Recommended: SONG OF THE CURRENT by Sarah Tolcser
I requested an advanced reader copy of Song of the Current in exchange for an unbiased review. An immersive fantasy debut set along the waterways of a magical world. Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. Her father is a wherryman, as was her grandmother. All Caro needs is for the river god to whisper her name, and her fate is sealed. But at seventeen, Caro may be too … Continue reading Recommended: SONG OF THE CURRENT by Sarah Tolcser
MYC: Research – Make Your Story Believable
Welcome to this week’s Master Your Craft post! Each Wednesday we’ll discuss prewriting and drafting a new book from the BIG IDEA to QUERYING. Last week, we continued our series with a post on voice. This week, we’ll share our thoughts on research. Research can mean different things depending on the type of book you’re writing. Rebecca writes science fiction based in contemporary settings. Gita writes historical fantasy. You … Continue reading MYC: Research – Make Your Story Believable
Book Birthday and Giveaway: Fakespeare by M.E. Castle
Today we’re joined by M.E. Castle, author of Fakespeare: Something Stinks in Hamlet. Q: M.E., welcome to The Winged Pen! I can’t wait to share the details of the book giveaway (and fun bonus content) with our readers, but first, tell us more about your story. A: In this silly middle school series, three kids get lost inside Shakespeare’s book and must help Hamlet finish … Continue reading Book Birthday and Giveaway: Fakespeare by M.E. Castle
Leah Henderson’s ONE SHADOW ON THE WALL
This March, I had the pleasure of meeting author Leah Henderson at a writing workshop. When she described her debut middle-grade book set in contemporary Senegal, ONE SHADOW ON THE WALL, I couldn’t wait to read it. Eleven-year-old orphan, Mor, struggles to keep the promise he made to his dying father to keep his young sisters safe and to keep their family together. His aunt … Continue reading Leah Henderson’s ONE SHADOW ON THE WALL
EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING Movie vs. Book (no spoilers!)
My 13yo daughter and I arrived at a movie theatre Tuesday night as excited as two people could possibly be about getting a sneak preview of the EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING movie based on Nicola Yoon’s book by the same name. But excitement wasn’t the only thing coursing through my veins as I stood in line to take my seat… Anyone who knows me well, knows that EVERYTHING, … Continue reading EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING Movie vs. Book (no spoilers!)
MYC: Finding Your Voice
Welcome to this week’s Master Your Craft post! Each Wednesday we’ll discuss prewriting and drafting a new book from the BIG IDEA to QUERYING. Last week, we continued our series on character development with a warning to not let our friends write bad books!! This week we’ll tackle the ever-elusive craft of VOICE! Some of you may ask: Why is voice part of character development? Well, friend, I’m soooo … Continue reading MYC: Finding Your Voice
From Writing to Entrepreneuring
Writers serve their community. Actually, a good way to connect with your audience is to be of service because many writers are also future readers. Some writers go beyond the usual networking and offer unique services to other writers. Brooke McIntyre is one of them. She helps connect writers with critique partners. She helps writers meet with agents and editors. What drew me into her … Continue reading From Writing to Entrepreneuring
4 on 400: May Feedback
Thank you to all the brave souls who entered this month’s Four on 400 contest! Sharing your writing takes courage, and we appreciate your enthusiasm for our contest. Below, we’ve posted the first 400 words from this month’s winner, along with feedback from at least four of our members. We also encourage our readers to share their (constructive) suggestions and encouragement in the comments section below. Biting Secrets … Continue reading 4 on 400: May Feedback
Book Recommendation: FOLLOW ME BACK by A.V. Geiger
I requested a free advanced reader copy of Follow Me Back in exchange for an unbiased review. Told through tweets, direct messages, and police transcripts Follow Me Back is the first book of a new duology. Written for the online generation this thriller will keep you guessing right up to the shocking end. Tessa Hart’s world feels very small. Confined to her bedroom with agoraphobia, her one escape … Continue reading Book Recommendation: FOLLOW ME BACK by A.V. Geiger
MYC: Friends Don’t Let Friends Write Bad Books
Welcome to this week’s Master Your Craft post! Each Wednesday we’ll discuss prewriting and drafting a new book from the BIG IDEA to QUERYING. Last week, we continued our series on character development with a Pantser’s Guide to Character Development. This week, we’ll share a method of using a long-form, messy synopsis to get early feedback from your critique partners. Because friends don’t let friends write … Continue reading MYC: Friends Don’t Let Friends Write Bad Books
Cover Reveal, Interview, and Giveaway with Oddity Author Sarah Cannon
The Winged Pen is thrilled to reveal the cover for Oddity, by debut author and pal Sarah Cannon. Read to the end, because there is a giveaway, too! JA: So Sarah, tell us about Oddity. SC: I can’t wait for everyone to read Oddity! It’s a Welcome to Night Vale-inspired adventure, so it’s both life-or-death and very tongue-in-cheek. It’s a love letter to geeky fan-children … Continue reading Cover Reveal, Interview, and Giveaway with Oddity Author Sarah Cannon
Book Review: Principal Kidd School Rules
Principal Kidd School Rules is the first book in the Principal Kidd series by author and illustrator Connie T. Colon. It is a fun chapter book featuring a bright kid who accidentally creates problems for his school then works to find creative solutions. Eleven-year-old whiz, Oliver Kidd, had no trouble using his genius IQ to skip grades and zoom through the accelerated college program. But … Continue reading Book Review: Principal Kidd School Rules
