The Simple Reason I’m Terrified to Break My Writing Streak

For a lot of writers, November means writing. The weather is cruddy, the computer is cozy, and many of us … More

5 Points To Better Understand Genres and Subgenres

When you go to a bookstore or traditional library, the novels are sorted by category, and then author’s last name. … More

Working with a Three-Act Structure

It’s not as strict and formulaic as it sounds!

#writingTips from #balticon55

Yes, That IS a ‘Real Word’

Language exists for one reason — to convey a thought or concept.

So what makes a word real? To me? If you’ve successfully conveyed your thought, you’ve used real words.

7 Ways Writers Handle Rejection

I got a LOT of form rejections last year, that pushed me into taking a break from querying. I’m currently embracing options #4 and #3, but contemplating #5, #6, and #7. Which methods have you tried?

The 13 Types of Responses Writers Get When Querying Agents

Rejection hurts. When an agent rejects my work, I always want to know why — is it not right for them, bad timing, or is it something I can actually fix. So, I’ve tried to get really skilled at reading between the lines of rejection letters. Spoiler alert: they’re usually NOT going to give you a reason.

The 5 Components of a Query Letter

I know, I talk a lot about queries and the querying process. You may have even heard me say most of this before, but I’ve decided to break it out again in a clean format. Because?

Query letters are hard.

Also? I made a nifty infographic!

9 Terms All Querying Authors Should Know

If you want to be traditionally published, you’re gonna need an agent. Which means — you need to query an agent. Here are 9 terms you’re gonna run into.