Blog

JLA Giveaway!

6/2/2019

Hi Friends! This week we're celebrating Jennifer L. Armentrout's birthday and the release of her new book STORM AND FURY! You don’t want to miss out on this new story from JLA, named one of Goodread’s Hottest Books of Summer 2019! The giveaway will run until June 8th -- Enter to win a signed hardcover copy of STORM AND FURY. Be sure to wish JLA Happy Birthday on June 11th, the same day the book comes out!

SOUL IN DARKNESS Sale & Giveaway!

5/31/2019

This is my birthday week, and I want to celebrate with sweet readers!

Out Now! SOUL IN DARKNESS!

5/31/2019

It’s finally here! Cupid, the god of love and desire, has been patiently waiting to meet you…but he’s a god and he has all the time in the world. I, on the other hand, have been completely impatient! I’m thrilled for you to fall into the mythology of Psyche and Cupid, the quintessential romance. And just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Critique Service vs. Editing Service

5/31/2019

Yes, there is a difference. Both are equally important to the drafting and polishing process of writing and publishing a book.

In general, a critique service focuses on content, while an editing service focuses on the technical side of writing (grammar, punctuation, and spelling.)

How a Critique can Break Writer’s Block

5/31/2019

Writer’s block. The nemesis of authors everywhere. *shivers* I have been down that road too many times to count. It’s hard not to when so much of your job takes place inside of your head, and we all know the mentality of a writer can be a wondrous, but fragile thing.

Wendy’s Top 10 Ways to Strengthen Your Writing

5/31/2019

Hi writer friends! Here are some elements I focus on while I’m writing and when doing a critique. Hope you find them useful!

Polishing Language in Your Manuscript

5/31/2019

A few lessons from college writing courses, and advice from my HarperCollins editor, have stayed with me over time and greatly improved my writing. The first is strengthening verb usage, and the second is getting rid of unnecessary words/phrases.

What is a Manuscript Critique?

5/31/2019

Among authors, we call a manuscript critique a “beta read.” A critique might be different for each person, so I can only say the kind of feedback I offer. I focus only on content, not technicalities. In other words, I focus on the story and its structure, not spelling, punctuation, or grammar.

Should You Query Before Your Manuscript is Critiqued?

5/31/2019

No. The biggest mistake authors make is trying to rush the process. How do I know? Because I did it myself. We can’t seem to help ourselves. It’s just so exciting! The possibility that an agent or editor at a publishing house will take one look at our story and have stars in their eyes…sigh. It’s like the scene from A ChristmasStory where Ralphie envisions his teacher falling in love with his essay about the Red Ryder BB gun, when in reality, his essay was just okay.

Characterization Through Authentic Dialogue

5/31/2019

Two of the things I focus heavily on in my Critique Services are dialogue and characterizations. My writing tends to be character-driven, meaning the building of my characters and their relationships take precedence in the story. It’s all about the journey of the main and side characters, both physically and mentally/emotionally. In a good story, the characters undergo some sort of change and growth as a result of circumstances in the plot.