2016 had some dark spots. But despite the turmoil, some wonderful work was released by authors and publishers who are showing up and doing good work. Someone asked me what my favorite book I read this year was, and I
Books That Make My Heart Hurt: How to Get Out of a Writing Slump and Figure out What You Should be Writing
It’s probably no secret that I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump lately. Something about the deadlines that came with my low-res MFA program, and the knowledge that when I met them someone would be there to read
The Books on My Bookshelves
Since I moved this summer and had to pack up, move, and unpack all of my books again, I thought I’d share with you what’s on my bookshelf!
Query Letter Tips
I think every writer I know detests writing query letters. Here are some tips to help!
Review: Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
I first heard about Echo when Pam Muñoz Ryan came to speak at my fall residency last November. Our focus for that residency was on writing for children – more specifically on the fairy tale – and our book
What I’ve Been Reading…
Since I switched my genre of study to Writing for Children and Young Adults last November, I’ve been enjoying the reading that comes with that category. Children’s books have a sweetness and a truth about them that isn’t usually there
2014: A Big Year
Yes, this is a recap post. 🙂 2014 has been such a huge year for me, personally, academically, and in the world of literature. Instead of summarizing my summary, I’ll get right to it. Winter In January, I became Mrs.
NaNoWriMo: The Power of Titles
As I’ve been away at residency in Louisville it’s become glaringly obvious to me that my NaNoWriMo project is stuck. When I arrived, I had 24,000 words (no, I haven’t added to that in a week) and no idea where
NaNoWriMo: Why “serious” writers should promote rather than dismiss
Many of you will shake your heads upon reading this. Or perhaps even roll your eyes. Maybe blow a raspberry, send a prayer heavenward. I’m going to say it anyway. NaNoWriMo season has arrived. This year, more than usual, I’ve
What I’ve Been Reading
After then end of my first semester of graduate school (!) I threw myself back into reading, knowing I only have a little more than a month before things pick back up again. So far, I’ve managed to take quite