A Step-by-Step Guide to Beta Reading: Part 2
Ah, beta reading…it’s a big topic. So over the last few weeks, we’ve covered beta reading in detail. First, we discussed all the FAQs about beta readers, and in Part 1 of this guide, we laid the foundation for your beta reading process. This week, in Part 2, we move on
A Step-by-Step Guide to Beta Reading: Part 1
If you plan to self-publish your novel—or even if you hope to publish traditionally—beta reading is an essential step on your path to publication. But if you’ve never been through the beta reading process before, then it can seem overwhelming, so I’ve broken it down into a series of baby
Beta Reader FAQs
Are you self-publishing your novel? Hoping to be traditionally published? Whichever route you’ve chosen, beta readers are an important part of your journey from hopeful writer to published author. But what exactly is a beta reader? Do you really need them? And where on God’s green earth do you find
Sentence Structure 101
It’s a “Snooopy happy dance” kind of day. Why? Because today, we’re talking all about sentence structure—what it is, why it’s important, and how to build great sentences for your novel. I seriously love geeking out on stuff like this, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. So
Edit Your Novel in Nine Easy Steps
Does the word “editing” make you cringe? Do you push your book aside when you get to the editing phase because you just…can’t…even? I get it, friend. But editing a novel doesn’t have to be as painful as a trip to the dentist. Read on, and I’ll share how to
Kaleidoscope: Meet the Characters
In the spirit of the holidays, we’re lightening things up on the blog this week. Today, I’m going to introduce you to the characters and settings in my upcoming novel, Kaleidoscope. And just in case you have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s a synopsis of the book: AJ
Revising Your NaNoWriMo Novel
Typing “The End” on the first draft of a new novel is an indescribable feeling. If you’ve reached this milestone, then give yourself a round of applause (and enjoy a piece of dark chocolate on me). But those words mark the beginning of a new—and just as lengthy—phase in the
You Finished NaNoWriMo! Now What?
You did it, my friend! You slaved over your keyboard, sacrificed time with family and friends, and shed blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the finish line. Now, with a finished (or mostly finished) first draft in hand, you’re probably wondering, “What do I do now?” I’ve been
How to Escape the NaNoWriMo Doldrums
It is Day Eighteen of NaNo, my friends. Or, as I like to think of it, the NaNoWriMo doldrums. The doldrums are an area of the ocean where the winds that sailing vessels rely on simply disappear. The seas are flat, the sails lay slack, and without the help of
10 Tips to Help You Win NaNoWriMo
The start of NaNoWriMo 2020 is just days away! You know your characters inside and out. Your outline is solid. You’ve prepped your little tushy off. But, still, there’s that niggling little thought in the back of your mind: Can I really write 50,000 words in just 30 days? Yes,
Find Writing Time for NaNoWriMo…in Your Freezer!
As a writer, you know how precious your writing time is. And when you’re participating in NaNoWriMo, every minute at the keyboard is worth its weight in gold! So what if I said you could find boatloads of writing time for NaNoWriMo in your freezer? How? With freezer meals! As
How to Keep Your Family Fed During NaNoWriMo (And Still Win!)
Want to win NaNoWriMo and keep your family alive this November? (Yes, my writing-crazed friend. The answer is yes. ) All of the planning you’ve done for your novel this Preptober is vital to your NaNo success. But none of it matters unless you actually have the time to write. If you’re a busy
How to Find the BEST Story Ideas
NaNoWriMo is right around the corner, so now is the time to take that groundbreaking story idea you have and develop it into a full-blown plot! What’s that, you say? You don’t have a story idea??? Breathe, friend…I’ve got you covered! Today, I’m sharing five tips and resources to
Preptober Checklist: Let’s Get Ready to NaNo!!!
Tomorrow is the first day of October, and you know what that means, writers… No, not the return of pumpkin spice everything. It’s Preptober! For those who are wondering what the big deal is, Preptober is the key to your NaNoWriMo success or failure. I’ve participated in NaNoWriMo twice. The
The Best Novel Writing Software of 2020
For writers, spilling words onto the page is tough enough, so using the best novel writing software can mean the difference between a polished manuscript and a disorganized mess. But with so many perfectly serviceable (and free) word processing programs on the market, do you even need novel writing software?
Find Your People: 7 Fabulous Writing Communities
Do You Need a Writing Community? While the life of a writer has its perks, it can get pretty darn lonely. Even social butterflies in “real life” can find themselves drifting in a sea of loneliness when it comes to their writing life. Do any of these scenarios
How to Master Show, Don’t Tell
If you’ve ever cracked open a writing book or had even a single conversation with another writer, then you’ve no doubt come across the age-old axiom, “Show, don’t tell.” But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, telling occurs when you spoon-feed your readers information you want them to know.
Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Theme
Does trying to determine your novel’s theme make you feel like you’re back in English Lit class? I can commiserate. Even though I loved studying literature, whenever I was asked to analyze a novel’s theme, my brain just shut down. I think this is because theme feels like a left-brain
Hello, gorgeous! I’m Amy LeTourneur, a young adult author with a passion for helping other writers grow in their craft. I suffer from OBD (obsessive book disorder), which forces me to purchase and devour writing books at a ferocious rate. I love sharing what I’ve learned with others, so as my bank account dwindles, my blog grows!
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COMING SOON!
A compelling mix of tragedy, redemption, the search for meaning . . . and, yes, even a little romance. Life is a Kaleidoscope will make you laugh out loud, cry like a baby, and keep you guessing all the way to “The End” (and beyond!).