The Case for Vulnerability
I recently had a couple of good friends describe me as “really upbeat and optimistic.” Which is awesome and all, but I couldn’t help myself from thinking… Really? I try my best to be a cheerful person—it’s something my parents emphasized the heck out of when I was...
Thankful Thoughts and New Chapters
Thanksgiving was particularly timely this year. There is so much that I’m thankful for—health, family, friends—but I’m feeling especially grateful for the writing world as of late. I wrote my first full length novel when I was thirteen, and I was pretty sure it was...
BusyBusyBusy
Do you ever hear a song that just speaks to your soul? One of those tunes that gets stuck in your head for days on end, because whoever wrote it is clearly some parallel universe version of you? Like, a song that captures exactly how you’re feeling? For me, this song...
Interning at a Literary Agency
The Lowdown: This summer, I worked as an intern for a literary agency. So basically, I spent the whole summer reading, writing, and editing. And it was awesome. Highlights: Working for some stellar agents and chatting with them about the publishing world...
Going Abroad Is Like Writing a Book
Ciao, amici! It’s been a while since I posted anything here, but I’d like to blame Italy. After the hastiest spring break of my life—two days spent in a flurry of unpacking and repacking—I stuffed my passport in my backpack, spun the dials on my hot pink, TSA-approved...
Kill Your Darlings
Oh, lovely blog. I've let you down. I missed the past few weeks of blog posts, thanks to a crazy hectic summer and a few too many hours in the editing den! Fortunately, I'm on the other side, feeling better than ever. It seems only fitting to post about one of my...
Internal and External Motivation
Nothing drives a story like a determined character. But this is one of those things that’s easier to say than it is to actually incorporate into writing. I thought I understood what all these writerly types meant when they said to make a “strong, motivated” character....
Writing Music
As in the act of composing music? Nope! This is all about music you can write to. Some people hate writing to music; others can’t write without their earbuds in. I fall somewhere in between. I compile huge playlists that I brainstorm and outline to, but when it comes...
Writing a Critique
So you’ve completed step one (how to find a critique partner). You’ve brushed up on step two (critique partner etiquette). Now it’s time for step three: writing a critique. Whether you’re in a face-to-face workshop or just exchanging emails, I’ve found that the best...
Critique Partner Etiquette
It’s part two of my series on critiquing: critique partner etiquette. You can view part one here. Okay, so you’ve found your CP. You posted in all the right places, brainstormed all the right people… But how are you supposed to talk to these potential CPs/writing...