by Stephanie Morrill

In case you missed it, on Friday we hosted James Scott Bell on the blog. He has some wonderful words of encouragement for aspiring writers, and we’re giving away a copy of The Art of War for Writers, a book that Jill and I frequently recommend. Don’t miss your chance to get entered!

Many thanks to all of you who voted on the name for Ellie Sweet’s blog. (So far in my draft of The Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet, I’ve had to use GIRAFFE in place of the blog name, and that’s getting a bit old.)

The most popular name was Sweet Scribbles, which was suggested by Amanda Fischer! Amanda will get a free download of The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet, plus a “guest appearance” in the sequel. Thanks Amanda, and thanks to everyone who voted!

The other two popular names were Sweet Somethings, suggested by Anna Schaeffer, and Princess of the Pen by Amo Libros. They’ll also be receiving a free download of the first Ellie Sweet novel.

And the voter who won Jill Williamson’s latest release, Captives, is Allison. I don’t know which one, but I left a comment by your name on the post, so email me to claim your prize!

Onto the writing space winners!

When the pictures started pouring in, Jill and I had a talk about how great it is that you guys love writing enough that you HAVE a designated spot, that you’ve made a space for it. Even if it’s just your bed, a TV tray, or notebooks shoved in a backpack, it’s awesome to us that you’re finding a way to write.

Here are the honorable mentions:

Most Desperate:

This entry came from Kelsey G., and I absolutely love it.

This is a closet in her room that she’s converted into a writing space, “complete with a pillow, makeshift desk, pens, hanging notebook compartment, ENFP poster, and a sign that says ‘Kidnapped’ for no good reason.”

Best Getaway:

We love Emii’s writing space in the old caravan!

Most Creative:

This could have also qualified for “most desperate” but we loved this writing space of Jacinta’s:

She says, “Believe it or not I do 50% of my writing up in my favorite tree that over looks our farm. It is so calm and quiet up there, I don’t get disturbed for hours, and I get a lot of writing done.”

Cait D. would probably appreciate not getting disturbed. She gets the honorable mention for:

Most Crowded:

Coolest Desk:

We had to give it to the refurbished piano. How sweet is this desk that Katia’s mom made for her?


Coolest Chair:


We love this one of Kristian’s!

Most Mobile:


Maddie Morrow says she writes wherever she is. “I carry at least two tablets in my purse at all times, along with my favorite pens, and my iPod for any research I need to do. And NEVER any procrastination.” She also said she finished writing her work-in-progress just a couple days ago, so this  is obviously working for her!

And the winner of the Go Teen Writers book for our favorite overall is:

Elizabeth Ryan! We’re totally digging that white board, the to-do list, and the big windows. Congratulations, Elizabeth!

Tomorrow Jill will announce a brand new contest, so make sure you’re back here bright and early!