Hi, Pam! Thank you for joining us today. How long have you been writing? What inspired your quest to become a writer? I think my first finished story was in fourth grade (it was a mystery - the case of the missing skateboard!) but I have always loved reading – adventure, mystery, history, contemporary, whatever I... Continue Reading →
10 Reasons Why Your Protagonist Hates You
This morning, I sat down with [insert your protagonist's name] and asked them what really irritated them about their author. Their answer? "I don't think we have enough time for everything, but. . . ." 10. You have all control over my life. I just want a safe, calm, relaxing life--- but noooo. You turn... Continue Reading →
Monday Motivation: Interview with Author Barbara Brutt
Be your turtle self. When I first started writing, so much about the author world intimidated me because I was constantly comparing. . . . Embrace your weaknesses and strengths so you can focus on your goals.
What Is Your Character Hiding From You?
You turn the page in a new notebook or open a Word document with dreams of the story to come. If you're like me, you've been thinking of these characters for months, maybe years, and you think you know them inside out. Nothing to surprise you here. You start writing --- and then the miracle... Continue Reading →
The Power of Your Words
You control destinies by your pen. You summon adventure and love and death. You are the ruler of worlds that readers can only dream of. You, my friend, are a writer. Books offer escape and vision, and you are the one who opens the portal. You show them the path out of the real world... Continue Reading →
Monday Motivation: Interview with YA Author Beckie Lindsey
Hi, Beckie! Thank you for joining us today. How long have you been writing? I have been writing since I was very young. I started with writing songs and poems. We moved a lot when I was growing up (over 20 times). My friends were in the books I'd read and the stories I would... Continue Reading →
Am I Really A Writer?
Do you ever feel like other writers hold the key to success? We listen to them describe how their curiosity and creativity accompany them through every waking moment, how their stories never cease to flow through them, how many awards they've won. We listen. And we grow weak with jealousy. "How can they already be... Continue Reading →
Monday Motivation: Interview with Author Molly Jo Realy
Thank you for joining us today! How long have you been writing? What inspired your quest to become a writer? I've been writing ever since I can remember. As a young child, I enjoyed staying in at recess and creating characters rather than playing on the playground. I've kept journals, diaries, notes, poems, you name... Continue Reading →
Write Pursuit: My Conference Experience
After all, I was afraid. Last year, the writers conference was my fairy godmother, and my every wish came true. This year? I knew what was ahead of me. Work. Hard, brutal, frustrating work. I pitched to an invisible agent the entire drive to the conference. Grew teary over my imperfect one sheets and proposal.... Continue Reading →
Monday Motivation: Interview with Ralene Burke
Hi, Ralene! Thank you for joining us today! How long have you been writing? What inspired your quest to become a writer? I've always been writing, even when I was little. I had a short essay on Martin Luther King Jr. published in a city-wide magazine in the 3rd grade. In 2005, a conversation with the... Continue Reading →