I may have an English degree, but I never took a single creative writing class in college or otherwise. I have, however, learned a lot from other resources. Here are a few of my favorite.

Book 2 really is hard.

If you talk to nearly any writer, they will explain that book 2, or a sophomore book, is harder than book 1. My journey so far…

Reader reactions to books are fickle friends.

Before I got to peek behind the curtain of publishing, I thought everyone had to wait until a book went on sale to read it.

I was wrong.

Writing a query was one of the hardest parts of getting a literary agent. My second book didn’t get any requests, and while some of that may be from querying in the pandemic, I also know my query was not strong. Here’s how I made a difference for the book that got me an agent and a book deal.

Getting to see a book cover is one of the most exciting pieces of the publishing process so far, but it has not been easy. Everyone has a different experience, but I thought it might be helpful to share mine.

I did something in July I never thought I could do. I wrote a book in a month. Here’s part of my process:

One source estimates only 75% of writers traditionally publish a second book. Getting to publish one book is incredible. But now I’m left wondering: Can I write another book just as good?

As the school year winds down, many people have asked me, “Once your book comes out and you’re a big fancy author, are you going to leave the classroom?” So here’s my answer.

If you’re like me, you’ve compared yourself to another writer at least once (or daily).

Many will say, “Don’t compare yourself” or “Keep your eyes on your own paper.” Well, I say they are wrong. Here’s why: