AmiMaxine

COVID and Reading, Part Two

I hit another reading slump after my frenzy back in August. Part of this might have been because on top of everything else, the Fall semester began. It would be several months before I would read anything other than student papers – but once again, I suddenly became ravenous for it. I opted to switchContinue reading “COVID and Reading, Part Two”

Reaching the End…Again

Ok. NOW I have a full draft of Lucy’s story, and it’s sitting at just over 76k. I have more of that “accomplished” feeling that I had with Alice, which feels rather lovely to feel once more. It’s a story of family, focused specifically on Lucy and her journey to discovering where it is sheContinue reading “Reaching the End…Again”

Reaching The End

I remember typing The End when I finished writing up All Falling Things. It felt like such an accomplishment – having written my first novel. A complete draft. I was exhilarated. Well, I just reached the end of Lucy. And I feel anything but exhilarated. While I have the story arc completely written down, thereContinue reading “Reaching The End”

Sometimes the Internet is a Wonderful Thing

In this time of COVID, especially, the internet can prove to be quite useful when it comes to research done from the comfort of one’s home. Like, did YOU know that the Chicago Public Library Digital Collections includes over 160,000 pictures and records given to them from the Chicago Park District? I didn’t. But nowContinue reading “Sometimes the Internet is a Wonderful Thing”

Things I’ve Learned on the Path to Publication

If there is anything that I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that there is no one set path to publication – though it can sure feel like there is a path and everyone is just keeping it hush hush. But there really is no chronological “to do” list that will guarantee publication – even ifContinue reading “Things I’ve Learned on the Path to Publication”

I Signed It

It has been twenty-four days since the email wanting to offer me a contract to publish All Falling Things arrived in my email inbox. It’s been one day since I signed this contract. It’s official – my manuscript is one giant step closer to being published. After many emails back and forth with the editor-in-chief,Continue reading “I Signed It”

What’s in a Name?

This post contains spoilers for All Falling Things. Though most of the characters in this book are connected by name only to AIW (mostly the secondary characters), there are a couple who are based more around characteristics. Because of this, I had a little more room to play with their names. I really like findingContinue reading “What’s in a Name?”

When a Life Dream Comes to Fruition. Maybe.

I’m a bit numb. You’d think after a few days, this feeling would wear off – but no. I’m still having trouble sleeping because I can’t turn my brain off. Last week Thursday, I went into my gmail, like I do a couple times a week. Only this time, there was an email from aContinue reading “When a Life Dream Comes to Fruition. Maybe.”

COVID and Reading

On March 13, life shifted for me. Officially. The college where I teach decided to shift to remote learning. The following week was turned into another week of break for our students (in addition to our actual spring break set the week after – when I was supposed to finally get to go out toContinue reading “COVID and Reading”

#RevPit 2021 Submission Window

For those who may be interested, #RevPit has released their 2021 Submission Window: April 10-11, 2021. I highly recommend participating if for no other reason than to just get your butt moving on writing that query letter and synopsis. You might also get some good feedback (my manuscript was not chosen, but I did getContinue reading “#RevPit 2021 Submission Window”