Tag: writing tips

Top 10 Tips for Surviving and Thriving on Sub

valeriecnorton

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

valeriecnorton

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

valeriecnorton

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

valeriecnorton

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’

valeriecnorton

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’

What it’s Like Being in a Writing Mentorship Program

valeriecnorton

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

valeriecnorton

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

Tackling First Revisions

valeriecnorton

Hello hello! Hope you’re enjoying the holiday season. I’m here refilling my tea and setting up snowflake decorations! In my last post, I wrote about the importance of taking a break after a major writing accomplishment; in my case, it was after writing my newest book’s first draft in 30 days. I was TIRED by… Continue reading Tackling First Revisions

Draft One Is Done: Now What?

valeriecnorton

Hi everyone! My last post was dedicated to tips for writing a novel in 30 days, which I did from Sept 15-Oct 14. But after you’ve finished writing a first draft, you might think: Now what? First and foremost, I hope your answer is CELEBRATE. Completing a first draft, no matter how long it takes… Continue reading Draft One Is Done: Now What?