Starlog

Get Your Manuscript Past the Gatekeeper #8: Character Development Part 2

Based on personal experience as a first-reader intern for a literary agency, I’m sharing what can get your manuscript past the gatekeeper (the intern!) and into the hands of the agent. Here are some notes Donna presented to the agent after reading a manuscript: “The reader should have felt sympathy for the character. But we… Read more

August 3, 2015
How can a book be both the worst and best you’ve ever read?

I think we’ve all been there… we are gobbling up a book, loving every minute, and then all of the sudden Bam! Something happens in the plot that kills the book for you. Disappointment lingers. You place the book on your nightstand and think up reasons NOT to read. Then, after a few days, you… Read more

July 31, 2015
Get Your Manuscript Past the Gatekeeper #7: Let’s Talk About Character Development Part 1

Based on personal experience as a first-reader intern for a literary agency, I’m sharing what can get your manuscript past the gatekeeper (the intern!) and into the hands of the agent. Use of Formal Language Are there places in your book where the language feels a little too formal? Watch for use of contractions. They… Read more

July 27, 2015
An 11 year-old Reviews Joshua and the Lightning Road by @DonnaGalanti “Omigosh! Action Adventure!” @Month9Books

Since Donna was nice enough to hang out and chat on Monday nights with us, I thought it would be great if I could get a middle grade perspective of her book. This review comes directly from my eleven year old son, with a little prodding by Mom. Details about what the book (and the… Read more

July 24, 2015
Get Your Manuscript Past the Gatekeeper #6: Hook ‘Em and Hook ‘Em Good!

Based on personal experience as a first-reader intern for a literary agency, I’m sharing what can get your manuscript past the gatekeeper (the intern!) and into the hands of the agent. There’s probably nothing more frustrating to a slush pile reader than the anticipation of a story with a great hook, but then the author… Read more

July 20, 2015
“Gentle Tell” is NOT OKAY in your manuscript. Are YOU guilty of lazy writing? — AKA “I am really sorry!”

If you’ve ever had the misfortune opportunity to have a beta-read from me, you’ll know that I am a show verses tell barracuda. I point it out everywhere. (As I should, or I’m not doing my job) Occasionally I will mark something as “gentle tell” and say it will probably pass, but the section could… Read more

July 17, 2015