This year was an external year. I was more public than ever before. I did so many things in front of people. I talked about my book in front of strangers more times than I can count. I spoke on stages, from podiums, in front of classrooms and bookstores and libraries, in circles of chairs. … Continue reading To Write, to Do, to Be
fiction
When to Resurrect the Dead Manuscript Under Your Bed?
I’m struggling with something, an ongoing thing I’ve been struggling with for years. It’s about the novels that live under my bed. The two unpublished novels I wrote before I almost gave up writing, and then discovered ghostwriting, and, soon after, YA. Two novels totaling eight and a half years of my life. Two novels … Continue reading When to Resurrect the Dead Manuscript Under Your Bed?
A Story a Day for Short Story Month
I’m in need of some untainted* inspiration… maybe you are, too? (*Untainted by industry noise and book worries and life stresses. Just something simple, and sweet, and able to get the blood pumping and the fingers moving on the keys.) One thing that does this for me is reading a good short story. I love … Continue reading A Story a Day for Short Story Month
The Two-Month Countdown and the One-Track Mind
Today is November 15. That means I have two months to finish* this Thing* and turn it in. *Just finish the first draft—there will be revisions! *See my previous post for why I feel safer calling it a Thing. For the TLDR lazypants who don’t feel like clicking: By Thing I mean my novel. So … Continue reading The Two-Month Countdown and the One-Track Mind
The Book of Your Heart Series: Ryan Graudin
When an author says a book she’s written is the Book of Her Heart, what does that mean? In this completely irregular ongoing blog series, I’ve invited guest authors to reveal what they consider the Book of Their Heart—and share why this book holds a distinct and special place apart from all others they’ve written. … Continue reading The Book of Your Heart Series: Ryan Graudin
The Book of Your Heart Series: Amy Reed
When an author says a book she’s written is the Book of Her Heart, what does that mean? In this completely irregular ongoing blog series, I’ve invited guest authors to reveal what they consider the Book of Their Heart—and share why this book holds a distinct and special place apart from all others they’ve written. … Continue reading The Book of Your Heart Series: Amy Reed
The Book of Your Heart Series: Andrea Hannah
When an author says a book she’s written is the Book of Her Heart, what does that mean? In this completely irregular ongoing blog series, I’ve invited guest authors to reveal what they consider the Book of Their Heart—and share why this book holds a distinct and special place apart from all others they’ve written. … Continue reading The Book of Your Heart Series: Andrea Hannah
When You Start Writing (Again) Only for You
Something happens when you publish a novel for the first time. And I mean after the shock and thrill of selling the book and all those glorious and dazed dream-worthy moments leading up to when the book hits shelves, all tangled up with your hopes and expectations and the promises you may have been led … Continue reading When You Start Writing (Again) Only for You
Turning Points: Choose Your Own Adventure by Jon Skovron
This guest post is part of the Turning Points series here on distraction no. 99—in which I asked authors the question: What was your turning point as a writer? Now, to celebrate the release of his new YA novel, Man Made Boy, out in stores on October 3, here is Jon Skovron sharing his... Guest post by … Continue reading Turning Points: Choose Your Own Adventure by Jon Skovron
Author Interview & Book Giveaway: INHERITANCE by Malinda Lo
Just last week, while I was away, the sequel to Malinda Lo's heart-pounding, gripping, sexy Adaptation series, Inheritance, entered the world—and now that I'm home I have an interview with Malinda to celebrate its release! I've asked Malinda to answer some of my favorite author interview questions, and here's what she said... Scroll down to … Continue reading Author Interview & Book Giveaway: INHERITANCE by Malinda Lo
