the site of middle grade author Jackie Yeager
Not too long ago, I met a few writer friends for coffee. A topic came up that many writers avoid. But we tackled it anyway. When is it time to bench your manuscript? When do you know your manuscript will never be ready for the big game? When do you decide with finality that it… Continue reading When It’s Time to Bench a Manuscript
So you’ve written a book (hooray!) and even managed to sign with a literary agent (so cool!). You’ve read the revision notes and revised your manuscript to a shine…even made it sparkle. Then suddenly, one day, your fantabulous agent notifies you that the first batch of submissions have been sent out. Your book baby has… Continue reading Things You Imagine while out on Sub
We all have questions and doubts when it comes to our writing life. Am I a good enough writer? Is my story any good at all? How do I know if I’m cut out to be a writer anyway? The list of doubts goes on. We all have moments of reflection too… moments when we… Continue reading 4 Signs You May Not Fit the Writer Stereotype
Hey Guys, How are you all? I hope if you were one of the many people hit with major snow this week, you’re now beginning to dig yourself out. Me? I’m so very happy to say that my little corner of Upstate, NY was not hit. Like at all. It’s so weird, because we always… Continue reading The Literary Agent Puzzle
Time can be on your side. The ticking clock doesn’t have to be an excuse. Not everyone knows what they want to accomplish by age 21, or even by age 41. So if you have a vision now, be thankful for the seconds, minutes, and hours you’ve had to figure it out. Then take that… Continue reading Time Can Be on Your Side
Hi Everyone, Happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was restful and rejuvenating. January is one of my very favorite months. Not only because my daughter was born this month—18 years ago today, in fact… Happy Happy Birthday, Princess Danielle! Hooray for you!! I hope this year is everything you dream it will be.… Continue reading Creativity Requires Courage
Hey Everyone, Happy Limbo Week… you know what I mean, the week between Christmas and New Years that makes you feel, well in limbo. The party is over, yet the next one is just days away. It’s hard to focus on anything new because you’re wrapping up all the old. It’s the best week ever,… Continue reading Old Gems & New
Hey Everyone! Happy Wednesday… Back in December, 2013 I wrote the following blog post on Basic Beliefs for my young readers. This topic doesn’t refer to religious beliefs that a character may have but more likely a way of acting belief- meaning a life rule that that a character lives by. I was working on this… Continue reading Basic Beliefs of a Character
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away. Hey Everyone, I have news that I can finally share… I have an agent!!! After 8 years of writing, revising, querying, waiting, hoping, dreaming, and wishing to find the perfect Literary Agent to represent me and… Continue reading I Have an Agent Announcement!
Yesterday I sat down to read my critique partner’s chapters. And it got me thinking. What makes for a meaningful critique? You know—one that really helps the writer. Here are ten things to provide when offering feedback on a writer’s chapters: Line edits When you see a typo, point it out. Grammar is important, even in… Continue reading 10 Ways to Provide Meaningful Critique
swirl and spark 