the site of middle grade author Jackie Yeager
Hi everybody, I have an unusual choice for my December Day 21 pick. It’s a book that hasn’t been released yet. But…it will be out in April, and you CAN pre-order it now at http://www.brooksbenjamin.com. I wanted to include it because its a middle grade by a debut author- and it looks fantastic! MY SEVENTH GRADE LIFE IN… Continue reading December Book Blast: Day 21
Hey everyone, I have another great book to gush about! My December Day 14 pick is… SCHOOL OF CHARM by Lisa Ann Scott! From the Publisher: At the School of Charm, everyone has a wish to whisper. With an enchanting small-town setting, lively storytelling, and a hint of magic, this debut novel is perfect for… Continue reading December Book Blast: Day 14
I have an idea. I can’t get it out of my head. I’ve tried to squash it. I’ve tried to squish it. I’ve tried to brush it away, at least for now. It’s a story idea. I’m not ready for it. Not yet. I JUST finished writing my middle grade novel. The story I love.… Continue reading Write With Me
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?
For a four-day week, this one sure felt long. So, Happy Friday! I don’t have a long post planned for today or even an official post. But I did want to share this thought for the weekend. It doesn’t matter what your dream is. It may be getting a book published or getting an agent.… Continue reading Pick a Dream & Chase it
If you have questions, please ask! Or, if you’re ready to work with me, I’d love to hear about your project. Contact me at swirlandspark@gmail.com. Let’s make your story spark!
swirl and spark 