Plotting Advice
Everything from character growth to plot and pacing.
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Allowing the Dreaded “Break”
Should writers take a break from writing on occasion? YES! Check out why!
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Pursuing Your Writing Dreams
Always follow your dreams, especially when it comes to writing! You deserve it. <3
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Let’s Create a NaNoWriMo Cover!
Afternoon, folks! Just because I’m a social media pariah these days doesn’t mean I won’t update Novelarnia! And wouldn’t you know it, WordPress has a cool option to advertise new blog posts without me ever needing to log into Twitter or facebook. Pretty swanky stuff. 😀 So, National Novel Writing Month is right around the corner! Are you participating? For those who said yes, did you know that, according to the NaNo peeps themselves, having a novel cover for NaNo increases your chances of winning by 60%?
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How to Write Faster Without Sacrificing Quality
Write faster without sacrificing quality using these easy tips!
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#PitchWars Does Not Define You!!
Okay. #PitchWars is over. Let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief, huh? Now, some of you won, but most of you didn’t. Well, you didn’t win in the traditional sense. But if you participated in the hashtag at all, you already know you’re a winner, because you made lots of awesome new friends. Right?
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If You Think You Might Never Get a Literary Agent… Read this.
So, this week, I signed with an agent! I knew this would happen. Realistically, I did. My motto is, “You can’t give 110% forever and get nowhere.” So when I decided three years ago to pursue traditional publishing, I knew a literary agent was in my future. I just expected it to take like, 30 years. Maybe more. That’s because I never thought I’d be the exception to the rule. You know those “exceptions,” the ones who get 10 agent offers after querying 2 weeks? We all love those stories. But WOW, do we hate those stories too.
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Conference Registration 2017
Who’s been to a writers conference this year?? (If you raised your hand, just know that I’m remarkably jealous of you and WHY DIDN’T YOU TAKE MEEEE??) Sorry. I’ll compose myself. But seriously, after attending DFWCon in April 2016, I’ve been itching to book another conference. There were a lot of options for me in 2017: the Writers Digest one in NYC, SCBWI in LA, maybe DFWCon again? My mind whirled. But one stood out to me.
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Should Writers be Paranoid About Theft?
This is a pretty interesting topic, and one I’ve seen arise over and over on Twitter. You can write alone for years, but it’ll be tough to take your work to the next level unless you have CPs (critique partners) or beta readers. But I’ve met a bunch of new writers who are worried that just by having CPs, you’re offering your hard work up for the taking. How do you keep your stories safe?
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Camp NaNoWriMo Is Coming!
Are you prepared? Camp NaNo isn’t as intense as National Novel Writing Month, way off in November. During Camp, you can set your own goals–customize everything. So if you want to edit, and keep track in hours, that’s okay! Or if you maybe only want to attempt 25,000 words instead of 50,000, awesome!! Either way, get writing. Because nothing good will happen if you just sit around waiting for inspiration. It’s time to dig into the trenches, and Camp is the perfect opportunity!
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YA vs. MG
Morning, folks! So, I’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between Young Adult vs. Middle Grade. Â Mostly because I want my new novel, Harbinger, to be MG. Â But as I’m a YA reader and writer, figuring out how to switch to a younger audience is tough!
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DFWCon: Young Adult Panel
Aaand we’re back!  Sorry, guys, but I updated too frequently with those DFWCon posts.  It drove me a little crazy.  But the last few weeks have been a good break, so now I’m ready to wrap up what I learned back in April. The YA panel was probably my favorite one, with the exception of Diversity in Writing.  Five lovely YA authors spent the whole hour talking about how they were published, and answering questions for us hopefuls.
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Importance of Writing Buddies
Where in the world is Becki? Well, all over, considering that’s my job. Â But I sincerely apologize for missing so many updates. Â I thought a lot about it, and I think two times a week was a reach, and not feasible for my lifestyle in the long run. Â I’ve since decided that FRIDAYS will be the new update for Novelarnia! Now, on with the topic. Â I still have a few DFWCon posts left, but I’m going to take a break to talk about what’s been occupying my time the last few weeks. A new book!!
