Querying 201: 9 Tips for Querying a Manuscript That’s NOT Your First
We wrote an article on querying your manuscript a couple years ago. That advice is still solid, but I wanted to write a follow on for people who have been around the query block before.
Why?
When writers first query, they tend to rush into it, sending out lots of queries without taking the time to incorporate feedback. I’ll admit I was guilty of this. Once you’ve put time into a few manuscripts and have a better sense of what type of agent you’d like to work with, it’s easier to slow down and be deliberate.
So whether your first (couple?) manuscripts didn’t get you an agent or you’ve parted with your agent and need to find a new one, these suggestions can help you dig deeper to find the best partner for you. Continue reading Querying 201: 9 Tips for Querying a Manuscript That’s NOT Your First
A New Writing Guide for You: The Conflict Thesaurus +Giveaway
It’s always fun when there’s good news to share, and today is one of those days. You may know Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, the authors of The Emotion Thesaurus. Well, I’m a big believer in the helpfulness of their books and so joined their Street Team for The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles (Vol. 1). It’s just released, and I am so … Continue reading A New Writing Guide for You: The Conflict Thesaurus +Giveaway
A Peek into the Life of an Editor
As writers, we spend most of our time writing – as we should. We draft then revise, revise, revise, and revise until our manuscript is as perfect as possible. Then we move on to the next step. Query, query, query. Let’s go one further and say we sign with an agent. What now? More querying, but this time your agent is querying editors. It’s called … Continue reading A Peek into the Life of an Editor
Recommended: SKY GAZING by Meg Thacher
Who doesn’t get entranced looking up at the stars? Whether you’re searching for constellations or imagining blasting off from Earth to found the first settlement on Mars, the night sky gets your imagination rolling. And you have much more knowledge to work with if you’ve read up on the objects you’re gazing at.
That’s where Sky Gazing comes in . . . Continue reading Recommended: SKY GAZING by Meg Thacher
Recommended: THE WOLF’S CURSE by Jessica Vitalis
Shunned by his fearful village, a twelve-year-old apprentice embarks on a surprising quest to clear his name, with a mythic—and dangerous—wolf following closely at his heels.
Click below to read the full review and my Interview with the author! Continue reading Recommended: THE WOLF’S CURSE by Jessica Vitalis
Why Everyone Should Seriously Consider Writing a Children’s Book
What made you want to become a writer? For many of us, the love of words and stories began in childhood. There are certain books that will never quite lose their shine — books that inspire the writers in us even today, simply because they helped us discover the magic of truly good stories. (Click to read more!) Continue reading Why Everyone Should Seriously Consider Writing a Children’s Book
Great Middle Grade Books for Summer 2021
You asked for our favorite middle grade reads of 2021 so here they are! Now that summer is here, Rebecca, Richelle, and I are thrilled to recommend these middle grade books for your vacation. They are perfect for the beach, car, airplane, even when waiting in line at your favorite amusement park. The Truths We Hold (Young Readers Edition) by Kamala Harris Before she was … Continue reading Great Middle Grade Books for Summer 2021
10 Great Young Adult Books for Summer 2021
It’s summer! And we’re actually allowed out of our houses and can get to the beach this year! We know you want a few good books to bring on vacation, so Halli, Richelle, and I came up with a list of our favorites.
Whether you love thrillers or fantasies, contemporaries or romances, you’ll find something(s) you love on this list.
Happy reading! Continue reading 10 Great Young Adult Books for Summer 2021
Interview and Book Launch Celebration with Author Candice Marley Conner
We are thrilled to have debut author Candice Marley Conner with us today! Candice’s two books, Sassafras and Her Teeny Tiny Tail (picture book) and The Existence of Bea Pearl (young adult novel), came out this month. We will be talking with her about books and the methods, and challenges, of writing for such different age groups. Hello Candice! We are excited to have you on The Winged Pen. … Continue reading Interview and Book Launch Celebration with Author Candice Marley Conner
Thoughts From a Bookseller
If you read this blog regularly, you know I am an author, and may also know I have had several careers in my adult life. Four to be exact. While signing copies of my new novel at my independent bookstore (author – career number three), I was told about an open bookseller position. I love books, as an author you have to, and I love … Continue reading Thoughts From a Bookseller
Fear Factor: How to embrace your fear and keep creating
Every single time I sit down to write something — whether it’s a novel chapter or fundraising copy or an email to a colleague — I feel a moment of fear: Can I do this? Will people respond to it? Am I too ambitious? Am I good enough? What if I can’t? Fear can be paralyzing. In its most severe forms, it causes (or at … Continue reading Fear Factor: How to embrace your fear and keep creating
Celebrate Your Writing Milestones!
I recently wrapped up a writing project. Two middle-grade books written in under 4 months. It was a fun project, but the short timeline made it stressful. (For more about that, see my article on Work-for-Hire Writing.)
I turned the second book over to a critique partner to read for me and as I breathed a sigh of relief at having a couple days off, I began thinking about the project I’d pick up once this one was submitted . . . Continue reading Celebrate Your Writing Milestones!