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
The Secrets Authors Keep: LIST OF TEN News Halli’s Been Waiting to Tell Us!
Have you ever seen those mysterious tweets from authors . . . “I have a secret I can’t wait to tell you!”
How frustrating is that? Well, as it turns out, it’s just as frustrating for the author! Halli’s had both some new book cover secrets as well as some award secrets. As soon as she was allowed to talk, I got the scoop!
Here’s a look into the secrets authors have to keep. Continue reading The Secrets Authors Keep: LIST OF TEN News Halli’s Been Waiting to Tell Us!
Recommended: TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH by Beth Vrabel
I was drawn into this book by the fun voice of Trixy, a girl who loves to tell stories. Trixy draws on the stories Gran told her of when Gran was a young girl and good at getting into trouble. Continue reading Recommended: TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH by Beth Vrabel
Blast From the Past!
I’ve been diving into middle grade fantasy recently, and one of my projects was to re-read one of Young Me’s favorites: Susan Cooper’s DARK IS RISING series. Which makes this a good time to do another post in our semi-regular series: Blast from the Past. The gist: We will occasionally read (or listen) to a book we had loved as children but have not re-visited … Continue reading Blast From the Past!
Cole Champion: STEM Versus Superpowers
As a fellow reader, I already have a list of books to read in 2022, and a list of books to recommend. Top on my list to recommend is the new middle grade series featuring Cole Champion, a regular kid who attends a not so regular school. (Think Sky High meets Big Hero 6.) These books include three features certain to grab the attention of … Continue reading Cole Champion: STEM Versus Superpowers
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