Aug 31 2016
The other day, I picked up a new YA that I had been looking forward to reading, and a few chapters in, I knew exactly how it was going to play out. The author gave away too much too soon, and I was able to figure out exactly what was going to happen. There is nothing I hate more than being able to predict what’s going to happen before it happens (I do this all […]
Aug 29 2016
Every novel needs a great hook that grabs reader attention and holds it tight. In a novel’s brainstorming stage, the hook is the gotcha—the twist that will make the novel compelling and fresh. It’s the “ooooh” factor that probably got you excited about the idea in the first place. It might be a plot point, a character goal, or a conflict. It could even be the theme. The hook is what sets your novel apart […]
Aug 26 2016
Earlier this week, Stacey Lee and I shared some thoughts on how to figure out when it’s time to let go of a manuscript. And since one of the easiest ways to let go of an old manuscript is to fall in love with a new one, we thought it might be helpful to write a post on doing that. Sadly, there isn’t a magic potion for finding a story idea to fall in love […]
Aug 25 2016
This week JJ and Kelly do their second ever QUERY CRITIQUE! Thank you to everyone who sent us their queries! We would love nothing more than to be able to provide personalized critique to each and every one of you, but unfortunately we don’t have all the time in the world. However, even if we didn’t get to your query, we hope that you will find something useful and helpful in the ones we did […]
Aug 24 2016
Kat here! 🙂 It’s been a while since I’ve done a cover reveal, and there’s something particularly special about this one. Back when I was writing the Hybrid Chronicles (which had a series of covers I loved), I was always a little jealous of Middle Grade covers. Young Adult books were going through a very photography-heavy phase, and I have a fondness for illustrated covers. There’s something unique and especially lovely about them. Admittedly, this is […]