Plotting to Music

When I am writing, it helps to listen to music without lyrics. It drowns out- not only the background noises surrounding me- but the messes in my head as well. It helps keep my focus on pushing out the story from my head to the keyboard and onto the screen. Often, I’ll type with my …

End-of-May Writing Prompts

As writers, we know deep down that one of the best ways to remember events (good or bad) is to journal about them. Even if these are words that will never be published, they can help inspire a good story down the line- or even act as some personal therapy. May is a busy month …

It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

Here's the thing: I'm a word person. To make it on my favorite books list, you have to write something that captures me with your words. In addition to writing a colorful story with in-depth characters and connection, I love quotes that stand out to me. I really like being able to see your words …

Horns by Joe Hill: Film & Book

A few months ago, my film-major best friend and I met up for dinner and a movie. Now, if you guys have film friends, you know they are capable of finding some of the most hole-in-the-wall bizarre movies ever produced. I am fully aware of this. And that night, as always, I had this in …

Using Social Media to Market Yourself as a Writer

Two weeks ago, I attended the 2015 Arkansas Literary Festival in Little Rock. This was my first time to attend and I took a few notes on one of the sessions I attended. What I like most about these conferences and festivals is all the good stuff we learn from our fellow writers. Some fast …

Is knowing about the author important?

You’re tucked into bed, curled up with the latest book you checked out from the library. The paper turns smoothly between your fingers- one hand on the next page even before your eyes make it to the the bottom. | Or maybe it’s an afternoon on your couch, sliding your fingers over a tablet, skimming …

The Pros of Clubbing | Book Style

My first experiences with book clubs were back in elementary school. When I was in kindergarten or so, my mom would take my sister and I to Saturday morning book readings at our local library. Librarians would read a book aloud and have us do crafts that went along with the theme. When I got …

An Annual Letter

It’s been some time, guys. I apologize for the lack of blog posts. I don’t have a great excuse besides my birthday (it was on Monday)… 🙂 but I thought this would be a good time as ever to talk about an annual writing goal! As I sat in front of my laptop, wondering what …

The Beginnings of a Writing Relationship

I was about 4 ½ years young when I learned how to read. My first televisions shows were Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Some of my favorite books were: Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban, Chrysanthemum and Owen by Kevin Henkes, The Berenstain Bears books by Stan and Jan Berenstain, and the Little Critter …

Tapes Tell A Story

This morning, I thought I’d talk about a book I read recently. I’d like to give a little insight on it (without giving the plot away, of course) and encourage you to learn a little from it. TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY is a novel by Jay Asher. In short, the story is about what leads a …