2020 was different. It was a notable year for many obvious reasons I don't need to get into here. What I will talk about is how the year impacted me as a writer, and what habits and plans I have in place for 2021 as a result. In 2020, I published my first novella and … Continue reading Reflections, Resolutions, and News for the New Year
I read an interview last year that really stayed with me and has made me rethink where I stand as a creator. For a while, I thought I had a totally clear picture of the writing career I was going to build for myself, if I could. But lately, my perspective on this has changed. … Continue reading What Do I Actually Want? Thoughts on Writing, Publishing, and Creative Control
If we've met in person or even digitally, I know you've heard me say this at least ten times, but just in case you need a reminder: if you are looking to enter the writing world in any professional capacity, you need to get Yin Chang's podcast 88 Cups of Tea on your playlist ASAP! … Continue reading Podcast for Writers: 88 Cups of Tea
For the past month and a half, I've been in the query trenches. If you're not familiar with the term, it is what it sounds like: writers armed with meticulously revised, polished manuscripts venture into the battle of finding representation for their books by writing hopeful letters to literary agents. The query trenches are an … Continue reading Tuesday Writing Thoughts: Flying into Windows
I have a purple plastic suitcase that is chock full of writing prompts. What do they have in common? They're all postcards! I started collecting postcards whenever I traveled as a way of grabbing an inexpensive souvenir that didn't take up too much space. My collection has become pretty massive (it's a respectably-sized plastic suitcase!), … Continue reading Writing Wednesday: Postcard Prompts
Today, I'm thinking about writing accountability partners and critique groups. My friend Greg asked for a post on this a few weeks ago, and I'm happy to write one in response to him! As much as you surround yourself with motivational journals and objects like those pictured above, sometimes nothing is more helpful to your … Continue reading Thursday Writing Thoughts: The Magic of Critique Groups
Tori Amos has long been my favorite musician, the artist whose songs I keep coming back to regardless of what stage of life I happen to be in. The above quotation and photograph are from the introduction to Slam, a book of poetry by slam and spoken word artists published in 2000. Tori wrote the introduction … Continue reading Music Monday: Tori Amos
A couple of weeks ago, I posted a Wednesday writing prompt using cards made by The Storymatic. I'm such a fan of them that I went ahead and also got myself Rememory, which is put out by the same folks who made The Storymatic. However, Rememory is meant to help a writer tap into her … Continue reading Writing Wednesday: Rememory
If you've ever been involved with NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in any capacity, you've probably heard the term "plot bunny" thrown around. And even if you haven't, you may have come across these creatures in conversation with other writers. Plot bunnies, like real bunnies, can be either troublesome pests or wonderful pets, depending on … Continue reading Discussion: Taming Plot Bunnies!
If you're stuck for inspiration today, join me in a writing prompt courtesy of The Storymatic! When I was walking around the showroom floor of the Javits Center during BookExpo/BookCon last year, there was one booth I kept passing that drew my interest. Behind the people in the booth was a backdrop of bold, colorful … Continue reading Writing Wednesday: Storymatic Prompt
Melissa Bobe 