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
Tag: writer tips
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
Autumn Revisions and the Importance of Rest
Hello! I’ve just returned from an early anniversary trip to Disney World (can confirm: I’ve eaten all the things), and I’m feeling refreshed and eager to tackle revisions on my Midnight WIP! After drafting this novel in 30 days, I took a longer break than usual because I’ve unfortunately been dealing with some still-unresolved health… Continue reading Autumn Revisions and the Importance of Rest
Drafting a Novel in 30 Days and Being ‘Enough’
Hello! Hope you’re staying cool this summer (mentally, I’m already in autumn). It’s been a great summer so far, and one of my big goals is right on track: I’m drafting my fourth novel, and I’m doing it in 30 days! Technically, I’m spending 22 of those days actually writing, because I built in days… Continue reading Drafting a Novel in 30 Days and Being ‘Enough’
WriteMentor 2022 Wishlist
Welcome! I’m so excited to be a YA mentor for the WriteMentor 2022 summer program, and I'm thrilled you're considering me as a potential mentor! After having an amazing experience last year as a mentee, I’m ready to take what I’ve learned and pass it on to another incredible writer who's looking to take their… Continue reading WriteMentor 2022 Wishlist
2022 Goals and Dreams
Hello! Hope you had a great end to 2021 and are feeling good about the year ahead. I spent a lot of my break sick (thanks, back-to-back sinus infections), but that’s thankfully behind me now. Like December, January is usually a pretty reflective month where I focus on new goals for the year and what… Continue reading 2022 Goals and Dreams
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
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
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
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 