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Sometimes it just feels good to organize. For example, our office has been slowly growing out of control. We have this closet that used to have sliding doors over it. When I first moved in, we took those doors off, put in a few bookcases, and turned the closet into a little mini-library. It was all very organized. I promise. G’s side of the closet pretty much always stays organized. He rarely adds anything to it other than some spare computer parts, so it stays the same most of the time. My side, on the other hand, is insane. I…

I have a school supply addiction. I admit it. Always around this time of year, I feel like a reformed gambling addict forced to live in a casino. I get all these daily emails from the office supply stores with promises of $1 items and 20% off! How can I resist? Pens are the worst. No matter how many pens I own, I always want more. I can’t help it. Pens and different colors of post-its. Come to think of it, it’s the colors that get me, really. Anything that typically comes in lots of different colors – I want…

Ugh. The August heat is killing me. I keep hoping to wake up to a day of cool rain or nice 80 degree weather. Instead, my weather channel desktop gave me the ominous storm sound this morning when I turned my computer on – heat advisory today that the heat index will reach 105-107 degrees. Seriously? Again? It’s sweltering out there. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for Fall. I’m also super happy I don’t live in Georgia right now.

What’s that? It’s only August, you say? And National Novel Writing Month is still several months away? Yes, yes, but it’s never too early to start planning! Having recently finished my YA novel, Pandemic, I am looking ahead to my next project. (Other than querying and trying to sell said YA novel, of course.) If you aren’t familiar with NaNo WriMo, it’s one month out of the year where thousands of writers across the globe attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. 2010 will be my third year participating. I won my first year with a novel…

For a new writer, joining a critique group can be one of the most important decisions you make to advance your writing skills. Shortly after I first joined RWA two years ago, I also met my first critique group. They have taught me more about my writing than I ever could have learned so quickly on my own. I probably would have learned it eventually, but there’s nothing like having almost weekly feedback on what’s going wrong and what’s going right in your current work. Recently, I joined a second critique group that is (if it’s possible) even more awesome-cakes…

Pitching face-to-face with an agent or an editor is one of the best ways to get your material on their desk. With the experience fresh in my mind, I thought I would share some tips about how it works, what you should wear, whether or not you should be nervous, and whether the stress is worth it. First things first. Before you even sign up for an appointment, do your research! Make sure the person you are meeting with represents or publishes the type of novel you are pitching. Also, make sure your book is finished. Pitching an unfinished book…