Writing Tips and Writerly Musings

Writer’s Block – Intimidated By The Blank Page

July 5th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  6 mins 41 secs

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

I never thought it would happen to me. I was arrogant and short-sighted.
I thought writer’s block was censoring out bad writing (you know, like rough drafts), an inability to apply butt-to-seat, or thinking you’re going in the wrong direction but not knowing the right one.
I didn’t think the blank page could scare me until I decided it was time for me to try something new.
Now? I understand.

5 Writing Tips for Making Fantasy Feel ‘Real’

June 28th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  5 mins 41 secs

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

No matter if your fantasy world is a shifted version of our reality or something totally alien, no matter if you're a planner or a pantser, these tips should work for you.

Agents and Editors Share–Pitches We’re Sick Of!

June 21st, 2021  |  Season 2  |  14 mins 50 secs

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

Different agents and editors want different things. Take these answers with a grain of salt, because, as we all know, if you do it well enough, they'll throw their own guidelines out.

What Good Is An Agent? Answers From Writers.

June 14th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  12 mins 16 secs

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

with all the risks, why would I want a literary agent?

Well, at Balticon 52, I got to hear a variety of perspectives from published authors who’ve had every sort of agent possible. Here are the stories of Leah Cypess, Keith RA DeCandido, CS Friedman, Tee Morris, and their hunt for a quality agent.

Top 4 Questions From An Editors & Publishers AMA (Ask Me Anything)

June 7th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  8 mins 16 secs

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

I don't know about you, but these are all things I always want to know:

1. What is Your Biggest Pet Peeve?
2. Should A Writer Use Different Names For Different Genres?
3. How Has The Market Changed In The Last Ten Years? and
4. Where Do Querying Writers Lose You?

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

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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.