Writing the actual book is the fun part. It all goes downhill from there. I’m often reminded of this when I peruse the feeds of all the online writing groups I belong to. Writer after writer posts their query letter or back jacket copy for critique, and it becomes obvious that for some reason theContinue reading “Why Writers Suck at Writing Their Own Jacket Copy”
Tag Archives: novel
It’s All In Your Head
I love the Olympics. For two years at a time, I could not care less about sports. I don’t watch sports on TV, I don’t go to sporting events, and when I’m running, I’m always listening to an audiobook, so it doesn’t count as exercise so much as story time. But that all changes whenContinue reading “It’s All In Your Head”
Indiana Writing Workshop Wrapup
Continuing education is part of most professions, and writing is no different. I love attending conferences for both of my jobs, and both for the same reason: leapfrogging. Ordinary learning is step by step. You have an issue, so you try to find an answer. You look things up, or consult a resource. You tryContinue reading “Indiana Writing Workshop Wrapup”
Doors Close, Windows Open
You work and practice, honing your craft. You write THE novel. You know the one. That special novel where everything you’ve learned comes together into one solid piece of work. There may have been many before it, but this one’s ready. You research all the literary agents that represent novels like yours. You query. TheyContinue reading “Doors Close, Windows Open”
Building Your House: A Plotter’s Story
People love to ask authors how they write their stories. Most of us fall into one of two loose categories we call “Pantser” and “Plotter.” The Pantser writes by the seat of their pants. They start with an idea, a scene, a character and see where it goes. It’s a very open, free way toContinue reading “Building Your House: A Plotter’s Story”
My name is Wendy. I’m an author.
One of the first things you learn after graduating veterinary school is not to tell strangers on airplanes, buses, trains, waiting rooms, or non-vet-related Facebook groups that you’re a vet. It sounds crazy, I know. All those years. All that work. Finally get to put “Dr.” in front of your name. So why not tellContinue reading “My name is Wendy. I’m an author.”
Cover Reveal!
Does anyone want a sneak peek at the cover for the Horizon Alpha sequel? Coming in July!!
Instant Mastery
Writers are an odd bunch. It takes a lot of ego to create a story, write it out, and expect total strangers to plunk down their hard-earned cash for the privilege of reading it. At the same time we are often crippled by self-doubt, requiring massive affirmation from our agents, our editors, our families andContinue reading “Instant Mastery”
When Do You Write?
I’m asked that question all the time. As a full time veterinarian, my work hours are…let’s say, flexible. My last appointment might be at 5:40, but I might not get home ’till eight on any given night. True emergencies, and “emergencies” (client: “Gee, Doc, he’s been throwing up for six days straight…I think he’s reallyContinue reading “When Do You Write?”
Future Worlds!
A few months ago my publisher Future House had the great idea of putting together an anthology featuring short stories by their sci-fi authors. The idea is to cross-pollinate our fans and share our worlds with more readers. They asked me to write a short story set in the Horizon Alpha world, and of courseContinue reading “Future Worlds!”