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...
Finding a Critique Partner
I’m a day late posting this, but I have a good excuse! Yesterday was a crazy busy, absolutely wonderful day, because I finished my latest round of revisions on my manuscript. The kernel of this particular story popped into my head nearly two years ago. I started a...
Why Write YA?
Why do I write YA? I decided at age ten I wanted to be an author. Four years later, as I was beginning high school, I decided I wanted to be a young adult author. That’s… oddly specific. Especially for a fourteen-year-old who really had only delved into the younger...
Sharing Your Writing
I have a confession to make. For a long time (like, years), I was bad at sharing my work. Really, really bad. How bad? By the time I was sixteen, I had three (admittedly subpar) novels under my belt, and my darling mother, the all-star cheerleader who has always...
Writing Habits
“I can only write when I’m drinking coffee.” (This is not true for me. But you’ve heard it before, right?) “I need to write everything by hand. No technology allowed.” (Also not the case. I can type at ninety words per minute, but when I’m handwriting, it drops to...
The Best Writing Resources
This week, I wanted to share a peek into my writer’s toolbox! I’ve found these resources to be incredibly useful, whether I’m trying to fight my way out of a writing slump or attempting to organize my thoughts. I hope to do a more detailed rundown on how I use each of...
Responding to Critiques (Even When They Hurt)
Critiques are like vegetables. Some are terribly unpleasant, and others aren’t so bad. Some weirdos have trained themselves to love ‘em, but most of us hate ‘em. And they’re really good for all of us. Sometimes I’m giddy at the critiques I receive. For about a day....
First Sentences
Ooh boy. First lines. There’s nothing like facing the blank page, feeling hope and nerves and excitement and fear rush through you. You crack your knuckles, set your fingers on the keyboard, and… What comes first? Usually, when I’m writing first drafts, I just start...
Word Count
In high school, I had a teacher who always gave the same answer when we asked how long to make our essays. As long as a piece of string. That is to say, make it as long as it needs to be. Which is pretty much the most frustrating answer ever. When it comes to creative...