Category: Writing Process

House on the Hill

This house, specifically, has called to my baser self for over a year. What does that have to do with writing? Everything.

Six Reasons Every Writer Should Read Six of Crows

As a reader and, more importantly, as a writer, this series offers a treasure trove of inspiration, skill, and finesse and we can all learn a great deal from it. Here are just a few reasons why everyone who loves to write – and read – should put Six of Crows at the top of their To Be Read Pile. 

Accomplishment in Progress

Writing a book does not happen on the day of the release, but rather, over the course of so, so many hours and so many opportunities to give up.

And I consider that my greatest accomplishment.

If You Give a Writer a Word

I have a Faulkner quote hanging in the top right corner of my vision as I sit at my desk, and it’s come to be something I live my life by.

My Achilles Heels

There’s a reason they say write drunk, edit sober. Your inhibitions should be down while you’re writing and doubled while you’re editing.

Psh.

That Book Ouch Moment

Diversity in race, sexuality, socioeconomic background and more in YA books plays a fundamental role in providing young people with a sense of identity, belonging and validity.

Most of the time.

Conflict, Inside and Out

External conflict on its own rarely stands up as being big enough, emotional enough or important enough. Yes, external factors are important in keeping a story moving, but internal factors are the driving force behind character arc and development, and our pathways to making two-dimensional, imaginary characters human. Real. 

Don’t Start at the Beginning

As wonderful as my character’s tragic backstory or hushed conversation might be, none of that matters an iota if I don’t get the beginning right.