FAQs
you are an amazing human.
I hope this FAQs page helps answer any questions you have. I’m on social media, so hit me up if you have a specific question or just want to chat!
What inspired you to write Teach Me to Forget?
I lost my dad to suicide at 16 and desperately wondered the answer to one simple question, Why? So, I wrote about a girl who wanted to die in order to try and understand what my dad went through. I thought if I could understand him, maybe I would figure out why. I think I definitely have a better understanding of the answer. However, in writing this story, I figured out that I needed help, too. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share Ellery’s story with others and I hope it helps anyone who reads it as much as it helped me to write it.
What do you do when you’re frustrated with the writing process.
Besides throw things, swear, and drink? Kidding. I’m kidding. Basically, that’s when I know it’s time for a break. Writing when you’re not feeling it can be detrimental to the story and hurt all the progress made up to that point. I’m a huge advocate of listening to your body and mind and when it’s telling you to take it easy, that’s what you do. Read a good book. Watch a good show. Go for a Walk. Meditate. All things that get your mind chugging along again. Once I have my break I always come back more inspired and ready to tackle what caused the frustration in the first place ;o)
How has music influenced you and your writing?
It’s a huge influence on me and my writing. I wrote a blog post on the now-retired, All The Write Notes blog about how Pearl Jam saved my life. Without music, I’m not sure I would be a writer. From my first poem to my latest manuscript, music is a huge part of what makes it all happen. Music and writing go together like Will and Tessa. Magnus and Alec, Anna and Etienne, or Lara Jean and Peter.
How do I get an agent?
The most important thing is to finish your book. Visit agent blogs and read what they’re looking for. Query agents that match what you’re looking for and make sure to personalize them. For excellent query resources (and some tips of my own) check out the links below.
Network online and in person. Go to book events and introduce yourself. Find local writer and/or online critique groups and share your words and read theirs. Read all you can in your genre. I recommend social media sites as resources (in moderation). Follow hashtags like, #amwriting #amrevising #writingcommunity. Follow other writers in your genre and TALK to them. It’s all about conversations.
Remember, writing a great book is king. All the networking and tweeting won’t matter if your book sucks, so concentrate on great writing first and always. Once you polish your book and revise, revise, revise, you will set yourself apart and it’s only a matter of time before an agent comes in and swoops you up!
query resources:
https://queryshark.blogspot.com/
quick query and first pages tips:
Pay attention to what readers love, read books you love and dissect WHY you love it, then add that into your own stories. Also, write down the agents of those books you love, so you can add them to your query list. You can usually find them in the acknowledgments.
If you think something is boring or confusing, the reader will too; cut it or revise.
QUERIES: Read your query and pages out loud. Read it as a reader would on the back of the book. Would you want to read your story? What is it about your story that you like best? What makes it unique and stand out? Use that.
Make sure to infuse your voice and tone that matches your manuscript in your query (as hard as that is); that is what makes it stand out.
White space is your friend. Push that return button to emphasize an important line or phrase.
Pay attention to the structure. Don’t forget to tell us what will happen if the MC doesn’t reach their goal and what they’re up against if they don’t. Less is more.
Amplify the unique parts of your story. Why would your story be different in the market?
Try writing the first draft of your query in first person then change it to third person. This can give it a more personal feel and be less intimidating than writing it in third right away. Third-person is usually preferred in queries. If you stray from this just make sure it’s for a good reason.
The only purpose of a query is to get agents to READ MORE. That’s it. It’s a sales pitch for your book. You don’t need the kitchen sink.
FIRST PAGES: Your first line should introduce your voice as well as the tone of the manuscript. Make sure you snag them right away. Don’t bog them down in description and info dumps; it’s okay if we don’t know your main character yet, we shouldn’t. Just make them interesting and unique enough that they keep reading.
Pay attention to the rhythm of the words, too. Do they flow? Are there any awkward phrases? Look for sentences that are trying too hard, or repeat the same thing as the line before (I do this a lot).
Check your dialogue. Does it sound authentic? Do they sound like real people/creatures/robots etc.? Read the lines out loud too.
Make sure the actions you write are really possible. If you have your protagonist performing some crazy, flip-turn combo kick, make sure it’s something they can realistically do–in your world, of course.
Most of all, don’t censor yourself or think about someone reading it yet in a first draft. That’s where a lot of writers get hung up. Just let your voice shine.