Instead of approaching it as a broad idea like “identity,” it helps when I ask a specific question and use the story to explore more. I’ll expand on this, using my own manuscript as the example.

Half A Soul by Olivia Atwater is the perfect blend of regency romance and fantasy, offering a fresh and immersive story that’s both comforting and nostalgic.

I may have a Taurus-heavy chart, but patience has never been one of my strongest personal qualities. Hard-working, persistent, reliable? Sure. But patient? Absolutely not.

By choosing appropriate comparisons, creating vivid imagery, and aligning metaphors and similes with the themes of our writing, we can elevate our prose to new heights.

The list is getting shorter, but I got another request!

Rooted in my own identity as part of the diaspora (mixed 2nd gen Japanese American), these kinds of stories almost always explore the delicate topics of identity and belonging, which I love.

Natalia Hernandez has created something truly special here. With a diverse cast and richly-imagined world, it has been a surprise stand-out for me from the past year!

Being intentional with our choice of POV is crucial for crafting a story that resonates with our intended audience.

It’s been a month since the last official update, and there have been some changes!

I’m very much a “manage my expectations” kind of person, but I’m finding myself wanting to let go of it in this instance.

The entire premise is wild… lesbian necromancers in space with skeletons, ghosts, immortal godlike beings, and all sorts of treacherous tasks they must complete.

So many projects, so little time! What does my work look like right now, and what am I doing to manage it all?

Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder by Wren Jones is a charming tale of magic, mystery, and self-discovery… It’s a truly delightful debut novel.

Take a look at those opening chapters. Are they doing the work they need to do in order to captivate and hook the reader?

4 requests, 17 rejections, and 14 outstanding… I don’t plan to send any more queries at this point, so here’s to hoping!

Mental health narratives play a crucial role in so many important stories, and as someone personally affected by mental health struggles throughout my life, it’s important to me that my work reflect those realities as well.

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.

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.

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.

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.