If you read Julie’s post, you know it’s National Novel Writing Month again, which means a whole bunch of us are sweating through each day trying to write 50,000-ish words by the end of November. While I’m not participating this year, I am still trying to keep up my own momentum on my current WIP. But time has been so very tight for me this … Continue reading Ready… Set… WRITE!
Today marks the beginning of the frenetic bundle of amazingness that is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). This month, thousands of writers around the globe will try to write a 50,000 word first draft of a new story. With an all-star line-up of NaNoWriMo Pep Talks, and hashtags on Twitter for both writing tips and daily sprints, this month is a great time to start writing … Continue reading Happy NaNoWriMo!
I love creepy. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors, I am obsessed with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and my most prized possession is an eyeball signed by Anne Rice. You’ll notice, those all involve books. Okay, confession time. I am not as brave when it comes to creepy in other types of media. I am too scared to watch The Amityville Horror, I … Continue reading Kidlit Halloween Quiz
In my first yoga class of each new year, I set an intention. Yes I tell myself to focus on the present and not get frustrated if I fall on my face during crow pose (which has happened), but I also set one for the entire year. A kind of mental regroup statement to put me back on the right path when I sway, … Continue reading Set an Intention to Reject Rejection
If you suffer from writer’s block, you’re not alone. Most writers I know have faced that wall many times and surmounted it. Some people find themselves at that wall over and over again. Sometimes this happens because you’re not sure how to move your story forward. Sometimes this happens because you’re terrified of failing. If it’s the latter, you may be a perfectionist. One understanding … Continue reading Perfectionism and Pomodori
Did you ever wonder why this is The Winged Pen? It’s because this group of writers make the words fly. How do they do it? When you face the dreaded blank page, what helps you start your writing engines? Do you have a daily word-count goal? Read the Winged Pens’ answers in our own words: Laurel Decher: I’ll go first. 🙂 I realized I aim … Continue reading 4 Ways Winged Pen Writers Get Words
Recently, we talked about how critique partners are a magical element in writing success. I know what some of you are thinking: Thanks, Jessica. That’s nice, but I tried working with a critique partner, and it didn’t work out. I’ve been in your shoes. More than once. Critique partner relationships can explode, implode, or fizzle out for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it’s because the … Continue reading Another Magic Formula
After being almost completely disconnected for ten days this summer, I found it a bit jarring once I returned to my normal online-heavy life. I’m deep into drafting at the moment, and all that “noise” has been wreaking havoc with my ability to focus. Hearing about others’ progress, chasing the link to yet another craft article or agent’s wishlist, or just keeping up with the … Continue reading Going Dark: How Do You Tune Out Online “Noise”?
Pssst…over here. Yes, you. You’re the one searching for the secret to writing success, right? Well, have I got a deal for you. I know the magic formula. And I’m willing to share. Ready? Good. Here it is. (And no, it has nothing to do with unicorn magic, although a strong dose of that surely couldn’t hurt if you have it handy.) Jessica’s Magic* Formula … Continue reading Writing Success: A Magic Formula
Or as I like to say, how I made the most of interrupted time. Think back to June. Was this you? “I have an incredible writing project planned for this summer. I’ll write a first draft. Complete revisions. Write, query, get the book published, and go on a worldwide book tour. All before school starts in September.” Well, that did sound a bit like me … Continue reading How I had a Productive Summer
If you are a writer, you will need a handful of special cards to throw upon your work area. Your set pieces are the cards you need to unearth and reveal before your story can end and you can go home, so to speak. A set piece is a screenwriting term, which means a fundamental scene or event in the story that you cannot remove. … Continue reading Throw in Your Set Pieces
In a previous Killer KidLit First Lines post (click here to read), I revealed my obsession with revising first lines. I’m almost equally obsessed with writing a banned book (I’m a rogue at heart), or winning the Newbery. Either way, I’m happy. The idea for this quiz came to me after the January American Library Association award announcements. I wondered, “Can you identify books … Continue reading Award Winning KidLit: First Lines Quiz
