Should I go to college for writing?

As February comes to a close, spring is upon us. For seniors in high school, there is another level of pressure: it’s time to decide about college. I’m 25 and I still remember the stress and crushing doubt of spring semester of senior year (both in high school and college—yay grad school!). Of course thereContinue reading “Should I go to college for writing?”

Romanov by Nadine Brandes: book review + free wallpaper!

Synopsis and book cover from GoodReads: The history books say I died. They don’t know the half of it. Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the BolshevikContinue reading “Romanov by Nadine Brandes: book review + free wallpaper!”

Dealing with creative burnout: Part Two

Last week I talked about what being burned out looked like for creative people, and some potential causes. Of course, the most important thing you can do to fight burnout is to avoid these causes as much as possible. Sometimes, though, this isn’t possible, and so incorporating other habits into your life can help preventContinue reading “Dealing with creative burnout: Part Two”

New Year’s Resolutions for Writers

I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people who believes in the beauty of the new year and in making resolutions. I think there’s something about writing down your goals and giving yourself a deadline to achieve them that makes them especially powerful. This applies to writing, too. But there areContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions for Writers”

12 Perfect Gifts for Booklovers (that aren’t books)

Christmas is absolutely my favorite time of year, and part of that reason is because I love giving gifts! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life, I’ve got you covered. Grumpy Cat Bookmark, $4.75+ This adorable bookmark says everything you wish you could. When in doubt, go to theContinue reading “12 Perfect Gifts for Booklovers (that aren’t books)”

Why self-forgiveness is crucial to writing

Ever since I was a kid, I considered myself a writer. The very first story I remember writing was when I was in kindergarten, and was something akin to Pokémon fanfic, except before the internet existed. In second grade I decided I wanted to be a published author. I eventually went to college to getContinue reading “Why self-forgiveness is crucial to writing”

Interview with author Shanthi Sekaran

Today I am thrilled to share an interview with award-winning novelist, Shanthi Sekaran! Shanthi has written two contemporary fiction books, and her most recent novel Lucky Boy has received numerous accolades, including being named an IndieNext Great Read and an NPR Best Book of 2017. Lucky Boy has struck a chord with readers as it weaves together the storyContinue reading “Interview with author Shanthi Sekaran”

Write every day: Bad Writing Advice (Part One)

If you’re new to writing (or even if you’re not) you’ve definitely received this advice: write every day. People tell you about Stephen King and how he writes several thousand words a day. And of course you want to be successful like Stephen King, so you need to do that too: write a thousand words,Continue reading “Write every day: Bad Writing Advice (Part One)”

6 things I learned about writing from Markus Zusak

When I heard that Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, was visiting Denver, I actually gasped out loud. The Book Thief has been influential in my writing and reading life in more ways than I can name. Suffice it to say that I have about a million favorite books, but when forced to choose just one, I say TheContinue reading “6 things I learned about writing from Markus Zusak”

Fiction Friday: Chaos Theory snippet

It’s that time again–Fiction Friday! Today I have another scene from my current work-in-progress, Chaos Theory. I sent it to alpha readers earlier this week, and I’m already missing it, even though I know the break will do me good! So this will probably be the last Chaos Theory Fiction Friday for a while, as  I take a breakContinue reading “Fiction Friday: Chaos Theory snippet”