Publishing Advice
Encompassing everything from query letters to securing an agent.
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WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
Okay, let’s talk websites. As an author, having a website is imperative to our success. Maybe not when we first get going, but once we have books for sale, a lovely website matters. If you’re trying to discover how to create a website, I want to offer fair warning. AVOID WORDPRESS.COM. Before I get into this, let me clarify for any non-tech people in the house. My own tech experience is limited to about two years of dinking around in website design, so I’m no expert either. 😛 But as I’ve recently realized, WordPress.com is NOT WordPress.org (hereafter called “WordPress”). WordPress is more confusing, and that’s for a few, key reasons.…
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Guest Post: How to Find an Agent
Guest post written by the AMAZING Danielle Maurer! Without further adieu… How to Find an Agent* A Step-by-Step Semi-Illustrated Guide** By Danielle Maurer Step One: Track down The Agent’s general location. In this case, a writer’s conference at a posh hotel. Step Two: Acquire suitable supplies for a stakeout. Double-fisting beverages is encouraged. Especially traditional writerly drinks like coffee and tea. You must demonstrate that you embody the tastes of a True WriterTM. Step Three: Find a concealed location to observe and wait. Fake plants are recommended. So are high vantage points. Step Four: Become one with your disguise. If you concentrate really hard, nobody will see you. Step…
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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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How to Succeed in 2018
This simple tip will help you succeed in 2018! Now get to work!!
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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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The Waiting
Oh my god, the waiting. All you #PitchWars peeps, settle in. But let’s be real: you already know the type. You’ve written a masterpiece. You’ve picked your favorite agents. You send your queries… and then after such a flurry of activity, there’s nothing left to do.
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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!
