Good morning, Pubcrawlers! As many of you likely know, as an agent, I get a lot of submissions. Even when I find myself in one of those rare moments where I’m mostly caught up on queries, it doesn’t last. And that isn’t including the pile of requested manuscripts I always have on hand. So you’ll believe me when I tell you, I read a LOT of queries. And I’m noticing a trend. I’m calling it […]
Tag Archives | Revision
For the writers writing sequels
Inspiration, Writers Toolbox, Writing Life
There’s something about sequels. Sequels are difficult for most almost every author I know. For those early in their careers, it’s often their first time writing an entire novel under contract, and under deadline. Contracts and deadlines do a funny thing to books: suddenly the fun idea is also work. Suddenly it’s not just the writer’s; it’s the publisher’s, too. Add the layer of pressure that comes from reader expectation? Writing a sequel can be […]
Focusing
Writers Toolbox, Writing Life
Lately, I’ve been a highly distracted ferret creature when I’m supposed to be writing. I’ve got deadlines coming out of my ears right now, so I really need to focus and get my work done. But how?? I’m a firm believer in needing to be able to write wherever, whenever. When writing professionally, there’s no waiting for the mood to strike. Deadlines don’t care about moods. No, for me, it’s about forcing myself to focus. […]
PubCrawl Podcast: Troubleshooting Craft – Expanding & Elaborating
PubCrawl Podcast, Writers Toolbox
This week JJ and Kelly continue their series on Troubleshooting Craft, this time focusing on expanding and elaborating, or What To Do If You Need to Flesh Out Your Manuscript. Also, Kelly has strong feelings about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and JJ is resigned to having no time for fun until her deadline passes.
PubCrawl Podcast: Troubleshooting Craft – Kill Your Darlings
Beginner Resources, PubCrawl Podcast, Writers Toolbox
This week Kelly and JJ embark on their series on troubleshooting writing craft issues. In this episode, they discuss the adage “Kill your darlings”: what it means, how to identify it, and how to fix it. Also, we’re apparently in the midst of the summer doldrums, so not a lot of reading or recommendations this week. Show Notes Kill Your Darlings, and Some Trees by E. C. Myers Kill Your Darlings by Erin Bowman “Darlings” […]