Welcome to My Blog/Newsletter
Why subscribe?
To read about another writer’s journey through writing, revising, querying, and learning
To see photos of my dogs 😉
To read about specific craft issues from the point of view of a book coach/experienced writer who wants to help other writers improve their craft
MG Novel Recommendation: Simon Sort of Says
If you also appreciate humor, you may want to read Simon Sort of Says (2023) by Erin Bow. It’s a contemporary, realistic, middle grade novel that provides humor as well as a serious and challenging subject—school shootings.
My Outline Has Revealed a Plot Flaw
I’m approaching the revision of my middle grade zoo mystery in a methodical, strategic way. The tool I’m using first is an Inside Outline.
A Challenging Year with My Agent
In April 2022 I signed a contract with a literary agent. It was thrilling!
Since her offer of representation happened quickly, I expected other things to happen quickly too. In particular, I expected to get some notes from her on the manuscript so I could revise and then we could go out on submission.
But that didn’t happen.
A Strategic Novel Revision Begins
Ah, revision. This is my favorite part of writing. Now that I have words on the page, I can let my inner editor out to play.
Does Marketing Sounds Like a 4-Letter Word to You?
The important part is to be thinking about where readers will find your book. If your book were in a curated list like on Good Reads or A Mighty Girl, what other books would you want on that list?
Big Goal Achieved—Now What?
I already know—in broad strokes—what I need to do next. First, I need to let the story rest a few days, at least. Then I’m going to create a new inside outline of the novel, scene by scene.
Big Goal Check-in
Last October I set a goal to finish a first draft of my middle grade mystery novel by the end of March. I’m very close to finishing—maybe three scenes to go.
A Different Kind of Character Study
People are fascinating. Why do they do the things they do? I can make up all sorts of motivations and back stories for my fictional characters, but is it believable? Sometimes that’s hard to judge.Lately, I’ve been reading books outside of my typical fun zone, and accidentally discovered another way to study characters.
Who Are You Writing Your Novel For?
Having a strong sense of who you’re writing your book for will make your work stronger. It’ll help you speak knowledgeably about your audience with agents and editors. And it will remind you that you’re not writing this for yourself.
Writing Craft: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
I have a fondness for books on the craft of writing. I like reading about other writers’ tussles with different elements of story and what they’ve learned as a result. The ones I enjoy the most and the ones I think I’ll continue to learn from find a permanent home on my book shelves. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel (Ten Speed Press, 2018) by Jessica Brody is one of these.