Writing on Proposal: A Different Option

One of the most common pieces of advice given to writers is that their manuscripts must be complete and as perfect as possible before querying agents or editors. That is true in most cases, but there are some instances where complete manuscripts are not required. In fact, just a proposal will do. What? I have an idea for a book, a really good idea, and … Continue reading Writing on Proposal: A Different Option

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

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

Tips for Writing Short Stories

Do you read short stories? Have you written any? I love them and have written a few of my own. This month, it seems as if short stories dominated my reading list. I judged a teen short story contest with 33 entries and read two books of short stories. As you can see, I’ve thought of nothing else and that is what prompted this post. … Continue reading Tips for Writing Short Stories

Literary Couples We Love

Happy Valentine’s Day! Okay, we’re a few days late, but we didn’t want to miss the chance to share our favorite literary couples and hear about yours! We asked four authors to share their favorite couples. Check out the loves of these authors’ lives. Michelle Mason: My favorite classic couple is always and forever Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy because of how they both grow … Continue reading Literary Couples We Love

Double Debut: Interview with Nicole Lesperance

It’s exciting to have one debut novel coming out in a year, but two? Today we are talking with Nicole Lesperance, middle grade and young adult author, who has two novels debuting in 2021! TWP Let’s start with introducing your two novels debuting this year. The Nightmare Thief and The Wide Starlight. Can you give us a brief summary of each? Nicole The Nightmare Thief … Continue reading Double Debut: Interview with Nicole Lesperance

Everything that Burns has a beautiful girl on the cover

Recommended: EVERYTHING THAT BURNS by Gita Trelease

We’re excited to welcome Gita Trelease back to the Winged Pen for the launch of her 2nd book!

This is a jam-packed post with:
a review of Everything That Burns, a link to register for Gita’s virtual launch hosted by Odyssey Bookshop on February 4th, and an interview with Gita about her inspiration for this dark fantasy and tips for aspiring writers. Continue reading Recommended: EVERYTHING THAT BURNS by Gita Trelease

Influence by Sara Shepard & Lilia Buckingham. The cover has a pixilated image of a teenage girl.

Recommended: INFLUENCE by Sara Shepard & Lilia Buckingham

Who wouldn’t want to be Scarlet Leigh? Just look at her Instagram. Scarlet isn’t just styled to perfection: she is perfection. Scarlet has a gorgeous, famous boyfriend named Jack and there’s a whole fanbase about their ship. To everyone watching online, their lives seem perfect . . . but are they really? The sun is hot in California . . . and someone’s going to get burned… Continue reading Recommended: INFLUENCE by Sara Shepard & Lilia Buckingham

Recommended: GIRL, SERPENT, THORN by Melissa Bashardoust

An atmospheric retelling of tales from Persian culture. Girl, Serpent, Thorn begins as many retellings do, with a neglected princess hidden away from the world. But the fact that Soraya’s skin is poisonous to the touch gives the story a unique twist. As as the princess begins to see her condition not as a curse but as a source of power, the story really becomes interesting. . . Continue reading Recommended: GIRL, SERPENT, THORN by Melissa Bashardoust

Recommended – LOBIZONA by Romina Garber

Some people ARE illegal. Lobizonas do NOT exist. Both of these statements are false. Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who’s on the run from her father’s Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida. Until Manu’s protective bubble is shattered. Her surrogate grandmother is … Continue reading Recommended – LOBIZONA by Romina Garber

A Peek Inside the Author Debut Group

Debut groups. What writers with their first publishing contracts are a part of. Ah, the dream! For years I’ve seen the hashtags of debut groups. We’ve all heard of the most recent Novel19s and Roaring20s, right? As soon as I had serious interest in my young adult novel, List of Ten, I realized I was clueless about the next steps. If my book sold, what would … Continue reading A Peek Inside the Author Debut Group