Kicking off with some exciting news: I’ve officially finished writing Project Dice! I absolutely adore this story and hope I’ll be able to share so much more about it down the road. Finishing a story is always bittersweet for me. I’m proud of what I’ve created and hopeful for where it might go next, but… Continue reading A Book Of My Heart
Tag: writer advice
Being Friends With The Quiet
I’ll be honest: I’m very, very eager to move to the next stage of my publishing career. I’m fortunate and grateful to be where I am now, working with my incredible agent on stories I love, but there’s so much about the next step that I’m waiting and hoping for. Announcing a book deal, taking… Continue reading Being Friends With The Quiet
Drafting a Novel in 18 Days
HEAR ME OUT. Okay, yes, this is by far my most ambitious drafting schedule ever. My previous fastest first draft was 28-29 days, which was already lightning speed. But I have several reasons for wanting to draft even faster. The biggest reason comes down to the fact that I have multiple bookish irons in the… Continue reading Drafting a Novel in 18 Days
Starting a New Story: the Basics
One of my favorite parts of any project is the very beginning. That moment where you have the first real spark of a new story, one that makes your heart race and sends you stumbling toward a pen and paper to get the idea down before it disappears. It’s a time full of possibility, and… Continue reading Starting a New Story: the Basics
Top 10 Tips for Surviving and Thriving on Sub
Yes oh yes, I am indeed on sub! Also known as being ‘on submission’ to editors, who are currently considering my manuscript for publishing. Cross your fingers for me! Before I went on sub, the process was a complete mystery to me, despite searching for blog posts about the process. From the outside, it seemed… Continue reading Top 10 Tips for Surviving and Thriving on Sub
Tips for Queries and First Pages
Once upon a time, I was absolutely horrible at writing query letters, which was worrisome as they're an essential part of securing agent representation. I can’t tell you how many times I would write, rewrite, tweak, light the draft on fire, start fresh, and do the whole process all over again. I couldn’t seem to… Continue reading Tips for Queries and First Pages
valerie c. norton 