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It's been interesting over the last few years, since I've relegated this blog to archived-for-the-masses status.

Some of your names have shown up as published authors (even bestselling ones). Others have shown up as publishers or agents. And some of you, I think, have moved on to pastures of a different hue.

For those of you still hard at it who are still receiving this blog in your inboxes, here you go:

Competitive rates, fast turnaround. I'm currently booking slots for April; first come, first served.

WAIT, THERE'S MORE! 😄

I'm SUPER excited to be teaching 2 classes at the Tennessee Writing Workshop on April 26. If you're in or near Middle Tennessee, consider attending! Many classes to choose from, plus opportunities to hobnob with agents.

Classes I'll be teaching:

1. REVISIONS: FROM NIGHTMARE TO NEXT-LEVEL

2. FANTASY AND SCI-FI: HOW TO BUILD AN UNFORGETTABLE WORLD (WITHOUT BORING YOUR READERS)

Hurry and register for the workshop! And if you do, drop me a line and let me know you'll be there.

That's all for now! You can still find me onÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌý(more on the former than the latter). If you're an "oldie but goodie" from MSFV's halcyon days, I would LOVE to hear from you!

Happy writing, all!

Hello, my dear readers!

This blog has been retired for nigh on 3 years, but many of you are still signed up to receive email notifications.

If you're still on a journey-toward-publication, I invite you to sign up for my .

You'll receive tidbits of advice and encouragement directly in your inbox (instead of having to wade through the massive archives on this blog).

I hope you'll join us!

(Psst--it's free. Just like the blog.)

Engin Akyurt
Y'all! I've discovered a site for writers that I think some of you may enjoy. It's called , and it allows you to publish your fiction or non-fiction story of 600-2000 words--and maybe make a little money, too.
I've posted my first story and would LOVE for you to go read it (and, if you enjoy it, to "heart" it!).Ìý After you've read it, come back here to read the STORY BEHIND THE STORY!Ìý

STORY BEHIND THE STORY:

Many years ago, I wrote a YA dystopian novel called CITY LIMITS--and it's the novel that landed me an agent after 5 years of trying. (Josh Getzler, for those of you who either weren't here yet or didn't remember.) The market was glutted with dystopian, and the book never sold.
Honestly, I'm glad--because it wasn't as strong as it could've been. There are later drafts, but ultimately I had to shelve it. (You all know how that goes!) As most deserted novels tend to do, this one has lived quietly in my heart, occasionally tugging at me in a wistful sort of way.
The other day, my son DMed me a link to a short story contest--for dystopian fiction. Immediately, I thought, "I already have worlds and characters in this genre." (CITY LIMITS is one of several dystopians I've written.) But then I saw this: "CONTEST CLOSES IN 36 HOURS."
"Do I smell a challenge?" thought I.
So I pulled out CITY LIMITS, drew what I needed from the opening scene, and wrote the rest. The best part about this exercise is that I WAS EXCITED AND ENGAGED ALL DAY AS I WORKED ON THIS. I may have even squealed to myself a time or two.Ìý
I haven't felt this way about writing in a long time. I've definitely allowed the pressures of publishing to steal my joy--and that's on me, not the publishing industry. Writing this short story reminded me that I amÌýa writer and that I really doÌýlove writing! Sure, it would be great to win the contest--but I'm already walking away with something of so much value: a refreshed writing heart.
If you need an outlet for your writing that will give you a break from your latest WIP and perhaps infuse you with a piece of your writing heart that you may have lost, I encourage you to check out the VOCAL site. There is a free and a paid option (I chose the latter; we'll see in the months ahead if it's worth it) for membership; either way, they pay you per 1000 reads--and you can receive tips from your readers, too!
If you join, please let me know!Ìý
And if you just took the time to read --thank you! New ventures always feel like giant steps; I appreciate your support.


Ìý

Hey, everyone!

We've got 14 entries for our Critique Partner Dating Service. Not a huge response, to be sure, but definitely enough to give each of you a chance to find your (almost) perfect Critique Partner.

Guidelines are as follow:

If you see an entry that looks like it might be a good fit, send an email to introduce yourself (this is not the time to send materials).If you're not sure you want to send an email, leave a comment asking further questions.Entrants, PLEASE CHECK YOUR COMMENTS REGULARLY THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.This is a public list. ÌýI am no longer the "middle man." ÌýPlease do not come to me with your dating woes. Ìý(If you have a legitimate technical difficulty, I will always help you with that.)For security purposes, I will remove these entries from the blog one week from tomorrow.

Please post your questions below!Ìý I will check the comments regularly and try to stay up to date with public questions

Happy dating!Ìý

WRITER: Abbe Hoggan
GENRE: YA Suspense/Thriller
EMAIL: abbe.hoggan (at) gmail.com

I'm working on my 9th(?) novel.

I've read and loved many genres, but right now, all I crave are mysteries and thrillers, YA and adult. Can't get enough.

I like to take a gentle but honest approach to giving feedback. I'm terrific at grammar, mechanics, and spelling and at spotting awkward sentences. I'm also a skilled plot-hole hunter.

To give a feel for my writing, here's the first page of my 8th novel: (I've revised it slightly based on the feedback I received in the critique session.)

WRITER: ML Villax (she/her)
GENRE: YA Contemporary fantasy
EMAIL: mlvillax(at)gmail.com

I’m working on my second novel.

Although having a screenwriting and journalism background, it is has been only after years in working in marketing and settling down in an adult life, that I decided to go back to my original passion, writing. I love character-driven stories, that subtly nip onto social issues, especially those related to neurodiversity and cultural misconceptions. I chose contemporary fantasy because it allows us to disconnect from our reality, just enough to help us see it through different eyes. I am strict on grammar, planning development (learnt this the hard way), and do not believe in synonyms, but rather in a spectrum of meanings� My critique strengths are story development, dialogue, and grammar.

WRITER: Liz
GENRE: YA Romance; YA Spec Fic
EMAIL: elizabeth.arroyo5 (at) gmail.com

I am working on my tenth novel.

I have a YA Science Fiction novel published with a small press. I am currently searching for an agent and querying a YA Romance. I have completed a YA romance m/m novel in which I'm searching for feedback. My critiquing strengths lie in developmental editing--plot, characterizations, dialogue, descriptions etc. Line editing is not my thing. I enjoy reading both YA and adult fiction in any genre as long as it has a pinch of romance.

WRITER: Judy L Mohr
GENRE: Adult Thriller, Crime, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
EMAIL: judy(at)judylmohr.com

I'm working on my 8th manuscript.

My novels are all thriller based, but contain light elements of science fiction and fantasy, often near-future technology (except when I delve into stories revolving around ghosts or high fantasy). I am currently seeking representation and am determined to head down traditional publication roads. My critiquing strengths are in story structure, characterizations, dialogue, and narrative voice. I also love working in Deep POV.

WRITER: Barbara
GENRE: mostly Spec-fic (science fiction, fantasy, and horror), but also elements of romance, crime, detective, and thriller.
EMAIL: batfam (at) charter.net

I’m working on my second novel. My first was published by a small press. I have several short stories, in print and online, published.

Personal data: I have a Bs in electrical engineering. I tend to write about handicapped characters as I’m totally blind.(Which hasn't slowed me down.)

WRITER: Renée
GENRE: Middle Grade, YA, NA
EMAIL: renee(at)rechambliss.com

I am working on my 3rd novel

I’m a writer and audiobook narrator. (I’ve narrated almost 200 books, mostly racy romance under a pseudonym.) I’ve been writing on and off for almost 20 years. I was accepted to the Community of Writers fiction writing workshop in 2008. My nest is now empty, so I’m ramping up my writing again. I can provide samples so you can see if my style is a good fit for you!