I’m currently experiencing the sort of let-down I do after I finished my last two books. What do I do with all my free time? Shouldn’t I be working on something? My brain longs for a story to be ruminating on. But I think some rest is wise, so while my queries are sent out, […]
Borrowing from Glennon Doyle Melton’s inspiring concept – this phrase came to mind today as I hit send on my queries for my middle grade novel. Here’s a snippet of the inner monologue that happens after you press the send button: “Yes, this feels so good! Oooh, I can’t wait to see if anyone responds right away.”
This week, I’m making final edits to my middle grade manuscript, including doing something fun I’ve never tried before. In this story, food plays a special part in my little heroine’s heart – a prize-winning recipe for a Sumptuous Strawberry Tart is key to the story. So I’ve included a copy of the recipe at
Just picked this up at the coolest little independent bookstore called BookBug in Kalamazoo, that a friend works at. I want to tear out every page and frame it and put it up on my wall above where I write. This has short snippets that totally motivate me and make me feel like I’m going in the
Still working away on edits to my middle grade novel. Having a hard time finding good chunks of time this week (I work best with a 3-4 hour solid block) to just crank on it, but I was able to get a few decent editing sessions in last Saturday and Sunday. As I’m going back
One tool that helps me get in the mood to write? Music. I am a huge fan of Pandora. I like the radio aspect – I never know exactly what’s going to play next, and the unexpected is fun. Plus – there are so many great stations out there to set the tone for whatever you’re
I’ve been letting my middle grade manuscript sit for about a month, while good friends and dear critics read through it. It’s been so fun to hear the feedback trickling in. Today, I got back a whole slew of insightful, helpful questions and comments from my personal editor, who also happens to be my dear BFF. We
Just found this clipping my grandma had saved in her papers from when I had a little story published in our town paper in middle school. I have no recollection of writing this and find it funny that even back then, I had to include food – bread, butter and jam. Classic! (Note: the paper also spelled
Dear Agent, First of all, if you’ve stumbled upon this post, thank you again for finding me! I already know how awesome you are at your job – taking risks every day on projects that you believe in, on stories you feel a burning to tell. You have a huge pile of reading that never
