Introducing The Writerly — a quarterly peek into my creative life as I tackle the ups and downs of drafting new stories.
I’ll dive into topics about writing & publishing, and sprinkle in some personal favorites—books I’m loving, music that’s keeping me going, and little things I can’t live without.
In each issue, I’ll share what I’m working on, where I am in the process, and a few fun extras like snapshots from my research trips or glimpses of commissioned artwork inspired from my books.
The Writerly is a quarterly check-in, a way to stay connected, and a little bit of inspiration woven throughout.
Check out an excerpt from the The Writerly where I interviewed my agent, Sarah Landis
I have been with my agent Sarah Landis for nearly four years now and I think this might be the first time I’ve interviewed her! Here’s her take on some very common questions literary agents get.
What is an automatic "green flag" for an agent when reviewing a query letter?
It’s so subjective, but I think using comp titles that are currently on the NYT bestseller list or “buzzy books” are going to catch an agent’s eye. A really intriguing first line is a must! Something that immediately tells me what the read is and positions it in the marketplace. Good example:
It is The Bachelor by way of Diablo Cody with the kind of complicated protagonist you might find in a Rebecca Serle novel meeting the sharply drawn, cathartic romance of Emily Henry.
What trends are you seeing in the current market? Where do you think we're going to next?
I love this question! It’s an election year so I’m noticing a trend towards happier books. People want escape. Nothing super dark or bleak. I’m seeing lighter novels even in the darker thriller genre. Romcoms are not going anywhere but they have to be really voicy and clever to stand out now. Fantasy is on the rise (thank you FOURTH WING). I love seeing adult readers finding fantasy for the first time! More somber, serious novels seem to be a tough sell these days.
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To Keep Reading this interview, click here & make sure to subscribe to The Writerly for more content like this & follow along on Instagram.
instagram subscription
For the first time ever, I’ll be offering a subscription page that takes everything within The Writerly, but offers way more of it for $4.99 a month. Each post will take a closer look at my current work in progress, a study of how I research my books, and a detailed overview of my writing process. I will also answer even more writing related questions, not just about drafting but also about the business side to publishing, as well. And since I’m keeping with the editorial themes, there’ll be interviews with my peers and other publishing professionals. Coming Soon!