The Life Of An Author

Tip 1: Word Limits 

If you’re submitting a short story for an anthology, find out what the word limit is. They’ll always provide some range, but it’s usually under 7,500 words. Novellas are a little longer between 17,500 - 39,999 words. When you find out what the limit is, always aim for a slightly lower amount so there is room to add to it if needed.

Tip 2: Outlines 

I don’t outline every novel. I usually determine how I want the second half of the book to go and build the story in order to get there. However, when it comes to novellas or short stories, outlining is my best friend. I’ll organize each chapter so I stick to the important parts and leave out anything that has no significance. It keeps me on track.

Tip 3: Important Details > Filler 

Leading into outlining, you’re limited on pages and words, so focus on the plot points that will push your story along and ignore what doesn’t need to be there. “Boring” or “mundane” moments that don’t add anything, except pages, can easily be cut.

Tip 4: What Does the Story Boil Down to?

What is your climactic point and how is your story going to get there? What is the whole point of your short story or novella? Is this some big realization or an action sequence? Determine where your story is headed FIRST so you can lead it there.

Tip 5: Compact Novel

A short story or a novella, in my eyes, is like a compact novel. You merely reach the action and excitement faster. How do you write a full-blown story? Do you take it chapter by chapter, or write scenes ahead of time and then fill the in-between? I’m the latter. I’ll write scenes that I’m inspired to write, even if they happen towards the end of the book, and work my way to them. I do the same with a short story. 

Tip 6: Play Around and Have Fun 

“I have a great idea for a book, but I wouldn’t know where to begin writing it!”

"I want to be an author but how do I do that?"

"How do I start writing a book?"

Many of us have creative spirits -- that means we are constantly generating ideas that would make for great stories. Whether they are short stories, novellas, full-length novels or a blog post, you just have to get started.

It seems daunting, right? The prospect of writing a WHOLE book, but it isn’t scary once you get started. If you stop looking at the project’s end and focus on the individual steps, it becomes more than accomplishable. It becomes manageable, which is something many of us need to know when we’re balancing a new project with work or school (or both) and having a general social life. Before we begin, I would like to point out that every writer has a different process. I am going to break down my process, but for you, it might be in a different order.

So, fellow book nerds, who's ready to begin their writing adventure?

Step 1: Outline

This is where I write out my idea. Now for me, my inspiration is drawn from music. This means that my inspiration can be found in specific scenes or key moments in the story I want to write. I quickly draft those first, gaining a sense of where the plot will go. Then I do a rough character outline to remember names, basic appearances, and personalities.

Step 2: Write. Seriously, just go for it.

Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to spend forever reviewing your outline because this first run-through will not be perfect or publishing-worthy right away (I know, that can hurt). But that’s totally normal! Writing is the fun part where you can play with the storyline and determine which direction works best. My characters and settings fall flat in the first draft because I focus on the plotline. Sometimes it’s better to focus on one aspect at a time. This doesn’t mean you ignore everything else, but you give more attention to one particular thing. The rest can be added and refined later. 

Step 3: Revise character outlines

As I write the first draft, my characters tend to change -- dramatically. It happens in every single book I write. I don’t know if this is just something I do, or if all authors do it, but I have to draft a brand new character outline chalk full with details after I type “the end,” so I have something more accurate to reference.

Step 4: Editing Spree

This can be the bane of a writer’s existence. Although I enjoy editing, it can make you bleary-eyed and oh-so-tired after hours upon hours of it (you’ve been warned!), but it is worth it. This is where you explore character development and settings in a more detailed fashion. Each time you edit, you layer in missing elements. For example, my first edit will target setting and characters. My second run-through will focus on grammar, punctuation, and tenses. My third run-through is based on what my BETA readers have to say about it so I can make it more appealing for them. To learn more about editing stages, click here.

Step 5: Research Publishers or Agents

This part can be the hardest. It’s not something you really need to focus on when you first begin writing a book, but if you want to learn about the 3 approaches to publishing, click here.

Best of luck and know that you can do this!

Ready to publish your first book? It’s time to research and determine what kind of author you want to be. With three publishing avenues to pursue, each one can take you in a different direction. You must decide which way works best for you depending on your aspirations.

Self-Publishing

This is the all-hands-on-deck approach. This will require YOU, the author, to do everything yourself. You must research and find a self-publishing company that wants to work with you, pay someone to do the cover art and editing, and market your book (or pay someone to market and manage your campaign). Some self-publishing companies will require you to have your cover art and editing completed before submitting to them, whereas others may offer in-house services to make your life easier. Please be mindful that some self-publishing companies will make you purchase an absurd amount of copies to confirm that they will turn a decent profit from your book. Be cautious with these companies and ALWAYS read the fine print! 

Traditional Publishing

This is one of the most difficult publishing avenues to pursue because it is a two-step process. However, this is the only way to be published with one of the BIG publishers like Harper Collins or Harlequin or Simon & Schuster, etc. You cannot submit your unsolicited manuscript to these companies directly. They will end up in recycling. You first submit your work to a Literary Agent. If a Literary Agent picks you up as a client, they can submit your book to large publishers for consideration. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee a publication with your dream publisher. 

Indie Publishing

A very popular means of being published. This approach bypasses the middle-man or Literary Agent so you work directly with your publisher. Most of these publishers focus on e-book sales but will also offer paperback versions. I am currently with an Indie Publisher and I’m very happy with the results. Indie Publishers like EvernightTeen will likely cover the costs of a beautifully designed book cover - one that I am VERY happy with - and they provide an in-house editor that reviews your work at no cost to you! Since they are an independent (indie) publisher, the author must do their part to promote and market their book to the best of their ability online or otherwise to see the best results.

May the publishing force be with you.

The bane of most writers’ existence. 

So, you just typed “THE END” and your story is ready to be published, right? WRONG. You have hours of editing ahead of you so sit tight, grab another coffee and dig in. Some writers take a few days before they attack editing with a fresh pair of eyes (I’m one of those authors). But everyone approaches the editing process differently. I take editing in 5 steps, which I will break down for anyone who is seeking guidance in this area:

STEP ONE:

I read over my work (on the computer) to adjust any story changes I’ve made as I’ve been writing the plot. I focus more on plot development, so my characters and setting details fall flat in the first draft. This first edit allows me to begin inserting those details.

As you’re writing a story, you sometimes make a big change that can impact the beginning. For example, you may realize that a character is no longer necessary and decide to write them out of the whole book or claim that they have been dead this whole time. Well, now you have to go back and make sure that character is not actually “alive” in the beginning. When you make that choice, it is easier to make a note of it and go back to change the beginning when it’s time for editing. Now would be an excellent time to make those adjustments.

STEP TWO:

Once you finish your first round of edits, print the entire thing. Yes, this is a lot of paper but it helps to see how the story looks in print (or in a book!). You can scratch out sentences or restructure directly on the pages so you can examine fresh edits against the original copy. This is beneficial for STEP THREE of the editing process.

STEP THREE:

Take the written changes from the printed copy and insert them into the electronic one. Now you can examine your suggested changes against the written copy. This may open your eyes to new issues or a way to better explain/write what you envision. You may notice mistakes in your edits or even changes that need to be made to better complement your story. This step is what really ties everything together to make your story seem complete.

But it’s not complete. Not yet.

STEP FOUR:

Have a friend or family member - preferably someone who enjoys the genre - read your story. They will have a different point of view and may pick up on gaps in your plotline or characters, along with common grammar mistakes.

It’s also a great idea to have someone offer an outsider point of view because they are likely to be your target demographic. They can provide insights and put your story into perspective to determine whether or not it will sell. 

STEP FIVE:

Final edits are made based on suggestions from your Beta Reader in STEP FOUR. You don’t have to make every change, but listen to their opinions and see if there are any lacking areas that you can better. It is important when finalizing your story.

And now it’s time to submit your book! 

A question I get asked often is: “How do you write teen fiction?”

Okay, firstly, I’ve never really grown up. I still read YA books. They are the best. So, of course, I write that genre. It’s not just a hobby - it’s a passion and I love it!

As a writer, I am a firm believer that you cannot write a genre you’re not reading yourself. To write teen fiction, you must do your research and immerse yourself in that genre. Discover trending and tired topics, so you don’t make the mistake of writing a whole book only to find out that the story DOES NOT SELL (that’s sorely disappointing).

Also, I like to point out that nothing is 100% original anymore. As creative people, we pull from different things and turn them into something new by cultivating a different spin or taking a new point of view. We adjust what’s out there to make it original again. There are hundreds of stories about witches and warlocks, but J.K. Rowling came out with an entire world of magic that we loved so much, we turned her books into movies, bookish merchandise, and even an amusement park! Anything is possible, but if you embed a piece of yourself in a story, you are already adding something new. Something that is uniquely you.

Lastly, teen fiction can be a hard market to break into. It’s highly saturated and can be difficult to please everyone. Reviewers may think your content is too mature while others say it’s too immature. Teen fiction is tricky because it appeals to an older and younger demographic. As I mentioned, I still read and love YA fiction and I’m in my mid-twenties (but forever a kid at heart!). You have to keep in mind that despite those reviews, your demographic is from 13-18 years old. It’s important to remember who you’re writing this story for.

At the end of the day, passion is passion. If you’re passionate about your work then keep going! Writing a story is the easy part, editing is always trickier. But I’ll talk more about editing in next week’s post, so stay tuned fellow book nerds!

1. When you find a new bookstore.

2. When someone asks what you do in your downtime.

3. When your friends ask you to go out, but you’re diving into a new book.

4. When someone asks you to explain your current read.

5. When someone LOVES your favourite book as much as you do.

6. When the book you’ve been waiting oh-so-patiently for is FINALLY released.

7. When you discover a new book boyfriend/girlfriend.

8. When you decide it’s time to re-read all of the Harry Potter books, so you don’t forget anything.

9. Your ever-growing TBR pile gets a new member.

10. When your favourite author announces that they have a new book on the way.

Do you get snacky while studying, reading, writing, or just watching TV like a couch potato? I do, so I thought I would write this post to help all you snackers pick out healthier alternatives to the bag of chips sitting there... tempting...

1. Almonds

Convenient and easy to eat. Grab the low-sodium or unsalted kinds for the healthiest alternative. Salted roasted almonds can contain 100 times more sodium than unsalted types.

2. Frozen Grapes

Freeze grapes overnight for a refreshing treat the next day. These are excellent for the upcoming warm weather (maybe I'm being too optimistic about spring, but we'll see)!

3. Pretzels

A classic snack food that satisfies your carb and salt cravings. Have you ever tried chocolate covered pretzels? I find them hard to resist.

4. Veggies + Dip

Try munching on celery, cucumber, carrots and bell peppers in hummus to resist the pesky Doritos calling your name.

5. Air Popped Popcorn

Sprinkle a little salt and try drizzling extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter. It tastes just as good, if not better!

6. Yogurt Parfait

Add your favourite fruit to yogurt and top it off with crunchy granola. Yum!

Do you get snacky while studying, reading, writing, or just watching TV like a couch potato? I do, so I thought I would write this post to help all you snackers pick out healthier alternatives to the bag of chips sitting there... tempting... 

1. Almonds

Convenient and easy to eat. Grab the low-sodium or unsalted kinds for the healthiest alternative. Salted roasted almonds can contain 100 times more sodium than unsalted types.

2. Frozen Grapes

Freeze grapes overnight for a refreshing treat the next day. These are excellent for the upcoming warm weather (maybe I'm being too optimistic about spring, but we'll see)!.

3. Pretzels 

A classic snack food that satisfies your carb and salt cravings. Have you ever tried chocolate covered pretzels? I find them hard to resist.

4. Veggies + Dip 

Try munching on celery, cucumber, carrots and bell peppers in hummus to resist the pesky Doritos calling your name. 

5. Air Popped Popcorn

Sprinkle a little salt and try drizzling extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter. It tastes just as good, if not better!

6. Yogurt Parfait 

Add your favourite fruit and top it off with crunchy granola. Yum! 

If you are a teen writer (like me!), the answer is probably heck ya! 

It’s true, J.K. Rowling has absolutely taken over and led the way for YA readers with Harry Potter. Of course, I’m a total Potter Head. But as a writer, your goal should not be to become the “next J.K. Rowling.” That’s how you turn into a copycat. 

As Allen Ginsberg says, “To gain your own voice, you have to forget about having it heard.” If you are so consumed by the idea of becoming the “Next Big Thing,” you lose your originality and authenticity. You become distracted by the BIG GOAL. 

Aim For Awesomeness

Instead of holding the desire to be the “next J.K. Rowling,” aim to connect with as many people as she has. Create a world so intricate and powerful, it becomes real for so many of us. (Who else hoped they would receive their Hogwarts letter when they turned eleven?...I’m still hoping that day comes!) Focus on your imagination and detail. Focus on who you want to become as a writer. 

You Are Authentic

I’m always asked, “So you’re going to be the next J.K. Rowling, right?” I mean, that would be AWESOME. I would love to say YES life is that easy, but the truth is that I hope my stories will relate to people like Harry Potter does. I see J.K. Rowling as an inspiration, but I don’t aspire to be her. I want to keep my authenticity. I want my name and who I am to show through my work just as hers has. She is a literary goddess that I will forever appreciate because she shows the rest of us the potential for our literary adventures. She has proven that a fictional novel can impact the world. So make yours do the same.

Don’t be the “next J.K. Rowling.” 

Be you.

**Don’t forget! This is the last week to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a free signed paperback copy of The Hidden Legacy along with some bookish items. Contest ends on February 26th.**

Enter before it’s too late:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdslg7VBsrr/?hl=en&taken-by=christineeerees

Love is in the air! Usually, contemporary romance is not 100% my thing but Valentine’s Day is this week so I am building a TBR of new and anticipated YA romance novels that readers are raving about! I am really excited to dive into these:

1. Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz

1777. Albany, New York. As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival those of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball. Still, Eliza can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history. 

2. Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes. At first, it seems like a dream come true, especially since the two of them are no strangers to misfortune. As a kid, Alice won the worst kind of lottery possible when her parents died just over a year apart from each other. And Teddy’s father abandoned his family not long after that, leaving them to grapple with his gambling debts. Through it all, Teddy and Alice have leaned on each other. But now, as they negotiate the ripple effects of Teddy’s newfound wealth, a gulf opens between them. And soon, the money starts to feel like more of a curse than a windfall. 

3. Midnight Jewel: A Glittering Court Novel by Richelle Mead

Mira is not like the other Glittering Court girls. She is a war refugee, cast out of her home country and thrust into another, where she has learned to fight against the many injustices around her. For some, the Glittering Court offers a chance at a life they’ve only ever dreamed of, one of luxury, glamour, and leisure. But for Mira, it’s simply a means to an end. In the new world, she plans to earn off her marriage contract price, and finally be free. Mira pitches herself as an asset to one of the passengers on board the ship: the sardonic and aloof Grant Elliot, whom she’s discovered is a spy for the prestigious McGraw Agency—and her ticket to buying her freedom. His cover blown, Grant has little choice but to take her on. Mira applies herself by day, learning the etiquette and customs that will help to earn her anonymity. By night, she dons a mask and slips into the city, fighting injustice and corruption on her own terms—and impressing Grant with her extraordinary abilities and insights into a brewing rebellion. But the rebellion isn’t all they’re fighting… Neither of them can ignore the attraction burning between them—an attraction so powerful, it threatens to unravel everything Mira’s worked so hard for. With freedom finally within her grasp, can Mira risk it all for love?

(I am an absolute sucker for anything by Richelle. She hooked me in with Vampire Academy, kept me on my toes during Bloodlines, and now this?! So excited to read this.)

4. I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

Desi Lee believes anything is possible if you have a plan. That's how she became student body president. Varsity soccer star. And it's how she'll get into Stanford. But she's never had a boyfriend. In fact, she's a disaster at romance, a clumsy, stammering humiliation magnet whose botched attempts at flirting have become legendary with her friends. So when the hottest human specimen to have ever lived walks into her life one day, Desi finds guidance in the Korean dramas her father has been obsessively watching for years—where the hapless heroine always seems to end up in the arms of her true love by episode ten. It's a simple formula, and Desi is a quick study. Armed with her "K Drama Steps to True Love," Desi goes after the moody, elusive artist Luca Drakos—and boat rescues, love triangles, and staged car crashes ensue. But when the fun and games turn to true feels, Desi finds out that real love is about way more than just drama.

5. Cold Summer by Gwen Cole

Today, he’s a high school dropout with no future. Tomorrow, he’s a soldier in World War II. Kale Jackson has spent years trying to control his time-traveling ability but hasn't had much luck. One day he lives in 1945, fighting in the war as a sharpshooter and helplessly watching soldiers—friends—die. Then the next day, he’s back in the present, where WWII has bled into his modern life in the form of PTSD, straining his relationship with his father and the few friends he has left. Every day it becomes harder to hide his battle wounds, both physical and mental, from the past. When the ex-girl-next-door, Harper, moves back to town, thoughts of what could be if only he had a normal life begin to haunt him. Harper reminds him of the person he was before the PTSD, which helps anchor him to the present. With practice, maybe Kale could remain in the present permanently and never step foot on a battlefield again. Maybe he can have the normal life he craves. But then Harper finds Kale’s name in a historical article—and he’s listed as a casualty of the war. Is Kale’s death inevitable? Does this mean that, one of these days, when Kale travels to the past, he may not come back? Kale knows now that he must learn to control his time-traveling ability to save himself and his chance at a life with Harper. Otherwise, he’ll be killed in a time where he doesn’t belong by a bullet that was never meant for him.

Is there a contemporary teen romance you love? 

1. Find a new literary crush!

Head to a bookstore and pick a story to fall in love with OR bring that special book lover in your life and let them pick up a new novel. Your treat!

2. Get crafty with DIY bookish items

Design your own coasters, fan shirts, bookmarks, and mugs! It’s something the whole family can join in on. Pinterest has amazing ideas to inspire you this Valentine’s Day!

3. Bring a book to life on your WALL

Yes, you read that right. You can paint the words by hand or purchase a stencil to amplify your literary love (or your partner’s literary love) right at home! Check out Buzzfeed’s clever ideas.

4. What about some literary flowers?

Flowers, pfft. What says I-love-you more than a book bouquet that NEVER dies? Etsy is full of these here. 

5. Bathtub Caddy

Avoid unwanted splashes and wet-book accidents! They will forever be a thing of the past with this nifty little device. 

This one comes from TimberGroveStudios

6. Keep cozy with a Personalized Scarf

Write your favourite book quote on a scarf with a bleach pen for this creative and cozy look, here. 

Interested in my 2018 GIVEAWAY?

It's easy to enter:

- Follow me on Instagram (@christineeerees)

- Like the photo below on my Instagram

- Comment 2 friends who would be interested in the contest

Do you prefer reading to socializing? Are you more of an introvert?

Don’t have the “guilties” because you enjoy your alone time. It’s healthy to spend time with yourself. Enjoy the quietness and get lost in a story for a while. 

The “guilties” are a commonly misplaced sense of guilt when enjoying something you feel you shouldn’t. For example, giving up a night out with friends to enjoy a good book can give someone the “guilties”. Although this phenomenon is a growing issue among the reading community, it has a cure. 

If you are a lover of literature who enjoys the company of fictional characters, great adventures, and iconic heroes/heroines from the comfort of your home, you may be at risk of obtaining the “guilties.” There are ways to combat them. Enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t worry about what others are doing. Do not let FOMO (fear of missing out) stir a pit in your stomach. Have fun exploring new realms, meeting new characters, and finding your own inspiration.

 Don’t let the “guilties” win when you are reading. What’s your favourite story?

There are many ways to take photos of books for Bookstagram, but these are the most common photos I’ve seen.

1. Hand Holding

Holding the book up in front of a background.

2. Personable

You need a partner for this one! Keeping yourself in the photo to hold the book in various ways. 

3. Stacking

Placing books on top of each other to create a larger, more abstract image. This could also be cleaner with all titles facing the lens.

4. On the Ground 

Keeping the book on the floor surrounded by nicknacks. Hands or feet may be included in the photo but it is not necessary.

Effortless is not easy. Making a book look pretty IS NOT a quick process.

It seems so effortless. Books lay there unmoving, waiting to be photographed. Easy enough, right?

WRONG.

Beginning my journey into the world of #bookstagram through my instagram account @buttercupsbooks, I figured I would dedicate some time here and there to taking cool pictures and uploading them... But that’s not how you obtain great pictures.

As it turns out, taking gorgeous photos of books does not happen easily. They require themes and setup. They take time. They need props and backgrounds and lots of forethought before diving in. Which books do I showcase? What background should I use? Am I getting enough light? Will people even like this?

I asked myself these questions a billion times as I restarted this bookstagram adventure. For all of you bookstagrammers out there, I applaud you for your terrific work. It is fun, but it is definitely not easy. If you are beginning a new account (like me!), let’s keep in touch and enjoy this adventure together. 

1. Book Lovers Unite

Explore the community. Use #bookstagram on Instagram to check out photos taken from all over the world. It is common for an account holder to pose a question in the caption for bookstagrammers to answer.

2. Create an Account Name

This can be anything. For example, if you consider yourself a reading addict, why not use that as your account name? Sometimes people use their names and attach words like “reads” or “library” at the end of it. Mine is @buttercupsbooks because my last name is Rees, and my nickname is Reeses Piece like the buttercup chocolate. And now I’m hungry...

3. Decide on a theme

Over the course of two days, I switched my theme from cozy blankets and books to an alternative you will see in the coming weeks (@buttercupsbooks). Your theme can be the main color you choose. It can be the background of your book. It can be twinkling lights. It can be anything you want it to be.

4. Take photos

WARNING: This is not as easy as it looks! It took two days to compile enough photos for my bookstagram. For some of you, it won’t take that long. For me, the process took HOURS, and sometimes even required a partner. Keep that in mind when deciding on a theme. If you are going to be in the photos, make sure you have someone who is willing to snap the shots.

5. Edit, Caption and Tag

Instagram makes it easy to edit photos through brightness, contrast, saturation settings, and more! Before you post, make sure you have your caption decided. This can include a quote, posting about your day, or posing a question for other bookstagrammers. I like to use a book quote and a question to interact with other book lovers.