the site of middle grade author Jackie Yeager
Hey guys! We’re nearing the end of the month and I thought it would be good to check in with those you who are drafting a new manuscript or determined to finish a draft you’ve already started. Because I know what January can be like. For the first few weeks of the month, you’re filled… Continue reading Foolproof Way to Get your Draft Done
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how important it is to fill your cup. You know the kind I mean…the proverbial cup we pour from in order to create stories. Where is your mind at lately? Are you worn-out and depleted? Are you stressed or do you have that I’m-so-busy-all-the-time feeling? If you are,… Continue reading Three Ways to Refill your Writer’s Cup
To be completely transparent, this post was 100 percent inspired by Jenna Kutcher and the Goal Digger Podcast. I discovered Jenna on Instagram, and think her posts and podcasts are incredibly inspiring in a chase your dreams sort of way. And you know I’m all about that! In one recent podcast episode (I Have No Idea What's… Continue reading Finding Clarity When You Don’t Know What’s Next
Happy Birthday, Spin the Golden Light Bulb! I couldn’t pass up the chance to shout out my debut novels’ 5th publishing birthday. So here I am, thinking back to January 9, 2018, and after all this time, doing my best to let this milestone sink in. Getting published is a huge accomplishment and to be honest,… Continue reading The Crimson Five is 5!
New year. New perspective! ✨ Happy 2023!! I’m so ready for this new year to begin. Last year is hard to summarize so I’m not even going to try. I’d rather focus on what’s to come, starting with my word (s) of the year. Are you the type of person who picks an inspirational word or… Continue reading Stealing a New Year’s Mantra
In order to write believable stories, writers must read widely in that same age group and genre. Are you writing Young Adult Fantasy? Then you better be reading every YA Fantasy you can get your hands on, mostly from the last five years. That’s a publishing truth and it’s not debatable. Reading books will help… Continue reading Favorite Genre to Write vs Favorite Genre to Read
Last time, I blogged about how tough it can be to keep writing through difficult periods. Today, I have something more upbeat to talk about, one of the perks to being published: signing books for readers! In two weeks, I’ll be signing books at the Rochester Children’s Book Festival with about 50 other authors and illustrators.… Continue reading Signing Books & Gold Gel Pens
Hi there, how are you? If you’re paying attention to my blog, you’ve noticed my lengthy absence. I’ve noticed it too and it wasn’t entirely intentional. I love blogging and if I had my way, I’d blog regularly like I used to…back when I first started swirl and spark over 9 years ago! This year,… Continue reading Break Time is Over
If you’ve a written a manuscript, this post is for you. It’s about a strategy I’m using now as I revise my current project. I created it out of necessity because after going through 15 revision rounds (yes, 15!) I was a broken writer. My story was only mostly good and I didn’t even know… Continue reading 3 Reasons Writers Need to Walk (Far Away) from Their Manuscripts
My word for 2022: CELEBRATE! 🎉 Life goes by too fast not to celebrate the small moments as much as the big ones. So that’s what I’m planning to do more of this year. Celebrate coffee dates and phone calls, game nights and a clean house, a good book and a great Netflix show, meeting… Continue reading Are You Celebrating the Right Things?
swirl and spark 