Reading Your Own Work

May 31st, 2021  |  Season 2  |  7 mins 26 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

If you get the opportunity to read your own work, here are some tips on how to get ready.

Tips For Sustaining Tension In Your Writing

May 24th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  7 mins 40 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Last week, I talked about giving characters agency, but that’s not all editors and agents request. Another thing they ask for is ‘tension’. If the reader doesn’t have a reason to care what happens next, you’ve lost your tension.

But! Tension doesn't always have to mean conflict!

Tips On Writing Characters With Agency

May 17th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  7 mins 36 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

One thing you hear about a lot when you start sending your manuscript out into the world is ‘agency’. Most agents (and publishers) are looking for characters who make things happen, not ones who merely react to the situation they’re stuck with.

It's okay to start off with a character with minimal agency, but most readers want to see the characters come into their own.

How To Find An Agent For Your Novel

May 10th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  13 mins 37 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, query tips, querying, writers, writing, writing tips

Talking about where to find literary agents, ways to vet them, and a not-so-gentle reminder to Follow The Directions when querying them.

Teacher Appreciation Day

May 3rd, 2021  |  Season 2  |  3 mins 31 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

A shout out to all the teachers who helped me become the person I am today.

When Querying A Novel: Hope Can Be The Scariest Thing

April 26th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  11 mins 4 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Remember me talking about how I was losing faith? Well.... having hope can be even scarier.

Writer Confessions: I've Lost Focus On My Writing

April 19th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  9 mins 34 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

There comes a time when one must look in the mirror and face accountability. We’re a third of the way through the year, my move turned into a two month ordeal, and I’ve gotten distracted from my writing by hunting page views on WAY too many social mediums. And? To be honest? I’m starting to lose faith that I’ll find my agent with this story.

How Change Can Be a Good Thing – In Life and In Writing

April 12th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  4 mins 38 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Last time I moved houses, I talked about how sometimes -- change is exactly what you need -- both in your own life and in your writing.

4 Ways Querying Is Like a Religion

April 5th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  7 mins 22 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

Querying can almost be like a religion. You've got: the common tenents, the different sects, the proper rituals, and the heretics.

Will You Read My First Chapter? A Rant

March 29th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  6 mins 12 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, writers, writing, writing tips

I love being supportive and encouraging of my fellow authors, but sometimes, I've just got to rant. And one thing that makes me rant is being asked to read a first chapter.

A Starter’s Guide For Fiction Writers Trying To “Establish A Social Media Presence” Part 6: YouTube & Other Videos

March 22nd, 2021  |  Season 2  |  14 mins 36 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, social media, writers, writing, writing tips

Since I recorded this episode, I've gotten active in the online #AuthorTube community. For readers, there's the #booktube community. And all the things you can stream to youtube, also work on Twitch and more!

But I still follow ALL these tips.

A Starter’s Guide For Fiction Writers Trying To “Establish A Social Media Presence” Part 5: Tumblr & Reddit (The “Dark” Side)

March 15th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  9 mins 47 secs

beta-reading, books, critique, social media, writers, writing, writing tips

While tumblr has dropped a lot in popularity since this episode was first recorded, there are still a lot of good reasons to use both Tumblr AND Reddit.