Today begins Nanowrimo. Here's a repost of advice I posted on October 31st, 2010. For context: I did Nanowrimo in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. In 2011 I acquired an agent. In 2013 I sold a two-book deal to HarperCollins Voyager. I'm speaking from experience here.

DON'T SMASH YOUR FACE.I've been doing parts of the P90X ( Read more... )

I've commented before on how acceptances seem to hit in a flood. There will be nothing for weeks, maybe even months, and then a succession of three or so may hit within a week--and often the publications will occur in little batches, too. It's odd ( Read more... )

A Story Told in Gifs

When you get the call from your agent, your mind just kinda goes


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My friend Rhonda made a comment a few days ago about how many books she reads at once, and that got me thinking. My reading habits have changed in recent years, too. I used to zoom through one book at a time. Now I tend to read two books at once: one in print, one on my iPad. I currently am reading a third book as well--skimming through for ( Read more... )

I haven't done one of these posts in a while, so I figure I'm due.

HI. My name is Beth Cato. I love the word "bustenhalter" and unicorns and baking delicious stuff that is in no way good for you. I write fantasy, science fiction, poetry, and Chicken Soup for the Soul stories. I'm easy to find on social media, so always feel free to chime in on a ( Read more... )

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Most articles and blog posts on resolutions hit the first week of January. "Being timely" and all that. It's silly, really. People start the year all motivated. By February or March, reality sets in. Those helpful articles on losing weight will be replaced by advertisements for chocolate ( Read more... )

Today I welcome author Elaine Isaak to the blog. Her post made me nod and laugh because it's so true. The Writer is in, and here to stay.


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Writing is full of scary moments.

Sending a story to a market that rejects 99.9% of submissions? Do it anyway!

Submitting a rough story to a critique group? Do it anyway!

Querying agents with a novel that you fear will never be ready? Do it anyway!

Of course, motivational speeches are much better when there are Fraggles involved.

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Last Thursday through Sunday, I challenged myself. I hopped on a plane. I flew a thousand miles. I socialized with people I never met before. I learned stuff about drafting, revising, outlining novels, and unusual donuts. I made several dozen new friends.

Yeah. Cascade Writers was amazing ( Read more... )