Hi everyone! Happy DECEMBER! Our Christmas tree is up, the candles are lit, I’m drinking coffee from a winter wonderland mug, and I’m planning out my baking spree. Life is good! I’ll have more to share on the writerly front soon, but for today, I want to speak from the reader front! One of the… Continue reading 24 Books of Christmas
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Autumn Updates and Querying
Hello wonderful people, and happy autumn! Hope you’ve been enjoying cooler weather with lots of pumpkin cream cold brews, good books (hello, The Ex Hex!), and all the spooky movies/shows. This has been one of the busiest seasons of my life, full of lots of new beginnings and new opportunities. I closed on my very… Continue reading Autumn Updates and Querying
Last Steps to the WriteMentor Showcase and Query Tips
Hello, friends! It’s been such a busy summer. I’ll admit, July was rough for me. I had some unexpected health problems, and my mental health took a hit alongside it. But after taking some time to focus on my mental health, I’m doing so much better, and life in general has been great. I hope… Continue reading Last Steps to the WriteMentor Showcase and Query Tips
What it’s Like Being in a Writing Mentorship Program
Hello! My last post was all about the benefits of applying to writing mentorships, and I’m thrilled to say that since sharing that post, I was selected to be part of WriteMentor! Third time’s a charm -- or more like seventh time’s a charm, but who’s counting? (Me, I counted. It was 7 total over… Continue reading What it’s Like Being in a Writing Mentorship Program
The Benefits of Applying to Writing Mentorships
Hi, writer friends! We’re in the season of writing mentorships, so I thought I’d take some time to talk about the benefits of applying, whether or not you end up getting chosen. First, what are some writing mentorships, and how do they work? A few of the main ones are Author Mentor Match, Revise &… Continue reading The Benefits of Applying to Writing Mentorships
The Importance of Reading Far, Wide, and New
Hello, bookish friends! As writers, we’re often told that we must first be readers. I couldn’t agree more, especially for those of us trying to get traditionally published -- there are certain rules, trends, and subtle hints that can be learned from reading often, and reading widely. For example, my most recent books were Divergent… Continue reading The Importance of Reading Far, Wide, and New
Goodbye 20s, Hello 30s
First post of the new year! While I know the world won’t change overnight, I’m genuinely excited for the year ahead. Part of that is due to my writing goals. 2020 was an extremely eye opening year for me regarding the publishing industry, for better and worse. I came out of the year better understanding… Continue reading Goodbye 20s, Hello 30s
2020 Reflections and Looking to 2021
Hello! It’s been a very busy December here, but things are about to slow waaaaay down now that work is wrapping up. I’m looking forward to a break filled with video games, writing, baking holiday recipes, and lots of books! I’m planning on reading A Christmas Carol next week, and Holly Black blessed our holidays… Continue reading 2020 Reflections and Looking to 2021
Deciding to Write Dual POV
Hello! Hope you’re having a great month so far. We have all our decorations up, and I’ve already begun the holiday baking spree -- first up: cranberry white chocolate scones! Apart from baking, playing lots of Hyrule Warriors and wrapping gifts, I’ve been working on the latest revisions round for my latest WIP (which I’ll… Continue reading Deciding to Write Dual POV
Understanding Industry Trends (Especially When You’re Not One of Them)
Hi there! Hope you’re having a delightful holiday season and that you’ve enjoyed at LEAST one mug of hot cocoa. December is always a reflective month for me -- looking back at the lessons I’ve learned along the way, the good moments and the not-so-good ones, and thinking about the year ahead. If you’ve been… Continue reading Understanding Industry Trends (Especially When You’re Not One of Them)
valerie c. norton 