I love writer's conferences. I've got a manuscript critique and one (possibly two) agent pitches scheduled. I get to meet writers from all over and agents and editors from New York. I get to sip drinks and chat about upcoming projects, both mine and others, at a lovely hotel near the Atlanta airport. I also … Continue reading (Jittery) Thoughts Before the AWC Writer’s Conference
Author: brightonrose
I am a budding writer and illustrator. Ask me about fantasy, strong female characters, or great sushi.
Books You Should Read: Starflight by Melissa Landers
Got a weakness for action-packed sci-fi? Meet Solara Brooks, a convicted felon determined to make to the outskirts of the galaxy and start a new life. After indenturing herself as a servant to the wealthy and spoiled Doran Spaulding, the two find themselves on the Banshee, a spaceship whose passengers have dangerous secrets of their … Continue reading Books You Should Read: Starflight by Melissa Landers
5 Books I’ve Reread the Most
1. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones I was a huge fan of the Hiyao Miyazaki movie in middle/high school and thought I'd check out the book it was (somewhat loosely) based on, and it's influenced my writing ever since. The reimagined fairytale tropes, the odd bursts of magic, the goofy but headstrong characters, the … Continue reading 5 Books I’ve Reread the Most
Carmen
I met Carmen the day someone set the gym on fire. I’d known who she was before then—I’d heard the whispers of the tricks she pulled, and I’d seen her saunter up and down the clinic halls with a wicked glint in her eyes—but it wasn’t until I watched her drop an empty matchbox into … Continue reading Carmen
Balancing Writing with a Day Job
College students across all majors have a mantra: "You have enough time for great grades, a social life, or sleep; pick two." Most first-time writers start out with a day job and write on the side with the hope of eventually turning a hobby into a full-blown career. My day job is currently a design … Continue reading Balancing Writing with a Day Job
7 Odd, Wonderful Reads from Around the Internet
Sometimes you're just in the mood to skim something short and whacky. Here are seven of my favorite odd reads, just the tip of the iceberg on a Bookmark list spanning at least a hundred. 1. The Wikipedia list of unusual articles Wikipedia tends to be dry and objective. This is one of the funniest, … Continue reading 7 Odd, Wonderful Reads from Around the Internet
Books of the Month, October 2017
What's on your shelf? Here are some recommendations from past and present to expand your personal library. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan This collection of loosely-connected short stories jumps back and forth across time through the lives of a rotating cast of characters. The main characters (if there really are only … Continue reading Books of the Month, October 2017
Books You Should Read: Legend by Marie Lu
Throwback to the early 2010s dystopian craze! Legend sees a wanted criminal facing off against a talented detective in a grungy, futuristic Los Angeles. I've had this book on my Gotta Read Someday list since 2012, and can finally check it off. The Basics: Daniel "Day" Wing is a notorious criminal haunting the streets of dystopian, future Los … Continue reading Books You Should Read: Legend by Marie Lu
6 Words That Bog Down Your Manuscript
1. Obviously The words obviously and clearly used in narration break the rule of "Show, Don't Tell" and can come off as redundant. I've seen this done in everything from Harry Potter to Twilight to my personal hero, Diana Wynne Jones. Here are a few examples of what this looks like: He picked up the coat and obviously meant to go … Continue reading 6 Words That Bog Down Your Manuscript
How to Use Marketing 101 to Write Great Characters
Most writers don't think about marketing unless it's about how to sell your book, and even then they associate it with social media and getting the word out. But the crux of marketing delves into psychology and why we make the decisions we do. Writers can use marketing principles surrounding motivation, needs, and wants to … Continue reading How to Use Marketing 101 to Write Great Characters
