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
Tag: writing tips
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
My Top Five Writing Craft Resources
Hello and happy holidays! As we approach the end of the year, I wanted to share some of my all-time favorite writing resources. It took me years to find a few of these, and I wouldn’t be at the level I’m at now in my writing craft if I didn’t learn from these resources. Whether… Continue reading My Top Five Writing Craft Resources
NaNoWriMo, Meet MiniWriMo
Happy November! This is my absolute favorite time of year, and I can’t wait to do something I haven’t done in years: participate in NaNoWriMo! Nine or so years ago (wow), I dove into my first NaNoWriMo...and missed my goals spectacularly. I had no idea what I was doing, I’d gone in with absolutely no… Continue reading NaNoWriMo, Meet MiniWriMo
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’
valerie c. norton 