It’s been a challenging year here at wendyvogelbooks.com. I’ve been a cancer survivor since 2011, and last summer it decided to drop by for a visit. It ate my left hip, which has been replaced by the T-800 (with built-in rocket launcher and smoothie machine), and has proceeded to enjoy my liver, bits of lung,Continue reading “I am the Hero”
Tag Archives: writing
Why Writers Suck at Writing Their Own Jacket Copy
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”
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”
Dayton Science Fair Wrap-up
This weekend was the Dayton Regional Science Festival: Super Science Saturday at the Boonshoft Museum. I was lucky enough to be an invited guest representing the role of science fiction in stimulating young minds to get excited about science. I’ve done a lot of events. Big book events. Comic Cons. Each one has something thatContinue reading “Dayton Science Fair Wrap-up”
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.”
Comic Expo Impressions
This past weekend was Cincinnati Comic Expo. It’s the city’s biggest con, and I’ve been fortunate to have a booth for the past three years. This year I got to present a writing panel along with my writing partner Jeri Fay Maynard, and the feedback we got made all the preparation worthwhile. Here are aContinue reading “Comic Expo Impressions”
Why a Mud Run is like Writing
In my world, everything is about writing. I’m always people-watching, thinking about how the things I experience in real life might translate into fiction. It’s far too easy to get into my own head and stay there. But today I did my first mud run. If you haven’t seen one on TV, it’s an obstacleContinue reading “Why a Mud Run is like Writing”