Writing Update: New WIP (+ more query responses)
It doesn’t look quite like last year, where I literally wrote one novel manuscript after another, drafting constantly even while I was editing and revising the ones I’d already finished. It’s more of a mixed bag right now, and I feel good about that.
Book Review: Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is a timeless classic full of whimsical charm and delightful characters. From the moment you step into this world, you're swept away on a magical journey.
Writing Tip: 5 Commandments of Scene and Beyond
Explore Gilbo’s 5 Commandments for Scene as well as 5 additional pieces of storytelling you can incorporate into every scene to really bring it to life.
Writing Update: Querying #5
3 requests and 13 rejections… I’m happy with those numbers! I’d like to see more requests, obviously, but I’m also not going to complain.
Why I Write Disabled Characters
My choice to write characters with disabilities is a personal statement in many ways, that our voices matter. But it is also quite simple: I believe all kinds of people, with all kinds of stories, should be able to see themselves in literature and other media.
Book Review: The Deep Sky
Perhaps what stuck with me most isn’t what other readers would get hung up on, but for some reason Asuka’s relationship with her mother got me.
Writing Tip: Create Consistency
The more often we write, and the more we train our brains to summon creativity on demand, the more longevity and satisfaction we will likely have when it comes to our writing goals.
Why I Write About My Querying Process
I’ve benefitted so much from others in the publishing industry—whether authors, agents, or editors—who have shared their experiences and expertise. I’m no expert, but I want to pay it forward by being transparent about my own process.
Book Review: The Day Death Stopped
I’ve read this book several times, so I’ll start there and you can guess what my star rating will be at the end.
Writing Tip: Show Don’t Tell
Show, Don't Tell is the transformative magic that turns words into immersive worlds.
Why I Write Fantasy
Writing fantasy is not just an indulgence in escapism; it's a deliberate choice to weave dreams into reality. The genre offers a boundless playground where imagination reigns supreme, complex themes find expression, and readers embark on journeys that transcend the ordinary.
Writing Update: Querying
I said I’d update when I started getting responses, so here we go… I’ve gotten my first rejections!
Book Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
I've always been a sucker for books that seamlessly blend magic with the everyday, and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna accomplishes this beautifully. It's a delightful concoction of whimsy, heart, and magic.
Writing Tip: Craft Compelling Characters
Embrace the challenge of creating characters that resonate emotionally, drive the plot, and reflect the complexities of the human experience.
Book Review: The Unmaking of June Farrow
I’m still not sure how or why I ended up deciding to read The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young, but spoiler alert: I’m glad I did!
Why I Write LGBTQ Stories
My choice to write LGBTQ stories is not just about checking boxes; it's a heartfelt commitment to authenticity, visibility, and celebrating the diverse spectrum of love and identity.