YA Wednesday: How to Up Your Word Count, Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a YA Author, Stay True to Yourself, Slaying Dragons, and Game of Thrones

As a writer, I sometimes worry so much about pleasing the marketplace that I become afraid to try new things and lose faith in that little voice that is my muse. This past weekend at Grub Street’s Muse and the Marketplace writing conference, I got a much needed shot of creative courage and inspiration.

From Colum McCann’s passionate plea that writers must write what they DON’T know to know themselves, to Alexander Chee’s advice for writers of historical fiction about doing research at night so “it will soak through your dreams,” it was a weekend full of words that re-energized my commitment to writing. It was also full of much-needed marketplace tips for turning what the muse gives you into a publishing deal. And the entire experience was spent in the delightful company of writers at all stages of their journeys. For this week’s YA Wednesday I’ve gathered some links that I hope will demystify the writing process and inspire you.

Showing 3 comments
  • EB Moore

    Very helpful for all writers not just YA

  • Carol D. Gray

    Loved the article on increasing your word count from 2,000 to 10,000 a day. I’m going to try it too.

  • Lisa Birk

    Great stuff here! Love the idea of researching at night so the content soaks into your dreams.

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