Category: For the Writers
-
How Reading Critically Changed My (Writing) Life
If you’re like me (a writer), you probably love to read. Good books. Not crappy books. Crappy books bore me. They probably bore you, too. Which is why, as a writer, I want to write those good books. You know, the ones everyone can’t stop talking about during lunch in the break room. I want to be that writer.…
-
5 Literary Agents Who Blog About Query Writing
I hope that someday, when I land a literary agent (and then a publishing contract), I can share with you the magical query letter which sealed the deal. Until then, I can’t tell you if I’m doing things right, but I know five others who can! Before I started writing my novel’s query letter, I…
-
Literary Agent Tip #1: DO YOUR RESEARCH
I’ve pitched about 10 literary agents, as of today. Ten. Literary agents. They include the reps for Gillian Flynn, Stephenie Meyer (we both live in Phoenix!), John Green, Dan Brown, and James Dashner. Prepare the automated rejections! But seriously, these folks are top, top grade agents. And why not start with the best? Which leads me to…
-
I’m Back! And Writing About the Literary Agent Hunt
I know, I know … it’s been a year. However, I am officially back and re-launching this Rogue Writer blog. How have you all been? I’ve redesigned the entire website (if you’re reading this in email, head on over there now, and check it out). I feel chic and sleek. The site is very Feng…
-
Is Your Blog the Equivalent to Long Division?
OK, writers … this one’s for you. Sometimes, you just can’t write about “passive versus active voice” anymore. And—let’s be real here—there are only so many ways to reveal “the secret to getting more comments on your blog.” BORING! My blog stats proved it. They were pathetic. They were navel lint. Which is why, one…
-
Become a Better Writer with This Tip
I can’t take credit for this; I saw it in a PR Daily article, “The 7 traits of great writers.” But what I read was absolutely ingenious. Specifically, number two on the list: 2. You collect words. Great writers collect words with the intent of using them later. I keep a running list of my…
-
Are You Being True to Your Writing?
As a writer, this is perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT question you need to ask yourself. A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post entitled, “The Novel Dilemma: Story No Longer Relevant … Now What?” Many of you commented with empathetic remarks or great advice (thank you!). And now, I’m happy to report that I found the…
-
Just F-ing Write, Already!
This is what my boyfriend recently yelled at me. And ever since, I’ve screamed those same words over and over into my head. To force myself to stop obsessing over everyone else who’s been (super) successful, and why I’m not there yet. We’re writers, right? So for the love of GOD—just do some dang writing…
-
10 Reasons Every Writer Should Keep an Idea Box
How many times have I heard a (professional) writer tell me, “I really need an idea box?” Let me count the ways … What is an idea box? Simply put: it’s a box you keep close to your favorite writing spot (for me, on my desk) where you stash all those great ideas scribbled on…