Poor apostrophes; they get abused all the time. I get so mad about it, I actually dreamed up a teen girl/grammar nerd who runs around town defacing poorly-punctuated campaign signs. (My deepest, darkest desire is to do what she does.) RJ Haynes will have none of misplaced … [Read more...] about Grammar PSA: The Hawks Nest
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Revision Is Like a Cat
I don't want you to stress about revision. I don't want you to because I already do, and it's way too much for anyone's good. You can come up with all the formulas and processes and formalities you like (and trust me, I've got a pile of Lyn's Rules for Revision, and … [Read more...] about Revision Is Like a Cat
What It’s Like to Be On Sub
What's it like to have your manuscript on submission to publishers? How do you make it through the process? This is the third time I've been "on sub." No Small Thing is circulating to a select group of editors, thanks to the pitch work of Tara Gelsomino, my agent. I'm sharing … [Read more...] about What It’s Like to Be On Sub
Four Ways to Feed Off Feedback
If you're like me, sometimes it's tough to process feedback on your writing in an effective way. Doesn't matter whether it's your writers' group, beta readers, reviewers, your agent, your editor—none of us humans are wired to welcome criticism. I talk through my formula for … [Read more...] about Four Ways to Feed Off Feedback
Four Ways to Fight Imposter Syndrome: How Authors Just Need to Chill
I decided to hold forth in a video in the very real fear us authors feel about imposter syndrome. I just finished the latest revision of my young adult novel, No Small Thing, and I’ve been thinking about how I handle the imposter syndrome. So many of us face the feeling that … [Read more...] about Four Ways to Fight Imposter Syndrome: How Authors Just Need to Chill
Author Head Shots: Embrace ‘Em, Wholeheartedly
"We're afraid that our truth isn't enough--that what we have to offer isn't enough without the bells and whistles, without editing, and impressing."-- Brené Brown I keep yanking at this new line in my face, one that popped about a week ago. Apparently I can Botox things away … [Read more...] about Author Head Shots: Embrace ‘Em, Wholeheartedly