Most of my book was borne from my imagination, conversations I’ve thought of having, or abilities I’ve only dreamed and desired. I have thought about having the ability to read minds for my whole life. As a child, I was sure my mother could read my thoughts; she always knew when I was trying to lie! And the ability to move objects? I have wanted this since childhood, when I…
Back in August, we Debutantes got together over video-conferencing to work on the list of topics we wanted to talk about this year. Some of these topics were developed in previous years by other Debs. Some, we came up with on our own. None of them were developed with a global pandemic in mind. This week’s topic is “A Perfect Day,” which I’m finding hard to talk about now that…
Have I been dreaming for years what it would feel like to have a novel coming out? Yes! Do I have any idea what to do with myself now that this dream is becoming reality? No! Over the years, I definitely have held some big “wouldn’t that be amazing” dream bubbles related to the novel debut. I would love if the book made bestseller reading lists, especially for YA or…
My very favorite writing craft book is one recommended to me by several people when I first voiced that I wanted to write a novel. Anne Lemott’s Bird by Bird is a uniquely styled writing manual that stole my heart. I loved the playfulness, the sense of humanity and forgiveness that she injected into the advice and challenges for growth as a writer. Bird by Bird was the book that…
My writing mentor, Valerie Hayes Perry, has given me guidance and support for my writing voice from even before I had an idea for a novel. I was a very insecure new writer when I first attended her meetup workshop in 2014. What I will never forget is how after a reader had shared their piece, she would pause, taking a moment of reflection with her eyes closed. And then,…
I just had my first call with my publicity team to discuss marketing and touring for my book. Yo, that sentence is WILD! After the call, I had to sit for a minute, my head swimming in the glow of gratitude. The fact that there have been so many people, including seasoned professionals, who have thrown in their passionate support for my novel has me gob smacked. I know they’re…
It feels like just yesterday when I was overwhelmed and anxious about the idea of completing a novel. I was a new writer looking at a huge mountain and I was certain I did not have the skills to climb it. I am so grateful that I stuck to it and that I overcame the hurdles in my path. I am beyond excited about my completed novel and I feel…
Looking to write a book? Here are some places I recommend you check out. While the offices for the following schools are based in New York City, I think they all offer online courses, so you can be based anywhere and still get a great writerly education! Sackett Street Writers Workshop – I took a novel generating course here and I am so glad I did! The course I took…
Aloha: It’s tax season and this is a perfect time to remember that unless your last name is GRISHAM or KING, it is difficult to make a living writing books. Don’t let it deter you: creating a writing life is a noble calling, it just doesn’t pay well for the aspiring or newbie writers. It doesn’t pay well for poets. You should know that it’s madness in a way, to…
In my career, I’ve worked as a publicist, which means I’m accustomed to reaching out to people with cold pitches, telling them that I have something I think they’d find interesting. Sometimes, they do find whatever I’m pitching interesting and feature it on their website or talk show. Other times, I’m not so lucky. But when I put on my author hat, it suddenly feels weird to be reaching out…
