You know that magic moment when you decide that you really want to WRITE for realsies?The first time that moment really hit home with me was nearly 11 years ago. In October of 2003, my family moved from New Mexico to Idaho. For me, that meant switching schools as well as states right in the middle of … Continue reading Throwback Thursday — That First Writing Spark
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The Secret
"I think I finally figured out the secret to a raw, emotional manuscript. It has to be just like a STAR WARS prop -- impeccably designed and manufactured, but with a little dirt rubbed in it so it looks lived-in, well-worn, and natural."
Screw that. I’m dancing.
The music comes louder, and my feet start to dance. Not like I used to, not as fluidly or as gracefully. In fact, if anyone from high school saw me, they wouldn’t believe I’m the same girl. Screw that. I’m dancing. Jason sweeps me into his arms, twirling me along the sidewalk with a delighted grin … Continue reading Screw that. I’m dancing.
The Happiest of News!
Remember how I said my mentee's manuscript was worth watching? (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go look here to catch up.) For anyone who hasn't seen me squeeing on Twitter about it, my wonderful and talented mentee from Pitch Wars -- the amazing Caitlyn (C.H.) McFarland -- was just signed by … Continue reading The Happiest of News!
Pitch Madness Special
PItch Madness is right around the corner, friends! And I'm going to be one of the slush readers this year! Better bring your A-games! As you probably know, the entry materials for Pitch Madness include a 35-word (max) pitch and the first 250 words of your finished manuscript. I would suggest you craft your pitches early … Continue reading Pitch Madness Special
Sculpting Words
"It's amazing what deleting a few sentences can do. I feel like I'm sculpting." -Kimberly VanderHorst Have you ever looked closely at a sculpture? The more you carve into it -- to a point -- the more detail and clarity you get in the sculpture. Isn't it remarkable how we can do the same with … Continue reading Sculpting Words
DiversifYA Interview
DiversifYA InterviewThe amazing Marieke Nijkamp interviewed me today on DiversifYA! If you'd like to see the tables turned and watch me answer questions instead of ask them, head on over and check it out!This site is also a GREAT resource if you have or plan to write diverse characters. Marieke really does a great job!
Editorial Fire
"Yep. Our team has dragons. Mostly yours. Except for me." "Ha! So you're a dragon now?" "Yes! I breathe editorial fire!" According to my mentees, I am Rae, breather of editorial fire. Yep.
Why I Do It
"Oh man, now I'm all excited. I feel like I had a piece of cardboard and now you've given me SO MANY SHINY THINGS to decorate it with! I will make art. Good art. Just like Neil Gaiman wants me to." - C.H. McFarlandIf anyone ever asks me why I love to mentor and edit, … Continue reading Why I Do It
Dragons. Fire. LOVE.
"To hell with freedom. Give me fire." Just got this quote from an INTENSE scene that Caitlyn was re-writing for me. In just two sentences, she perfectly sums up burning, fiery, passionate LOVE. Oh, and the "fiery" part? The dude's a dragon. Yeah, you heard me.
Bleeding Ink, Inc 