There's a growing trend in Young Adult books, and it has to stop. I'm not the first to notice or call this out, but an awful lot of "young adult" books--particularly in genre fiction like fantasy--feature "teen" characters that think and act more like 30-year-olds. Or they contain content that can be inappropriate for the… Continue reading 5 Reasons non-YA is getting published as YA
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5 Ways I Trimmed Word Count
I have a very strained relationship with word counts. I'm a chronic over-writer, so I usually have to cut thousands of words between the first and final draft. In can feel like pulling teeth, but many of these tricks will also make your prose stronger. So why do you need to cut words, anyway? There… Continue reading 5 Ways I Trimmed Word Count
Music Monday: “Frost”
Time for some good old-fashioned heartbreak. For those of you writing a tragic romance and needing that perfect, poignant song for inspiration. Ever had that relationship that could have been something magical, but just seemed to fall apart? And yet you still can't help but wonder "what if"? Vertical Horizon's "Frost" is a hidden gem,… Continue reading Music Monday: “Frost”
The Problem with “Likely” and “Probably”
Today I want to talk about a common issue with "likely" and "probably", as well as reasons you should use them sparingly and selectively in your narrative writing. So what's the problem? Often, "likely" and "probably" are used to explain something to the reader that's technically outside the main character's knowledge. Example: He scowled at… Continue reading The Problem with “Likely” and “Probably”
My 5 Repeat Offenses in Writing
We all have those crutches and quirks that weaken our writing, and I am no exception. As it's generally good advice to be aware of your own weaknesses, I'm pointing out mine.I don’t even worry about these vices during the drafting phase, but I’ve learned to have a keen eye for them in revision. 1.… Continue reading My 5 Repeat Offenses in Writing
Amy Avery / Avery Ames 