by Jill Williamson | Feb 27, 2019 | Brainstorming, Characters, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction
It’s been a busy few weeks for me, and I’m closing in on finishing the rough draft of my novel. How are you all doing? If you’d like, report your status in the comments so we can cheer each other on. I managed to find time to edit another Storyworld...
by Stephanie Morrill | Feb 25, 2019 | Author Life, Encouragement, Productivity, Writing Life
Let’s start with a website creation pro tip: When you create a new website, and you put forms on there for people to sign up for your newsletter or email you directly, TEST THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY WORK. Because last week, I discovered that the reason our email...
by Shannon Dittemore | Feb 22, 2019 | Author Life, Encouragement, Getting Published, Writing Life
For the past couple Fridays, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about querying an agent. I’ve mentioned this as often as I felt I could without beating you over the head with it, but really, failure is a huge part of success. If you’re going to be...
by Jill Williamson | Feb 20, 2019 | Editing, First Drafts, Writing
Generally speaking, the more you write, the stronger your writing becomes. If you’re not studying the craft of what makes writing clean and powerful, however, you could develop poor writing habits, which makes more work for you during the editing stage. So, yes, you...
by Stephanie Morrill | Feb 19, 2019 | Writing, Writing Competitions, Writing Contests
We cannot overstate how proud we are of everyone who entered the contest, regardless of if you placed. Sharing your writing is scary and vulnerable, and it warms our hearts that you trusted us enough to enter! Taylor Bennett was our awesome judge this round (THANK...
by Stephanie Morrill | Feb 18, 2019 | Author Life, The Craft of Writing, Writing, Writing Life
Just like I knew would happen, after I published my writing truths last Monday, I thought of others, and I was reminded of some by you guys in the comments. Here are my 8 additions: Write purple This refers to a Writing Advice Examined post of mine from a couple years...
by Shannon Dittemore | Feb 15, 2019 | Getting Published, The Craft of Writing, Writing Life
Last Friday we talked about which writers need literary agents and where you can go to find one. When you’ve compiled a list of agents you’re interested in working with, it’s time to write that query letter. As a reminder, a query is a means of introduction to a...
by Jill Williamson | Feb 13, 2019 | Author Life, First Drafts, Goals, Writing Life
My School Report Well, I’ve done it. I have officially completed my application to grad school. You’re probably like, “Didn’t you already turn in your application?” Yes. Yes I did. But part of my application was passing some tests, and...
by Stephanie Morrill | Feb 12, 2019 | Writing, Writing Competitions, Writing Contests
We had 77 entries for this last contest, and here are the top 15 in alphabetical order: Alethea Wolf Allison Riera Amy Bethany R. C. Marie Bohley Caroline C. Jess Mausolf K.J. Haakenson L. J. M. L. Malachi Watkins P. Barny J. P.J. Ryder Rain Sylvar Rhiannon Curley...
by Stephanie Morrill | Feb 11, 2019 | Author Life, Writing, Writing Life
To all the writers who entered the 100-word contest: WAY TO GO on entering. That can feel vulnerable, and it takes bravery. We’re proud of you! The top 15 entries will be announced tomorrow on the blog. Because of what I’ve been reading, I’ve been...
