Best Published Author Advice of 2023

 

This is The LIST of the 

Best Advice from 

Published Authors in 2023!

At the start of 2023, I wasn't sure if I was still going to publish this Writing Teazurs Blog. I felt it took time away from my own writing. I had stepped away from children's book writing over ten years ago to move to Bend, Oregon, and help my husband in his new endeavor, Paleo Magazine. During that time, I lost myself in other worlds far away from kid's books. 

But after reaching out to a few amazing new authors, feeling their excitement for their books, and receiving their awesome advice, I knew I had to keep it up!

Promoting authors is a passion of mine.

I absolutely love reading about their journeys and cheering them on through publications, school visits, and conferences. Their enthusiasm feeds my creativity and helps me keep writing, editing, and going. 

Someday, I will be a published author, too. But until then, I am here for you, authors! Cheers to your success. May there be many!

Our first author interview of January 2023 was the lovely and talented...

Sydney Dunlap and her book,  It Happened on Saturday.  

Interview with Sydney Dunlap KidLit Author 

Advice for new writers: My main advice for aspiring authors would be to do what works best for them and not feel that they have to follow a certain strategy just because it works for someone else.

Also in January, we heard from Heather Murphy Capps and her book INDIGO & IDA.

DEBUT Author Heather Murphy Capps

The best advice I have for querying is to be thoughtful about reaching out to agents who are specifically looking for elements in your manuscript. It’s not worth your time to just throw a million queries into the wind without researching who is looking for what. The Manuscript Wish List (#MSWL on Twitter) website is invaluable as a starting point, as is social media.

Heading into March, we spoke with Lindsay Fryc and her debut Emma and the Queen of Featherstone. 

Debut Middle-Grade Author Lindsay Fryc

I love Save the Cat Writes a Novel and The Emotional Craft of Fiction. I am a huge plotter when writing, so save the cat makes plotting the beats easier for me so I can continue to write the novel. If I don’t have those beats, it's nearly impossible for me to finish a project. Also, the Emotional Craft of Fiction is great when you are crafting emotional scenes and want them to be impactful on the reader. Those two books are must-haves for aspiring authors.

Next up is our interview with Constance Lombardo and her book, Tiny Spoon vs Little Fork and Everybody Says Meow!

Interview with Constance Lombardo

It's vitally important to have your work critiqued by peers (and to listen and be open to change.) I believe anyone who wants to write professionally should either join a group or find beta readers. 

In May, we start off with one of the youngest authors I've interviewed...Emilia Ramos Samper and her book Crown of Scales and Wonder.

Author Interview with Emilia Ramos Samper

For writer's tools, I use Dabble, a plotting tool for writers. Another thing that helps quite a bit is sticky notes: I jot down ideas that come to mind on sticky notes and paste them straight on the wall! It’s useful to get my thoughts organized.

We also interviewed an amazing mother, Tine, who is promoting her late son's debut book... 

Aboard the Time Line

Interview with Tine, Bastian Gregory's Mother on Aboard the Time Line

 When talking to kids about depression...

I think the most important is to 

keep a dialogue going. 

And also to take expectations off the table. By that, I mean if your child says that they cannot continue at Uni/school - whatever, etc., then listen! Support them- get professional help.  Try and build up interests/hobbies… go for walks with them (if you can get them out). And sometimes think radical. 

We also checked out Jennifer Bosma and Christian Children's Books, 

I Know the Plans & The Baby Garden

Interview with KidLit Author Jennifer Bosma

On having a long marriage: I love giving advice for marriage. I would encourage the couple to continue being adventurous and visit new locations together. This summer, we are going to a music festival in Montana on our daughter’s recommendation; usually, we hike, float, or fish there. This is mixing it up. 

Ending our month of May was Savannah Hendricks and her books on coming of age, wholesome romance, and picture books. 

Interview with Author Savannah Hendricks

On Book Bans: We need to take off the kid gloves instead of putting them on. As a writer of wholesome and clean, I would say that yes, books should have an age-appropriate label that mirror movies and TV. Doesn’t mean kids won’t read them. We all know kids watch movies that are not rated for them. But guidance is important, and then parents or a reader can make an informed decision. 

As we warmed into June, Suma Subramaniam gave us some great advice as we checked out her book The Runaway Dosa & She Sang for India & Namaste is a Greeting. 

KidLit Author Interview with Suma Subramaniam

On Time Management: Write every day and to write for the child in me even if it is only for fifteen minutes. Slowly, the ideas will form, the revisions will happen, and the manuscript will fly off the nest when it finds a home in the big, wide world.

Rounding out June was Ellen L. Ramsey with her debut, A Book for Bear. 

Debut PB Author Interview with Ellen L. Ramsey

Why read? Books are windows into worlds I may never experience, but I love learning about characters who are different from me as well as characters similar to me. I value books, which are a reflection of people’s thoughts, feelings, and interests. 

Next in July comes Jasmine A. Stirling with Dare to Question

Author Interview with Jasmine A. Stirling

Are you a daring person? No, but I have absolutely no problem daring to question authority, whether that be a boss, a school system, a cultural norm, or a reflexive habit.

Next, we learned some amazing ways to illustrate and map with Maria Oglesby Illustrator, Textiles, & Design Artist...

Interview with Maria Oglesby 


Why be an artist?
A career doing work I enjoy has always been more important to me than making a lot of money.

Ending July was our interview with Traditionally Published Debut Middle-Grade Author of Peril at Price Manor, Laura Parnum

Author Interview with Laura Parnum 

If you could go back to your younger self and tell her three things that would help her get published - what would those be?

Number one: It’s not impossible.

Number two: Diligence and patience will pay off—keep going.

And number three: Have fun with it!

Heading into the end of August was our

Interview with Karen S. Chow 

Karen S. Chow....Traditionally Published Debut Middle-Grade Author of Miracle 

Did you grow up seeing yourself in main characters, in books, or not so much, and how did this influence your work?

I did not see a lot of Asian-American characters in books when I was young. (Mind you, this was in the 80s-90s.) So when I read Grace Lin’s Year of the Dog, I absolutely loved it, and had the realization that I could write about my own life. That’s when I started to write Taiwanese-American characters.

In September Ree Augustine was interviewed for her traditionally published debut Hangabout Far From Home

Interview with Ree Augustine and her Debut Hangabout Far From Home

If I gave you a megaphone and the whole world would listen - what one sentence would you yell?

I don’t like to call attention to myself, 

so perhaps I would whisper...

“Laugh every day.”

We skip ahead to November with an interview with a former Editor of Harcourt who is also an award winning author and business owner, Deborah Halverson. 

Interview of Deborah Halverson

When should writers stop revising and editing?

When you're just moving commas around...

For me, that says it all. When the changes you’re making are sentence-level ones that are more about perfecting than anything else, you’re ready to either submit to agents and publishers or hire an editor to bring in a fresh, trained eye to help you know what more needs to be done, if anything, to make it submission-ready.

Finally, we reach December 2023 with an awesome interview with Debut Author Leah Moser - 

I Am a Thundercloud

Interview with Debut Author Leah Moser - I Am a Thundercloud

Can you share a piece of advice that you've received on your journey to becoming a published author?

Believe in yourself and your stories. Your voice matters!

Thank you to all the authors!

In reflecting on the whirlwind of interviews and insights gathered from the talented authors of 2023, one thing stands out: the unwavering passion and dedication of writers pursuing their dreams.

From seasoned veterans to fresh faces in the literary world, each shared a piece of wisdom that resonated deeply. As I look back on the year, I'm reminded that the journey of a writer is not just about reaching the destination of publication, but about embracing the process, learning from others, and believing in the power of our own stories.

So here's to all the authors who generously shared their experiences and advice, and to the countless stories yet to be written.

As we venture into the new year, may we continue to uplift and inspire one another, knowing that each voice adds richness to the tapestry of literature. Cheers to a future filled with creativity, perseverance, and the boundless possibilities of storytelling.

Write~on,

Angie

And apologies for this coming out in Feb. instead of Jan. - Goal next year - ha!

Writing: Remembering Why

Writing: Remembering Why

Welcome back to Writing Teazurs where we dive deep into the heart of writing, beyond the pages and into the essence of what makes us writers. Today, we're peeling back the layers of the publishing world to reveal the art of writing—a craft so often overshadowed by the hustle of the business side. Let's remember how to keep your love for writing lit, even if the business side tries to snuff it out.

The Double-Edged Sword of Publishing

Publishing is a coveted milestone for many writers, the dream that keeps us typing into the wee hours. Yet, it's also a realm where spreadsheets and sales figures can cast long shadows over the creative process. Money. Money. Money. It's easy to get lost in the maze of marketing, sales, and the pursuit of the next big deal, so much so that the initial love for crafting stories can take a backseat.

It's also easy to become cynical and downright negative about publishing and then spread that to all of your writing buddies. Many people find camaraderie in misery, but I do not. I believe writing is my choice, and I am doing it because I love it. When other writers become too negative about their writing journey, it poisons my creativity. So, I try to stay positive about why I started writing. It wasn't for book deals. It was because I had to write. It was a calling inside of me, not out there on social media or in a business meeting.

I write because it's my form of art, and my art feeds my soul.

So Remember Why You Started

In the whirlwind of deadlines and deals, query letters, and resumes, take a moment to remind yourself why you began writing in the first place. Was it the thrill of creating new worlds? The joy of exploring complex characters? That character who just needs to be brought to life? Or perhaps the catharsis of pouring your soul onto the page? And becoming vulnerable on the page? Reconnecting with your foundational passion for writing can be the compass that guides you back to your creative center.

Protecting your happiness is important. Remember that old saying, "You are what you eat." That doesn't only mean the food you put into your mouth. If you are listening and absorbing negative comments, emotions, or attitudes from other writers, you will eventually become that, too. Be careful who you spend your writing time around and how they feel about the industry. Inevitably, you will repeat some negative news about writing to the next writer you meet, and it goes on and on and on...

Create Without Constraints

One of the purest ways to maintain your love for the craft is to regularly engage in writing that's just for you. No deadlines, no expectations, and certainly no thoughts of publishing. Write because you love to write. Experiment with new styles, dabble in genres you've never tried and let your imagination run wild. This is your sanctuary, a place where the business side of writing cannot tread.

A great way to do this every day is to set a timer for 5-10 minutes and freehand write. I use paper without lines, so I can just be as messy and artsy as I want with my words. It's for me, only me. It's been a wonderful way to connect to my inner muse.

Connect with Fellow Artisans

In a world that often values product over process (we must change this attitude), connecting with like-minded writers who see writing as an art form can be incredibly affirming. Whether it's through writing groups, forums, or workshops focused on the craft, surrounding yourself with people who share your passion for storytelling can reignite your love for the art and remind you that you're not alone in your journey.

Celebrate Small Victories

In the business of writing, success is often measured by sales figures, awards, and contracts. Yet, the art of writing is filled with countless other victories worth celebrating. Finished a challenging chapter? Developed a complex character? Found the perfect metaphor? Taught a writing class? Have you given a great critique? Learned how to create an exciting setting? Queried your first or 100th agent? Showed up to your computer keyboard? Wrote one beautiful sentence?

Celebrate these moments! They are the heartbeat of your writing journey.

Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Finally, remember that writing is a journey, not a destination. If you love the journey, the writing will follow. The path of a writer is marked by growth, discovery, and the deep satisfaction of expressing oneself. The publishing industry, with its ups and downs, is just one part of this wild adventure. Keep your focus on the joy of the journey itself, and let that joy fuel your continued passion for the craft.

Remember why you began this journey

In the grand tapestry of writing, the threads of art and business are tightly woven together. It helps to remember that at the heart of every writer is an artist, a storyteller driven by a love for the craft. No matter where you are in your publishing journey, never lose sight of that initial spark of passion that set you on this path. Let it light your way through the business fog and back to the pure joy of writing.

Keep cherishing and protecting

your love for the craft,

and may your words always flow freely.

For more thoughts and ideas on the writer's life and to keep your creative flame burning bright, stay tuned to www.teazurs.blogspot.com.

Write~on,

Angie