The healthy, therapized version of myself is reminding me to stay present even as uncomfortable memories surface from a long-forgotten time in my life, and the creative avoidant version of myself is writing things down to use as content in future projects.

A River Enchanted is a beautifully written and creatively crafted novel full of magic, music, and mystery… all the things I happen to love in a good book!

Didion and Rockwell may have used different mediums, but their art captured the same essence thanks to their detailed storytelling and unflinching look at our real lives.

R&R update, querying, and reflections on the revision process for WSD.

The key to authentic dialogue is infusing our characters' conversations with nuance, subtext, purpose, and true-to-life interaction.

Writing every day is a way for me to stay connected with my creativity. It is also not a hard and fast rule.

A fairy tale for adults, T. Kingfisher takes us on quite the adventure in Nettle & Bone. It’s dark, whimsical, compelling, and a little unnerving, all at once, and I loved nearly every moment.

A well-crafted setting becomes more than a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative itself, often becoming its own character.

We’ve got some possible news on the querying front!

I think it’s so important to embrace diversity in perspectives, and oftentimes later-in-life stories are neglected. I want to be a part of changing that.

It’s my 40th birthday! Grab a drink, your favorite snack, and a cozy blanket while I get all introspective about life, writing, past mistakes, and the many lives I’ve lived.

I think a clear revision plan is a must when revising, whether it’s based on our own notes or an editorial letter from an agent or editor. Hopefully these tips will help!

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.