So the reason I haven't been blogging is...
Drumroll...
I've been puking! Yay!
In other words, I'm PREGNANT. Due September 10. I've had terrible morning sickness, but I'm coming out of it and I'm energized and ready to pick up my favorite manuscript and start some deep revisions. Which will probably take me a year, but that's ok. This industry is slow, right? I already fit in.
Where am I getting all this new inspiration? I attended the Big Sur Writing Workshop this past weekend. I highly recommend it. I went in trying to figure out which manuscript I should focus on and came out confident in which one has the most potential.
If you've never heard of the conference, I highly suggest you consider it. It is run by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and is typically held twice a year. Writers get to bounce their first pages off agents, published authors and editors. It is a great place to find critique partners and learn about the publishing industry. Very helpful! Most of the info is on their site, but email me if you want the scoop from a writer's perspective.
So, without further ado, I give you my birth announcement (my 7-year old son's vlog).
Monday, March 10, 2014
2013 Book List: Summer Update
Summer is here and that means...reading on the front porch! I've gotten off to a slow start on my reading list this year, but I thought I'd post a mid-year-ish update. I've read many of the books on my 2013 list. Updates are in orange below.
1. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
I've endured acute torture ever since I finished the last page of Clockwork Prince, so this selection tops the list. I will be devouring this book, starting midnight March 19, the second it's available.
This was a somewhat satisfying final installment, but the last 100 pages were a little contrived and disappointing.
2. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Girl watches loud messy boys next door and wants to be a part of their lives. I need to read more contemporary YA because I write it and this one is quietly calling me. The gorgeous cover doesn't hurt.
This was a great summer read! I'm so glad I judged this book by its cover.
3. Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting
I love this series and I can't wait to read this latest installment when it comes out in April. She senses dead people, people!
The fourth book in the Body Finder series was a not my favorite. Too much drug use, too many gruesome murder scenes and too many unanswered questions!
4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Two cancer patients fall in love. I must be the only person on the planet who hasn't read this, so I'm giving it a shot. Apparently, I better get my tissues.
Well, I didn't cry. I love John Green. Maybe it was all the hype, but I wasn't in love. More of a Paper Towns person?
5. Linked by Imogen Howson
The twin she never knew existed! This book looks incredible. I'm reading it when it comes out in June.
This one comes out in a few days!
5. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
This must be the most talked about book on Twitter. It doesn't seem like something I'd normally pick, but I haven't read one bad review so it makes the list.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
6. Crewel by Gennifer Albin
I wanted to read this before it came out because I heard it was dystopian with a vintage feel. But I was BURNED OUT ON DYSTOPIA in 2012. Here's hoping I'll be in the mood soon.
Turns out, this one is more of a science fiction novel than dystopian. It's unique and I'm starting to get into it.
7. Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
Is there a nicer author on Twitter? No. Shannon is totally down to earth and awesome and I can't wait to read this book in March.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
8. And, Also, My Palms are Sweaty: A memoir in sixty-four men by Gigi Griffis
I'm going to make a point to start reading more self-published works. This one about a woman's adventures in dating looks hilarious. Plus, I know the author!
HAVEN'T READ YET.
9. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
A girl named Ruby survives a mysterious disease and ends up with crazy powers. I've been following this author on Twitter forever and this book looks fabulous.
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next installment, coming out October 15.
10. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
I love Stephanie's books and I can't wait to read the finale in this companion series. The only question is, will this book ever get a cover? Come on already!
What??? This is now coming out in May of 2014? Oh, well. At least it has a cover now.
11. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
So many reasons to read this book. There's a movie coming out. It takes place in the south (love). And it's written jointly by two authors. How awesome is that?
I started this book, but didn't get very far. Not sure if I'll go back to it.
12. It Takes a Village to Kill Your Husband by Jethro Collins
Another self-published book by an author I know and I can't wait to read it! "A moving story about long-lost love, finding yourself, onions rings and the importance of pink." Does it get better than that? Plus, there's a trailer.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
13. Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick
I read the first three, so I feel sort of invested. But I have to be in the mood to read something fluffy.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
14. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
I'm OBSESSED with Jennifer Echols as of last week, during which I read two of her books. I haven't even read the synopsis of this one. Just reading it because it's her.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
15. The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols
I don't take my obsessions lightly. I may read everything she wrote before the end of 2013, who knows.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
16. Harken by Kaleb Nation
I'm swooning over this cover. Conspiracy theories! Supernatural organizations! Yes, please!
HAVEN'T READ YET.
17. Unusual Uses for Olive Oil by Alexander McCall Smith (Portuguese Irregular Verbs #4)
Ok, this series isn't for everyone. But it's definitely for me! The first in the series was probably the funniest book I've ever read.
The third book in this series was a little weak, but this was a great comeback! I want more from this hilarious series!
Other things I've read this year...
Levitating Las Vegas by Jennifer Echols
This was my first NA book. It started out unique and entertaining, but ended up annoying me to no end!
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Genius! Genus! Genius!
Divergent by Veronica Roth
I'm in the middle of reading this and I love it! Can't wait for the movie!
How is your 2013 reading list going so far? Have you read any of the same books? Have you come across any surprises?
1. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
I've endured acute torture ever since I finished the last page of Clockwork Prince, so this selection tops the list. I will be devouring this book, starting midnight March 19, the second it's available.
This was a somewhat satisfying final installment, but the last 100 pages were a little contrived and disappointing.
2. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Girl watches loud messy boys next door and wants to be a part of their lives. I need to read more contemporary YA because I write it and this one is quietly calling me. The gorgeous cover doesn't hurt.
This was a great summer read! I'm so glad I judged this book by its cover.
3. Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting
I love this series and I can't wait to read this latest installment when it comes out in April. She senses dead people, people!
The fourth book in the Body Finder series was a not my favorite. Too much drug use, too many gruesome murder scenes and too many unanswered questions!
4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Two cancer patients fall in love. I must be the only person on the planet who hasn't read this, so I'm giving it a shot. Apparently, I better get my tissues.
Well, I didn't cry. I love John Green. Maybe it was all the hype, but I wasn't in love. More of a Paper Towns person?
5. Linked by Imogen Howson
The twin she never knew existed! This book looks incredible. I'm reading it when it comes out in June.
This one comes out in a few days!
5. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
This must be the most talked about book on Twitter. It doesn't seem like something I'd normally pick, but I haven't read one bad review so it makes the list.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
6. Crewel by Gennifer Albin
I wanted to read this before it came out because I heard it was dystopian with a vintage feel. But I was BURNED OUT ON DYSTOPIA in 2012. Here's hoping I'll be in the mood soon.
Turns out, this one is more of a science fiction novel than dystopian. It's unique and I'm starting to get into it.
7. Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
Is there a nicer author on Twitter? No. Shannon is totally down to earth and awesome and I can't wait to read this book in March.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
8. And, Also, My Palms are Sweaty: A memoir in sixty-four men by Gigi Griffis
I'm going to make a point to start reading more self-published works. This one about a woman's adventures in dating looks hilarious. Plus, I know the author!
HAVEN'T READ YET.
9. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
A girl named Ruby survives a mysterious disease and ends up with crazy powers. I've been following this author on Twitter forever and this book looks fabulous.
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next installment, coming out October 15.
10. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
I love Stephanie's books and I can't wait to read the finale in this companion series. The only question is, will this book ever get a cover? Come on already!
What??? This is now coming out in May of 2014? Oh, well. At least it has a cover now.
11. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
So many reasons to read this book. There's a movie coming out. It takes place in the south (love). And it's written jointly by two authors. How awesome is that?
I started this book, but didn't get very far. Not sure if I'll go back to it.
12. It Takes a Village to Kill Your Husband by Jethro Collins
Another self-published book by an author I know and I can't wait to read it! "A moving story about long-lost love, finding yourself, onions rings and the importance of pink." Does it get better than that? Plus, there's a trailer.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
13. Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick
I read the first three, so I feel sort of invested. But I have to be in the mood to read something fluffy.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
14. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
I'm OBSESSED with Jennifer Echols as of last week, during which I read two of her books. I haven't even read the synopsis of this one. Just reading it because it's her.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
15. The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols
I don't take my obsessions lightly. I may read everything she wrote before the end of 2013, who knows.
HAVEN'T READ YET.
16. Harken by Kaleb Nation
I'm swooning over this cover. Conspiracy theories! Supernatural organizations! Yes, please!
HAVEN'T READ YET.
17. Unusual Uses for Olive Oil by Alexander McCall Smith (Portuguese Irregular Verbs #4)
Ok, this series isn't for everyone. But it's definitely for me! The first in the series was probably the funniest book I've ever read.
The third book in this series was a little weak, but this was a great comeback! I want more from this hilarious series!
Other things I've read this year...
Levitating Las Vegas by Jennifer Echols
This was my first NA book. It started out unique and entertaining, but ended up annoying me to no end!
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Genius! Genus! Genius!
Divergent by Veronica Roth
I'm in the middle of reading this and I love it! Can't wait for the movie!
How is your 2013 reading list going so far? Have you read any of the same books? Have you come across any surprises?
Monday, October 28, 2013
Nanowrimo prepping
It's that season again! Time to prep for one of my favorite months of the year...November and Nanowrimo. This will be my fourth year participating. Part of the annual ritual is the preparation time. Here's what I'm doing to gear up...
1. Setting up my desk area
As you can see, my new desk is right next to my bed, which should make it easier to roll out and write at 5:30 a.m. every day. I will need to get my electric blanket handy because it's freezing that early in the morning here right now.
2. Creating a playlist
Music is essential for motivation throughout the process. I like to set up a list of new songs to help me get a fresh start. Here's what I've got on tap so far:
2013 Nanowrimo Playlist >>
3. Scammed my husband into cleaning my laptop screen
It was gross...and now it's not! Yay for husband. He hates Nanowrimo and November, but he did his part by cleaning the screen. That will be the end of his contribution. Oh well.
4. Purchased tea!
Caffeine is essential. I stocked up on English Breakfast from Taylors of Harrogate.
I'm doing a complete rewrite of my Nanowrimo from 2011 so the plot is pretty much there. Otherwise, I would be doing a lot of plotting right now too.
Here's my profile if you want to be my buddy: http://nanowrimo.org/participants/jbeemills
So...what am I forgetting? What are you doing to prepare for November 1?
1. Setting up my desk area
As you can see, my new desk is right next to my bed, which should make it easier to roll out and write at 5:30 a.m. every day. I will need to get my electric blanket handy because it's freezing that early in the morning here right now.
2. Creating a playlist
Music is essential for motivation throughout the process. I like to set up a list of new songs to help me get a fresh start. Here's what I've got on tap so far:
2013 Nanowrimo Playlist >>
3. Scammed my husband into cleaning my laptop screen
It was gross...and now it's not! Yay for husband. He hates Nanowrimo and November, but he did his part by cleaning the screen. That will be the end of his contribution. Oh well.
4. Purchased tea!
Caffeine is essential. I stocked up on English Breakfast from Taylors of Harrogate.
I'm doing a complete rewrite of my Nanowrimo from 2011 so the plot is pretty much there. Otherwise, I would be doing a lot of plotting right now too.
Here's my profile if you want to be my buddy: http://nanowrimo.org/participants/jbeemills
So...what am I forgetting? What are you doing to prepare for November 1?
Thursday, August 15, 2013
WriteOnCon at your own pace
If you missed it, why not experience the content at your own pace? (Don't know what I'm talking about? Click here.)
Google+ Hangouts
This year, WriteOnCon had several Google Hangout sessions with agents and editors critiquing queries, pitches and first pages. While you can no longer submit your content for possible critique, as soon as the Google Hangout is over, it becomes a full YouTube video. You can watch the entire presentation from the beginning, pause it--and even fast forward if need be. Check them out:
Twitter Pitches with Literary Agents Danielle Smith and Tamar Rydzinski
This video is split into two halves:
- Danielle Smith is looking for picture books, chapter books & middle grade
- Tamar Rydzinski is looking for almost anything except paranormal and holocaust
Both agents are looking for YA, specifically: realistic (contemporary), mystery/thriller, issue-driven and non-fiction
Twitter Pitches with Literary Agents Suzie Townsend and Kathleen Ortiz
They are looking for anything from middle grade to new adult.
Twitter Pitches with Spencer Hill Press editors Danielle Ellison and Patricia Riley
These editors want YA, anything realistic (contemporary) and/or speculative fiction.
First Page Feedback with Literary Agent Marietta Zacker
This agent is all things kids lit!
The best thing about these sessions is that you can get a an idea of individual agent tastes. If you have one of these agents on your query list, you'll want to listen in, real time or not!
Live chats
There were also some live chats with agents and editors that you can replay and read at your own pace. Just click on the links and scroll.
Live Chat with Editors Andrew Harwell, Sarah Dotts Barley and Agent Lindsay Ribar
Live Chat with Agents Sarah la Polla, Katie Grimm, Brooks Sherman and Victoria Marini
This is just the beginning of the content available. View all content here for the 2013 WriteOnCon. You can also dip into the archives for previous years: 2012, 2011, 2010. Just keep in mind that information about trends may be dated.
Tip! If you missed out on your chance to ask an agent a question, keep an eye out for agents using the #askagent hashtag on Twitter. This goes on all year round!
The forums
The forums are definitely the most important part of the real-time WriteOnCon experience. You can post your query, first 250 words and first five pages and gain peer critiques. If you missed it, browse through the forums and read the comments left by ninja agents (literary agents who went under cover and made comments/made MS requests). And be sure to participate next year, since you can post whenever you have time and don't necessarily have to be active during the day if you have other obligations.
Tip! If you need help with your query, you may also try submitting to Query Shark.
So that's it! Don't miss out on this great content. Take it in at your own pace. All the Google Hangout videos above can also be found on my YouTube playlist, YouTube Writing Resources.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Sunshine Awards!
Check out Tina's blog here, and follow her on Twitter: @Tina_Moss
THE RULES
When you receive an award, you are asked to do a few things...
- Post the Sunshine Award logo you see at the top.
- Accept the nomination and link back to the nominator.
- Answer the questions below.
- Nominate 10 other blogs and inform them of the nomination.
FUN FACTS
- My favorite color: Orange
- My favorite animal: Hands down, no question, baby elephants.
- My favorite number: 5. It's simple, vital, yet odd.
- My favorite non-alcoholic beverage: Green tea
- My favorite alcoholic beverage: I've never had one! I know, I'm a weirdo.
- Facebook or Twitter: I've heard it said that Facebook is for interacting with your friends and Twitter is for interacting with the people who should be your friends. So true. Twitter!
- My passions: Reading, writing, and clearly, teetotaling.
- Giving or receiving: Giving! I don't like being the center of attention.
- My favorite city: Savannah, Georgia. The most aesthetically pleasing city I've ever visited! Check out those live oak trees in the picture below of Forsyth Park. They look like they are reaching out to grab my son.
10. My favorite TV shows: At the moment? Heart of Dixie! I've also been known to obsess over Vampire Diaries, Dexter, any singing competition show and HGTV.
Now it's my turn to nominate some writing buddies for the Sunshine Award! I'm proud to nominate the following peeps. I encourage all y'all to follow the following:
MY TEN NOMINEES
- Renee DeAngelo (@reneedeangelo4)
- Lorna Suzuki (@LornaSuzuki)
- Beth Hull (@tbethhull)
- Poppy Williams (@mspoppy)
- Jaime Morrow (@MorrowJaime)
- LK Gardner-Griffie (@lkgg)
- Elodie (@commutinggirl)
- Ami Hendrickson (@MuseInks)
- Alex Brown (@gravity_fail09)
- Jamie Grey (@Jamie_Grey)
Thursday, April 25, 2013
A Geek Girl's Guide to Jane Austen
In 2009, I spent the year listening to classical music and reading nothing but Jane Austen. I was obsessed! And I didn't just read Austen novels; I geeked out on everything Austen or Austen related. Since that time, Jane Austen's stories have gotten more and more popular. The fact that we can relate to her work even today speaks to the timeless nature of her storytelling. So without further ado, the geek girl's guide to everything Jane Austen!
PERSUASION
Read the novel
I've read Persuasion nine times. It's my favorite Jane Austen's novel, and I feel the most overlooked. It's all about second chances, following your heart and forgiveness.
Read Persuasion free on Project Gutenberg >
Geek out
- Film adaptations: There are two film adaptations, neither of which did the book justice in my opinion:
1995 ~ Director, Nick Dear
2007 ~ Director, Adrian Shergold
- Retelling: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
This is a young adult sci-fi retelling of Persuasion. Does it get better than that? I haven't read it yet, but I've heard great things.
PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Read the novel
Perhaps the most popular and iconic of Jane Austen's novels, this novel was once titled First Impressions. The main characters, Darcy and Elizabeth both must overcome their pride and rethink their prejudice in order to find love. Read Pride and Prejudice free on Project Gutenberg >
Geek out
There are countless ways to geek out on P&P, so I'm only going to list my faves.
- The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: This YouTube series is contemporary vlog retelling of P&P. Filming is now complete, but you can watch the episodes in their entirety. Be sure to follow the spinoff channels along the way.
>> Lydia Bennet's channel
>> Maria Lu's channel (Charlotte's sister)
>> Pemberley Digital
AND...if you're really into it, you can watch all the actor Google+ Hangout interviews through the LBD Seahorses channel on YouTube.
- Film adaptations: My favorite film versions of P&P are the 1995 BBC mini-series and the 2005 film version, but I'm also partial to the 2004 Bollywood version, Bride and Prejudice. And while it wasn't my favorite, many people enjoyed Lost in Austen, a story of a modern day woman who finds herself switching places with Elizabeth Bennet.
- Comic book: What? I just found this. What? Awesome.
- Paraphernalia: There is tons of stuff out there! Here are my favorites:
Keep calm and read Jane Austen postcards
Shades of Pemberley print
Future Mr. Darcy onesie
 |
| My eat-sleep-austen mug! |
Read the novel
This is one of Austen's earlier novels and I think it kind of shows. It's not my favorite, but the villains carry this book. They are so manipulative! Read Northanger Abbey free on Project Gutenberg >
Geek out
Gothic novels: Ok, this is when my true geek nature really comes out. To get a full understanding of Northanger Abbey, it helps to read gothic novels from the times (the characters in the book are engrossed with them). I really like the idea of reading the book the characters are reading. If you want to read along with the characters in this Austen classic, check out The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe.
EMMA
Read the novel
I found Emma to be the most fun and lighthearted of all Austen's novels. Matchmaking goes wrong and I found myself laughing out loud several times.
Read Emma for free on Project Gutenberg >
Geek out
- Film adaptations: Almost all the film adaptations of Emma are great. My favorites are the Gwyneth Paltrow version from 1996 and Clueless (a modern adaptation from 1995).
- Gothic novel: One of the characters in this book, Harriet Smith, recommends a book to her suitor. But it's a real book so you can read it too. If you want to try, check out The Romance of the Forest, by Ann Radcliffe.
Read the novel
This is my least favorite Austen novel. It's dark and the main character's situation is so dire and depressing. Even when it ended, I wasn't happy. BUT...plenty of people feel differently so don't take my word for it. Read Mansfield Park on Project Gutenberg >
Geek out
I personally didn't geek out that much on this book since I didn't love it. But, here's some options.
- The play: Some of the characters in the book perform the play Lovers' Vows. I might be worth tracking down. It was a controversial play in the book and it would be interesting to see why.
Read the novel
Jane Austen died before completing this novel, but that doesn't mean it didn't leave its mark. Hypochondriacs in a small beach town are hard to forget!
Geek out
- Completion stories: An unfinished novel is like a choose your own adventure novel. I love reading these completion stories just to see how different they are:
Sanditon: Jane Austen's Last Novel Completed
This is my favorite completion. I've actually read it several times and highly recommend it!
Jane Austen's Charlotte
This is terrible! But I still enjoyed reading another version.
That's all I've read so far, but there are several others detailed here.
- Welcome to Sanditon: The next YouTube series by the makers of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries will be based on Sanditon and some of the storyline to be crowd sourced! (May 2013)
Read the novel
I can't believe I almost forgot tel. I even named my husband's car Willoughby! Read Sense and Sensibility on Project Gutenberg >
Geek out
The musical: The 1995 film is great, of course, but did you know there's now a musical? Yes, that's right and it's playing in my city! I'm sure if it's good, it will start making the rounds.
EVERYTHING ELSE
This is definitely not the extend of my geekery, but this post can only be so long. Here's the best of the rest...
The Jane Austen Fight Club
This does not get old. May be the best video ever!
Lady Susan
This is my favorite of Austen's lesser works. It's a story told in the form of letters. Lady Susan is a recent widow scheming for husbands for herself and her daughter.
The Letters
I'm not huge on biographies, so I haven't read one, but I did get into Austen's letters briefly. If you watch the film, Becoming Jane (I have mixed feelings about it), there are some allusions to the fact that there may be some semi-autobiographical aspects to her stories. Also, they're free for perusal on Project Gutenberg!
And that's it! Intense, right? Do you have anything to add to my geek list?
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
5 Free Writing Resources on YouTube
I used to have this thing against YouTube. I pretty much saw it like the slushpile for the late and not so great America's Funniest Home Videos. Silly cats. Giggling babies. Viral dance videos. Rinse. Repeat. Blah.
Then I magically saw the light! YouTube is awesome for countless reasons. And if you're a writer, there are many videos you might find helpful. Here are some of my favorites:
1. FREE WEBINAR: Revising a Novel They Can't Put Down
The Writers Digest channel posts many helpful snippets on different topics and most of the videos are under ten minutes long. This one, however, is a full webinar from James Scott Bell, author of Plot & Structure. The video is over an hour in length so make sure you have time to watch. I'm sure a group of students paid good money for this webinar, but now it's free!
2. MARTHA ALDERSON'S CHANNEL
Martha Alderson, author of The Plot Whisperer, has many videos covering the topics discussed in her books. Sometimes she's in a garden, on a mountain or by the beach. Frankly, her choice of settings can be a little distracting, but she has some great content that's worth wading through.
3. HOW A BOOK IS MADE with Lauren Oliver
This series of videos was posted to the HarperKids channel. It's somewhat of a promotional series for Lauren Oliver's book, The Spindlers, but it does give an interesting look into the making of a book and the publishing process.
4.
4. JACKSON PEARCE'S WRITING VIDEOS
Jackson Pearce is the author of Sisters Red, Purity and many other titles. Her videos discuss everything from outlining to critique partners to naming characters (as seen below).
5. NEIL GAIMAN'S COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
This video is inspirational, not instructional, but I love love love it!
So...that's it! Those are my 5 faves. Do you have more to add to the list? Do you turn to YouTube for this type of content?
Then I magically saw the light! YouTube is awesome for countless reasons. And if you're a writer, there are many videos you might find helpful. Here are some of my favorites:
1. FREE WEBINAR: Revising a Novel They Can't Put Down
The Writers Digest channel posts many helpful snippets on different topics and most of the videos are under ten minutes long. This one, however, is a full webinar from James Scott Bell, author of Plot & Structure. The video is over an hour in length so make sure you have time to watch. I'm sure a group of students paid good money for this webinar, but now it's free!
2. MARTHA ALDERSON'S CHANNEL
Martha Alderson, author of The Plot Whisperer, has many videos covering the topics discussed in her books. Sometimes she's in a garden, on a mountain or by the beach. Frankly, her choice of settings can be a little distracting, but she has some great content that's worth wading through.
3. HOW A BOOK IS MADE with Lauren Oliver
This series of videos was posted to the HarperKids channel. It's somewhat of a promotional series for Lauren Oliver's book, The Spindlers, but it does give an interesting look into the making of a book and the publishing process.
4.
4. JACKSON PEARCE'S WRITING VIDEOS
Jackson Pearce is the author of Sisters Red, Purity and many other titles. Her videos discuss everything from outlining to critique partners to naming characters (as seen below).
5. NEIL GAIMAN'S COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
This video is inspirational, not instructional, but I love love love it!
So...that's it! Those are my 5 faves. Do you have more to add to the list? Do you turn to YouTube for this type of content?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
