6

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

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?

What to do if your writing/art frustrates you

I've noticed that when things get hard, some people shut down. They don't like the chapter they wrote, so they get so frustrated that they can't do anything. Or perhaps they are struggling to find the perfect word with twenty dictionary tabs open. Their foot taps at a hundred beats per minute while their mind … Continue reading What to do if your writing/art frustrates you