Pete Hautman is one of my favorite writers. He won my heart with GODLESS, fed my curiosity with HOW TO STEAL A CAR, and satisfied me once again with THE BIG CRUNCH. I generally dislike books about destiny. I wasn’t even a big fan of Slumdog Millionaire. Partly this is because I don’t believe inContinue reading “Book Review: The Big Crunch”
Tag Archives: writing
Where Donna Galanti Interviews Me
Yesterday I did an interview over at Donna Galanti’s blog. We connected during the time I was writing my first YA manuscript, in which a high school girl joins the Navy. One of key pieces in my research was a slim book called, Letters From Boot Camp. It is filled with letters she wrote asContinue reading “Where Donna Galanti Interviews Me”
Book Review: Girl
I think Blake Nelson may have just become my favorite author. Every time I read something of his, it’s such a different kind of book from the time before. I think I’ve only read three of his books, but whatever. You know how when you read a book and you feel like you know theContinue reading “Book Review: Girl”
Jody Sparks Alphabet U – Y
Spelling Bee update: We got there thinking there would be one more Bee before Nationals. Wrong. There was only to be one winner, and that kiddo went to Nationals. So, there was an additional amount of pressure. Eleanor made through two rounds, and went out on the third round with ROTUNDA, which she spelled Rhotunda.Continue reading “Jody Sparks Alphabet U – Y”
Please Advance To Search Engine Journal
Today I had the pleasure of writing a guest blog post for Search Engine Journal. The subject is actually guest blogging for Search Engine Optimization purposes. That being said, it also focuses on good writing practices, so even if you don’t know what the heck search engine optimization is, you may still find a fewContinue reading “Please Advance To Search Engine Journal”
How To Plot A Novel
When I started writing young adult books, I found this information over at CJ Omololu’s blog, and put it into the form of a chart. It helps me visually see how elements in each box should connect. This is very basically how I plot a novel. And the only kind of outline I’ve ever used.Continue reading “How To Plot A Novel”
A Visitor Among Residents
I feel thoughtful and a little reactionary, which probably means this post will come off as self-indulgent and uninteresting. I blame HR. Just kidding, Tracy. Sort of. When I hired in, there was no HR department. The company I work for is growing rapidly; we recently hired eight more people for the department in whichContinue reading “A Visitor Among Residents”
This Archaic Practice of Banning Books
People, we live in the Internet age and there’s a world of information (much of it, shitty, or useless) to start banning there, yet when I Google “Do people try to ban websites,” I get a high percentage of posts regarding how to block people from your own websites. I suppose there are just tooContinue reading “This Archaic Practice of Banning Books”
A Bit About Building Character
So I’ve been reading and writing and constantly comparing where my book draft really is to where it should be going. I’ve got issues with the timing and fictional school calendar in my YA book. I’ve got too much plot and the lens on my characters is nearly all long-shot views. Also, I still haven’tContinue reading “A Bit About Building Character”
Maybe It’s Not an Issue?
I made a big book revision decision. I’d gotten to 55,000 words and changed course. It’ll probably happen again, too. Sometimes I have to get to the climax to realize, hey, I’m not feeling too sorry for these characters. Something isn’t right. I got to thinking that a book about sunken treasure needs some kindContinue reading “Maybe It’s Not an Issue?”
Jody Sparks Mugele 