In which I attempt a Query Shark-like chomp….
For those who don't know about Query Shark, I highly recommend it (especially the archives!) if you want to buck up your query. It provides immensely useful insight into what makes a query work and why.In a contest I entered (run by the Query…
CLOCKWISER, by Elle Strauss
Last November, I featured CLOCKWISE by Elle Strauss. For those eager for the next book in the series, CLOCKWISER is now available in ebook format through the following sales links:Clockwiser on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/CLOCKWISER-Book-2-Clockwise-ebook/dp/B007QGQDN4on…
Descriptors: Do they enhance, overwhelm, or fall flat?
I've been thinking about descriptors lately, both when writing queries and polishing my manuscripts. Sometimes, descriptors can be just the thing to make your manuscript or query stand out. But they have to be used carefully. Too many can…
WICKED AS THEY COME, by Delilah S. Dawson
This week's feature is WICKED AS THEY COME, a delightful mixture of paranormal, steampunk, and romance. I received an ARC for review, and I can't put it down!Here's the synopsis, from Goodreads:Have you ever heard of a Bludman? They’re rather…
365 Days of the Query: What is Your Inciting Event?
Kristin Nelson, head agent at Nelson Literary Agency, has a great blog series about writing a good query pitch. In it, she mentions what she calls the "plot catalyst," or, "the main event that triggers the story." Every good pitch has a plot…
TANGLED TIDES, by Karen Hooper
This week's feature is TANGLED TIDES, by Karen Hooper. Karen is also one of the co-founders of the YA Confidential blog. Here's the premise of TANGLED TIDES, from Goodreads:Yara Jones doesn’t believe in sea monsters—until she becomes one.…
365 Days of the Query: The Benefits of a Businesslike Email
Recently, Janet Reid pointed out the importance of a businesslike email on her blog, and I started to reconsider the gmail account I've been using for my writing. My username included the phrases "cloud" and "hime" (Japanese for princess),…
UNRAVELING, by Elizabeth Norris
This week's feature is UNRAVELING, by Elizabeth Norris, which has a very unique premise and should prove to be a fantastic read. Heck, I'm already posting about it, even though it doesn't release until April 24th!From Goodreads: Two…
365 Days of the Query: Give Them a Taste, Not a Mouthful
This past weekend, I attended a NARWA (Northern Arizona Romance Writers of America) mini-conference. During a session on query letters, I read mine aloud and found out my query was still too long, even after I'd taken pains to shorten it.Take…
ABOVE WORLD, by Jenn Reese
This week I'm happy to feature ABOVE WORLD, by Jenn Reese. This MG novel (first in a projected series) has a great premise!Synopsis, from Goodreads:Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in…