Writing Resources – Ami Maxine

Cover Design

Probably the thing that worries me most about self-publishing my second book is the cover. Not in the “will people love it” sense – but in the “what if I can’t get it to look how I want” sense, in the “what if I royally mess up the dimensions” sense. I know – I knowContinue reading “Cover Design”

Come Sniff Books with Lynda Barry

reposted from my work with UntitledTown I have a confession. In 2009, I didn’t know who Lynda Barry was – I had yet to be introduced to her work. But I was back in Green Bay, a year out of grad school, and desperate to once again be surrounded by writers and artists. So whenContinue reading “Come Sniff Books with Lynda Barry”

Tracking: Plot

I remember early on in my learning about writing stories being taught Freytag’s pyramid: introduction/exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, denouement. At the time, the simple structure made sense and worked just fine with the types of short stories I was writing at the time. As my instruction went on, as my stories became moreContinue reading “Tracking: Plot”

Tracking: Characters

I’m part of a really stellar online, global writing community. I found them, actually, through a workout program, and they were such an unexpected bonus who have become super important in my writer world. We have a private Facebook group where people can ask questions and share resources, and I’ve found questions about a specificContinue reading “Tracking: Characters”

Rejection

I vividly remember the first rejection I received when I began to query my first book. Honestly, it was when I officially felt like a “real” writer – despite my telling my students over and over that being a writer simply means that you write. I wore that rejection like a badge of honor. AsContinue reading “Rejection”

My Characters Need to Stop Reaching for Things

When that list of “Words I Apparently Overuse” just keeps growing… Kathy Steinemann has a wonderful index of commonly overused words and long lists of alternatives. I highly recommend utilizing these as you write and as you edit.

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”

#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”

Agent Searches

In a Twitter Q&A with an author I follow, there was a question about how to find agents. This is the million dollar question, is it not? They are the gate keepers between finishing a book and landing a deal with a major publisher. The author provided two resources, both of which will let youContinue reading “Agent Searches”

#DVPit

#DVPit is a “Twitter event created to showcase pitches from marginalized voices that have been historically underrepresented in publishing” (The DV stands for Diverse Voices). It was brought to my attention through my participation in #RevPit, mentioned in a previous post. I had no clue things like this existed, though I’ve been on Twitter (underContinue reading “#DVPit”