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Archive for June, 2009

Pre-Novel Encouragement

I’ve been thinking about you brave souls who will start “Summer’s Ultimate Novel” on July 1st. I’m wondering how you feel on this last day of innocence. Perhaps … 1.  You’re eager to prove yourself.  2.  You’re excited to finally try writing a novel.  3.  The story keeps babbling inside you and won’t shut up. [...]

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First Draft Goals

If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), here to read the fifth (research and settings), [...]

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Podcasting Novels

Ever thought about reading your novel aloud and then breaking it down into free podcasts? I hadn’t, until I read this interview with author Seth Harwood on Editor Unleashed. You’ll have to read it for the full effect, but here’s an excerpt from Harwood: So in July of ‘06, I started podcasting Jack Wakes Up. I [...]

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Types of Outlines

If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), here to read the fifth (research and settings), [...]

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Quick Links

Link list: 1. Writer’s Digest—101 Best Websites for Writers—is now available online! 2. Agent Rachelle Gardner is so straightforward, I love it. Check out her posts regarding when to look for an agent (hint: not immediately after finishing your first draft!) and when to build an author platform (hint: before you sell the book!). 3. My favorite [...]

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Why You Need a Critique Partner

I’ve been blessed with three wonderful critique partners:  Syd, Ellie, and Pat. I’ve been blessed with several fantastic test-readers:  Jenny, Steph, Marcy, Vannah, Vicki, Elyssa, Jill, Kim, and Eric. I also have many friends and family who generously agreed to read my first novel. In my opinion, the difference between a TR and a CP is [...]

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If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), here to read the fifth (research and settings), or [...]

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This happens to be my 100th post on this website! *throws confetti* Also this week, the site reached 3000 hits! I know that’s peanuts compared to some websites, but I’m thrilled all the same. Thank you so much to my readers, especially you faithful ones who come back every week. Wouldn’t do it without you [...]

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Today I’m excited to welcome Mandy Hubbard, debut author of the YA novel, PRADA & PREJUDICE, which releases this Thursday, June 11th!   I’ve read Mandy’s blog since she was an aspiring author, and I’m so glad that a sweetheart like her is getting published. She also grew up on a farm, which immediately earns [...]

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If you’re new to “Summer’s Ultimate Novel,” click here to read the first post (listing ideas in a notebook), here to read the second (choosing the right idea), here to read the third (themes and one-line synopsis of your novel), here to read the fourth (one-paragraph synopsis), or here to read the fifth (research and settings). [...]

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