Le Dernier Mot

Hi! I'm going to make a quick post about loving what you write. Now, first off, you're going to write a story even YOU wouldn't read, then what's the point? If you're bored with the story while writing it, what about while editing it, or while trying to write a query for it? If you aren't enthuasatic about your book, then who else will be? So first up: love what you write. I know that if sometimes...

Someone asks: I prefer one hit... but in my first chapter I'm struggling to find a place where I can describe my main character proplely... just her hair, eye colour etc. nothing too over the top.My Answer:Little bits throughout the story. If you give it to us in one hit, it's most likely you're telling. Anyways, is her hair color a really prominent aspect of the beginning of the story? If not,...

Someone asks: Even in teen books I've seen words I've never seen/heard of before. Is it possible to over use the thesaurus?My Answer:Yes, Stephenie Meyer seems particularly fond of it. *cough* irrevocably *cough, cough* I use the thesaurus when I've repeated a word too much or if there's a word that's on the tip of my tongue, but I don't quite remember it, so I consult the dictionary/thesuarus...

Someone asks: how do i go about getting a book published without getting ripped off? i really would like to not need an agent (if that's possible?). i'm still in high school though, so will that make it any harder? thanks!!My Answer:I come across this question multiple times in Y!A. First, you can search those questions and see their answers. One website that was particularly helpful to me (I'm...

Someone asks: I'm in my mid teens, and I love to write in my spare time. I'm not too interested in fame or popularity, I just want to see my stories in print. But now I've got people telling me that I'm too young to go anywhere with writing. Are they true? SE Hinton was 16 when she wrote The Outsiders. And my parents say childhood is the best time to develop a hobby. I've been writing for almost...

Someone asks: I am a young writer. I write books but end up giving up with finishing the story because I never think that they are very interesting or grb the reader's attention. I can't get good ideas, and all of it is just hard. So, can you please give me some tips on how to write a really good chapter book, how to grab the reader's attention, and things like that? Thanks :)My Answer:What I...

Someone asks: I'm 14, and I hope to finish a book soon. But, I have a few questions... If i don't want my parents to read it, and I use a pen name, would I be able to get it published without them finding out, or would I have to wait until I'm 18? Also, and tips for the actual content? Such as character development? I know things like give them flaws, but I need to make sure they don't all end up...

Someone asks: I'm fourteen years old, and I'll be writing a book this summer, which I intend to publish at some point. Due to this, I've been on a lot of writing websites/blogs/forums lately doing research, and getting familiar with the profession. One of the things that surprised me is how hard it seems for people to ever get published, so now I'm concerned: Since it's so hard for seasoned authors...

If you've never seen this video, then you MUST! Not only is it hilarious, but so very informative!...

Someone asks: I am 15 andI have wanted to write all my life: short stories and I have a very good idea for a much longer story possibly even a novel and I really want to be able to do well in this despite all the other pressures from school etc. I can't really ask people at school or anything because they would think it just weird. I really want advise on how to develop my writing and how to set...

Someone asks: I am trying to write a really good story and it has but i have been at a writers block for weeks and I am stumped at where to put my characters next. Any suggestions on how to get rid of it?My Answer:Well, since you waited enough already and it STILL hasn't come, I suggest writing exercises unrelated to your books. Those can be found on the internet. You could also read (though I assume...

Someone asks: So I'm writing a book. I've got the first couple of chapters written. And I have no experience what-so-ever. Should I finish the book, or send it to the agent so she can help decide some parts in it? Also, what sort of stuff do you put in the letter? Plus, is it a 'Query Letter' or a 'Book Proposal'? And should it be formal... Or should it be me? Please and Thank-you! :)My Answer:OMG!...

Someone asks: I have written a 150 page small book to help college students. I would like to publish the book as a 4" height 8" width booklet. I am new to the world of publishing. How do I go about doing this?My Answer:You should search for agents that specialize in what you have written, which I am guesing is a non-fiction self-help book. You can use these sites to help you find your agent: http://www.1000literaryagents.com/ http://agentquery.com/ After...

Someone Asks: Throughout my English courses, I have seen a correlation of the mistakes I often insert into my pieces of writings. For example, I tend to put adverbs, adjectives, etc. in the wrong areas. I have "awkward" sentences. I have "tense shifts". I have sentence fragments. Could anyone please define those phrases/words and tell me how to improve them? And could anyone please tell me how...

Someone Asks: I know this is a little epic for a 2 12 year old, my friend and I wrote it. CHAPTER 1 Blood. Blood. That's all she could see. Blood. Who had it come from? Was it her's? Molly was not sure of anything. She started to become lightheaded. But, she always became lightheaded at the glance of blood. More, and more. It didn't stop. Why wasn't it stopping? The rocks. CHAPTER 2 It had started...

Someone asks: how should i do it? and where can i get my book published at? i'm here in houston texas and i need to know where to get my book published of course i've been downtown hundreds of times but never seen one and i'm not moving anytime soo but how do i get it published and how much will it cost? my mom says i'm gifted with book writing and i'm brilliant with it. i've just written a book...

Someone asks: What is the easiest way to become a writer and get published? As in what type of college courses should i take, books that are useful, and how to try and get my book published, ( btw i write fictional love books kinda like Nicholas Sparks style)My Answer:Hmm...as far as I know, you write an awesome book, revise that book like crazy (remember to write something you like), write an awesome...

Someone asks: I decided to do that in order to see if I'm getting closer to my goal of being a bookworm. Sadly, I don't read enough...only one book in the month of May. Do you keep a book log? How is it set up? I did this: May 2010 1. Zora and Nicky By Claudia Mair Burney My Summary: Two Preacher kids fall in loe, but upset family values by marrying interacially My rating: 5 stars!My Answer:Yes...I...