Author: Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show others they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). The debut novel she wrote at 16-years-old, PURPLE MOON (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) was a Selah 2014 Finalist. Her second YA novel, UNWRITTEN MELODY, released with Clean Reads November 2016. She’s the Founder of PursueMagazine.net, a magazine that inspires teens to embrace their calling. Tessa also enjoys helping writers achieve their dreams through her role as a Jr. Agent at Hartline Literary Agency.

When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, Tessa can be found making healthy homemade lattes, speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. She writes in a small town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Southeastern coast. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Becoming an Author

5 Acting Books Every Writer Should Read

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date April 9, 2021
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If you are a writer who is serious about pursuing publication, perhaps you have a couple of writing craft books on your desktop. Any aspiring author who hopes to grow as a writer should continue to immerse him or herself in techniques that can take their manuscript to the next level. There are plenty of books written by professionals who can help you structure your plot, create captivating protagonists, and learn how to show instead of tell. But have you ever tried to apply methods and techniques geared toward other artistic professions?

As an actress, I am always trying to find new ways to grow in my craft—such as, you guessed it, reading books on the craft. I have learned techniques and methods that have not only taken my acting craft to the next level but my writing as well.

So if you have exhausted your pile of writing craft books, then you, too, may find one (or all) of the following books useful for learning skills that can add depth your characterization, emotion and action, character relationships, dialogue, and scene structure.

1. The Warner Loughlin Technique – Warner Loughlin’s method to developing authentic characters is one that has been applied to both actors and writers alike, including Disney animators. If you only choose one book in this list to use for your writing, this is the one I would recommend. She teaches how we can apply human psychology to develop realistic, intuitive, three-dimensional characters whose worldviews and emotions have been shaped by their past experiences.

2. The Meisner Approach Workbook – Meisner was a well-known acting coach whose method of acting continues to be applied by professional actors and acting teachers today. The Meisner technique is fully introduced in the original book, On Acting. This workbook, however, covers the fundamentals taught by Meisner that can help both actors and writers alike practically craft realistic character relationships and authentic behavior in dialogue.

3. Respect for Acting – Uta Hagen taught actors how they can remain organic in their actions, behavior, and emotion while portraying various characters. If you find yourself struggling with knowing what your characters should “do” within a scene—and how to connect behavior with emotion—you may want to consider applying her techniques.

4. The Power of the Actor – The practical technique presented in this book allows actors to deepen their characters through a process of script analysis. Writers, too, can benefit from these exercises, as they will allow you to deepen both your characters as well as your approach to scene construction.

5. The Actor’s Art and Craft – This book uses an approach to the Meisner technique that is clear and concrete, giving actors a solid framework for rounding out their character’s inner lives. These exercises can provide writers with a method on how they, too, can construct dynamic characters, dialogue, and emotion.

Have you studied the craft of acting, and if so, what techniques have proven to be helpful in your writing? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who wrote her debut novel when she was sixteen. She is now a multi-published author of both fiction and non-fiction inspirational yet authentic books for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa is guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, teaching at writing conferences, coaching young writers, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is to connect with readers is on her mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Tags acting books, character development, craft of writing, Grow in the writing craft

Becoming an Author

12 Quotes for Writers on Persevering in Publication

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date February 9, 2021
1 Comment on 12 Quotes for Writers on Persevering in Publication

The writing journey is not for the faint of heart. The rejections, critiques, and setbacks provide plenty of opportunities for the aspiring author to call it quits—and perhaps you’ve been there. Maybe, in 2020, you found yourself facing disappointments that have tempted you to give up.

For those of you who are beginning this year with a lack of motivation, you’re not alone. In fact, these obstacles are a necessary part of every writer’s journey. But it’s only those who find a way to move forward despite these setbacks who reach their version of success.

So if you need a fresh dose of motivation from those who have gone before you, check out the following quotes for writers on how to persevere in the publication journey.

“This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don’t consider it rejected. Consider that you’ve addressed it ‘to the editor who can appreciate my work’ and it has simply come back stamped ‘Not at this address’. Just keep looking for the right address.”
Barbara Kingsolver

“Publication is a marathon, not a sprint. Writing the book is only the start.”
Jo Linsdell

“I finished my first book seventy-six years ago. I offered it to every publisher on the English-speaking earth I had ever heard of. Their refusals were unanimous: and it did not get into print until, fifty years later; publishers would publish anything that had my name on it.”
George Bernard Shaw

“I wrote a book. It sucked. I wrote nine more books. They sucked, too. Meanwhile, I read every single thing I could find on publishing and writing, went to conferences, joined professional organizations, hooked up with fellow writers in critique groups, and didn’t give up. Then I wrote one more book.”
Beth Revis

“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.”
Sylvia Plath

“Don’t give up, and don’t lose your stubborn belief that you have a story worth telling. I’ve had so many people tell me over so many years that I didn’t have the qualities needed to be a writer. All of my writer friends and I have one thing in common: We didn’t listen to the naysayers. We kept writing. And eventually we have all been published.”
Devi S. Laskar

“The writer’s life is one filled with creativity, sure, but there are so many other skill sets you need to practice before bringing your books to your readers (or literary agents and publishers). Keep going. Keep writing. Keep learning.”
Kris Spisak

“I’ve found most authors have the wrong mental picture of the process. Instead of a sprint, publishing is more like a marathon. Slow, steady and consistent action will get you your audience and success.”
W. Terry Whalin

“I still encourage anyone who feels at all compelled to write to do so. I just try to warn people who hope to get published that publication is not all that it is cracked up to be. But writing is. Writing has so much to give, so much to teach, so many surprises. That thing you had to force yourself to do — the actual act of writing — turns out to be the best part. It’s like discovering that while you thought you needed the tea ceremony for the caffeine, what you really needed was the tea ceremony. The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.”
Anne Lamott

“To ward off a feeling of failure, she joked that she could wallpaper her bathroom with rejection slips, which she chose not to see as messages to stop, but rather as tickets to the game.”
Anita Shreve

“Often, you have to fail as a writer before you write that bestselling novel or ground-breaking memoir. If you’re failing as a writer – which it definitely feels like when you’re struggling to write regularly or can’t seem to earn a living as a freelance writer – maybe you need to take a long-term perspective.”
J.K. Rowling

“From my 25+ years in publishing, I’ve observed that selling books does not occur without the author taking action.”
W. Terry Whalin

What is your favorite quote on this list and why? Let me know in the comments!

Tags becoming an author, inspiration, motivation, quotes, quotes for writers

Becoming an Author

What is Your Writer Mission Statement?

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date December 9, 2020
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Every year around this time, I take a moment to reflect on the progress I have made as a writer within the past twelve months. I reflect on whether or not I have reached my writerly goals for that year. I evaluate the areas that I could have improved and what I could have approached differently. Then, based on this, I establish new goals for the upcoming year.

But these goals are not chosen at random; instead, they are created in accordance with my author mission statement.

This mission statement captures and distills the vision of my writing career. It keeps me on track when I start to wander too far from my writerly purpose. And since I have reaped the rewards of crafting this statement, I now encourage writers—especially new writers—to craft their own statement as well.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider crafting your own writerly mission statement for the New Year:

This mission statement may help you…

Specify your author brand.
Define your core audience.
Brainstorm new content for your author newsletter and social media posts.
Reinforce why you have chosen to take this journey, which will keep you motivated for the long haul.
Make publishing decisions (for example: if you should write for the Christian market or the general market, whether you should pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing, etc.).
Enable you to see the “big picture,” especially when the going gets tough.
Navigate the maze of marketing.
Stay focused on what matters in your journey.
Avoid the trap of comparing yourself to other authors.

How can you craft this mission statement?

Here is the template that I have personally used to create mine, but feel free to modify this however you wish!

Your mission statement should answer the following questions…

What kind of books do I hope to write (e.g. inspirational, adventurous, issue-driven, historical, etc.)?
What is my purpose behind writing?
Who is my audience? (Be specific here!)
What do I hope to accomplish through the books that I write?
Is there a specific message that I want to portray through my books?

Need an example of how this may be crafted? Below is the mission statement I have created for my personal writing career:

“In all that I write—both fiction and non-fiction—I hope to minister the healing power of God’s love, show readers that hope is always available, and leave them with an appetite to pursue a relationship with Christ. In the books that I write, it is my desire to show teen girls that they are not alone in whatever it is that they are walking through. I want to encourage them to make the most of their youth by embracing their unique potential to further God’s Kingdom.”

This mission statement distills my heart behind my writing career. It reflects how I want to impact my readers. It focuses on what I believe is the message I am called to share to my target audience.

So if you need a little extra motivation for your own writing career—if you have been struggling with comparison, finding your author brand, staying focused, etc.—I challenge you to create this mission statement. Return to the why and the how: why you have chosen to write and how you would like to impact your readers.

Then return to this post and leave your mission statement in the comments below! =)

Tags becoming an author, goals, know your audience, message, mission statement, Writing purpose

Becoming an Author

7 Ways to Build Writing Education During COVID

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date October 9, 2020
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There’s no denying that COVID has brought about drastic changes to our world in 2020. Yes, most of these changes have resulted in negative impacts—but I’m the kind of person who likes to find growth opportunities in the midst of difficulties. For the aspiring author, one such growth opportunity is the extra time you have been granted to grow in your craft. Why not make something good of this year by investing in your dream and building your education?

Here are seven ways you can do just that:

1. Enroll in a virtual course. The online courses available for writers today are limitless—there are courses on storytelling, character creation, editing, description, show vs. tell, and even courses on the business and publishing side of the industry. No one should have an excuse to not be educated in writing. My personal favorite place to build my writing education is through Serious Writers Academy. (Shameless plug: You can check out my course on deep POV by clicking here!)

2. Sign up for a membership to receive continuous education. You may be interested to see what Novel.Academy has to offer (an online school specifically geared toward inspirational novelists).

3. Receive mentorship from seasoned writers. (I offer a three-month mentorship, WRITE NOW, in which I privately coach teens and young adults who aspire to learn more about both the craft and the industry of writing.)

4. Receive a critique and/or edit of your book from a professional.

5. Find a virtual critique partner or class.

6. Enroll in a virtual writing conference. (I look forward to teaching at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in November! This conference offers both a virtual and an in-person attendance option.)

7. Last but not least, read books! There are countless of books on the market that are geared toward writers who hope to grow in their storytelling abilities, craft, editing skills, marketing, and learn more about the business side of writing.

What have been some of your favorite ways to grow your writing education during COVID? Do you have any that you would recommend? Feel free to share in the comments!

Tags becoming an author, Covid19, Grow in the writing craft, writing classes

Becoming an Author

Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 4: Career

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date September 9, 2020
No Comments on Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 4: Career

As an actress, I’ve always been fascinated with the many ways in which the craft of acting can compare to the craft of writing. There is much that writers can learn from actors that can help us deepen characterization, tap into emotion, and break down scenes and plot.

In the previous post of this series, I shared about other ways in which writers can glean from actors apart from the craft—specifically when it comes to the approach to the writing process. Today, I’d like to share a few realizations I’ve discovered about the career of acting that writers can benefit from as well.

On Career…

1. Your style will add a spark of uniqueness to your story in a way that only you can. When casting directors receive auditions for a particular role, they don’t necessarily make their casting decisions based upon who is the “best actor” (although acting ability is certainly vital, of course); rather, they choose the actor who brings a certain life to the character. Different actors will perform the same role various ways. Because of this, actors need to focus on what they specifically can bring to the character that others cannot. Let’s learn how to apply this to our writing as well. There is a unique voice, a “life,” that only you can bring to the page. Allow that to show forth in your writing.

2. Don’t underestimate the value of training. Actors understand this value; after all, they must include this in their resumes when they submit to casting directors! It’s impressive for a casting director to see that an actor has studied with professional acting coaches. Similarly, it’s impressive for agents and editors to see that writers have devoted time (and money) into sharpening their craft. This proves that the writer is serious about the profession and helps them come across as professional rather than amateur.

3. Rejections aren’t a sign that you’re a bad writer. Serious actors must face rejection nearly every day. With the overwhelming amount of competition, it’s impossible for an actor to land every role he/she auditions for. In the writing industry, publishers and agents have no choice but to be selective, too, as they have limited available slots in their roster to fill. Let’s view rejections as an inevitable byproduct to being a professional rather than a personal offense to our craft.

4. When we detach ourselves to our writing, we leave room to grow. Actors must get accustomed with following the direction given by a director, even if this requires performing a scene in a way that differs from how they had originally rehearsed. But if the actor refuses to follow direction and sticks with the original performance, he will likely come across as both amateur and prideful. Let’s apply this same lesson to our writing. The process of receiving feedback from an editor can be painful—but let’s not cling to our words so tightly that we refuse to change and listen to constructive feedback. It’s in this process of change that we grow as a writer.

5. Great art can never be rushed. It’s crazy how, in the filmmaking industry, the shortest scenes often take the longest to film! Yet it’s often those “small moments” that make for the biggest impact. When we write, let’s not rush those small moments either. Instead, let’s take the time necessary that will allow that scene to deliver the intended response.

6. When we approach writing, let’s not aim for perfection. Rather, let’s learn as much as we can about the craft, and when it’s actually time to write that first draft, we can let go and trust our inner artist. This is what I’ve been instructed to do from my acting coach, too, and it has really helped me to avoid perfectionist paralysis and deliver my best work.

7. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. How horrible would it be if actors thought about all of their friends and family members who would someday watch their emotional scenes? They’d probably refuse to allow themselves to “go there.” As writers, we, too, must be vulnerable. Don’t worry about who may someday read your book. Stay in the moment, remembering that vulnerability is often what connects most with our audience.

That concludes our series on acting techniques! What have you learned from actors, the acting process, or the career of acting that has most served to be beneficial for you as a writer? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. She writes both fiction and devotionals for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her latest devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, encourages teens to pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.

Tags acting techniques, career advice, constructive criticism, overcoming rejection, professional, vulnerability

Becoming an Author

Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 3

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date August 10, 2020
No Comments on Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 3

So far in this series, I’ve shared with you techniques I’ve learned as an actress that has strengthened my writing. These techniques have helped me deepen characterization, tap into emotion, and break down scenes and plot. But did you know there’s even more we can learn from actors, apart from the craft?

Let’s take a look at what actors can teach us about our approach to the writing process.

On Approaching the Writing Process…

1. If actors want to experiment with a range of possibilities for delivering a certain line or scene, they might experiment with different moment-before scenarios. They will brainstorm a range of ideas as to where their character just came from and what happened to them previously. Doing this will result in unique and fresh responses, reactions, and ways of delivering the scene and their lines. As writers, we can try the same trick. Can you brainstorm new ideas of where your character comes from the moment before a scene takes place? Then allow the scene to unfold in response to each unique moment-before scenario, and take a look at how these moment-before scenarios affect the character and the dialogue, resulting in multiple possibilities of approaching the scene.

2. When an actor is assigned a role in a project, he must understand the overall tone and style of the film (or show). This may require speaking with the director, inquiring about his vision. Understanding the tone will then help the actor adhere to this in each of his scenes, resulting in an overall stylistically cohesive film. Let’s remember to do the same in our projects as well. Let’s ask ourselves, What is the tone of this book, and how will the scene I’m writing now emphasize that tone?

3. Method actors are constantly reminded that good acting is not equivalent to a good “performance” of their lines. In other words, actors should not memorize the inflection of the voice in delivering lines, the mechanics of performing; doing this actually results in unauthentic acting. This bad acting is often a result of an actor relying too heavily on the left side of their brain while they are delivering their lines. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed the same fault amongst writers as well. When we write—especially those firsts drafts—let’s not focus so much on the appearance of our art. The way that we string words together to result in a beautiful, flowery language. Oftentimes, this comes across as though the writer is trying too hard to “perform” and show off their writing abilities. Instead, if we hope to deliver an authentic story that touches our readers, we must remember that, when it comes to writing a good story, beautiful writing comes second. That can be embellished after we deliver the heart of the story. Because it’s this heart of the story that will connect with readers and stick with them.

4. Actors must avoid being “in their head” as they act. Thinking is an enemy to method acting. We often do the same when it comes to writing. The more writing techniques we learn, the more tempted we are to become paralyzed by these “writing rules.” But if we try so hard to avoid making a mistake as we write, we risk “being in our head” throughout the entire writing process. The acting coach, Warner Loughlin, suggests that actors “go for the emotional journey of the character, not the result.” I recommend we do the same. Let’s remain in the right side of our brain as we write, allowing our imagination to lead us through the story.

5. Even though a script may already assign lines for an actor to deliver, often a director will allow the actor to bring their own interpretation, reaction, and emotion—as long as it feels natural to who their character is in that moment. In writing, let’s give ourselves the freedom to improvise in our scenes as well, allowing our characters to come to life. Instead of being strictly tied to our plot/scene outlines, let’s grant these characters the freedom to act on their natural impulses and follow their instincts. Then we can see where these choices lead the scene and story.

Which of these tips do you struggle with the most? Let me know in the comments!

Tags acting techniques, authenticity, creativity in writing, moment before, over-thinking, Tone, write from the heart, writing process

Becoming an Author

Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 2

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date July 9, 2020
1 Comment on Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 2

As I mentioned in the previous post, there is much we can learn on the writing craft by studying acting techniques. Last week, we discussed characterization, so check that out here if you missed it!

Today I want to share with you the tips writers can learn from actors on the breakdown of plot/scene and the conveying of emotion.

On Scene/Plot Breakdown…

1. Characters do not leave a scene the same way they entered it. There is always a moment that brings about transformation—externally, internally, or both. Allow this progression to take place naturally within the character rather than being forced upon for the sake of the story.

2. Understand how the previous scene influences the current scene. Did it result in the development of a new minor goal for the POV character? What are the character’s expectations? What decisions did they make in the previous scene that resulted in their current state of circumstances?

3. Identify the scenes in the overall plot that result in a major shift internally within the character.

4. In a scene, an actor never simply stands around. They are always doing something: listening, thinking, fidgeting, etc. Allow the pause moments of your character to serve as a reflection of who they are.

5. What is the subtext of a scene? In real life, we don’t always say what we mean—however, we show what we mean by our tone of voice, our actions, expressions, etc. What is the story beneath the dialogue at hand, and how can you show that to your readers? How do your characters reflect their true intentions?

6. Allow the internal desires and external goals of your character to guide the story and scenes. In each scene, an actor must be in touch with the goal(s) and desire(s) that guide the character through both the scene and the overall plot journey. Doing this accomplishes the following: it allows the actor to create natural responses to the given circumstances, provides motivation for the journey, and creates tension when those desires/goals go unmet.

7. Identify the tension in every scene. Conflict adds a spark of interest and keeps the audience (readers) engaged.

On Emotion…

1. The acting technique of substitution allows actors to tap into intended emotions and reactions in a given scene. They do this by recalling a time when they experienced a similar emotion in their own life. As writers, we, too, can allow our own memories to help us recreate emotions on a page. These authentic emotions will bring readers deeper into the story, allowing them to connect on a heart level with the character.

2. The acting instructor, Uta Hagen, advised actors to use sense memory to connect with emotions. This involves recalling a specific memory and the senses attached. For example, think about a specific time when you felt appreciated. What did you see, feel, taste, smell, and hear? When you can specifically recall those details, the memory will strengthen, as well as the emotion attached. As writers, when we struggle to portray a specific emotion, let’s return to a time when we experienced a similar emotion. We can allow the sensory details of that memory to help us convey that in our writing.

3. Don’t force tears. People often think crying on cue is equivalent to good acting, but that’s not the case. Forcing tears comes across as unauthentic to the audience and does not connect with them. If an actor truly wants to convey the emotion, they must experience it. So, if a script calls for tears in an actor but s/he isn’t feeling it, then the actor must not fake it.

We can use the same principle in our writing by only portraying emotion that make sense for the character, given who they are and their state of circumstances. In acting, even more important than the manifestation of tears is the emotional depth the actor can bring. In fact, it’s often more powerful to watch a character trying to resist the urge of tears. Let’s remember this when we write emotional scenes. Forced tears are not equivalent to powerful emotion; in fact, it comes across as melodramatic and unrealistic. The acting instructor, Uta Hagen, once said, “Emotion takes us; we can’t take it.”

Don’t forget to check out the list of recommended reads included in the previous post!

Next time, we will discuss the tips actors teach us on the craft of writing and the overall career and process of writing.

Which of these tips most resonates with you? Let me know in the comments!

Tags acting techniques, advice for writers, Characterization, emotion, Plot, scene/plot breakdown, scenes

Becoming an Author

Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 1: Characterization

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date June 18, 2020
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Over the years, I’ve studied the craft of both writing and acting, and I’ve been amazed at how the two art forms can feed off of each other.

This year—thanks to extra time provided by quarantine—I’ve taken my study of acting a step further by enrolling in virtual classes. And you know what’s crazy? I’ve noticed an increased depth in my writing as well. These acting techniques have helped me to, 1) Bring readers deeper into my character’s POV, 2) “Humanize” my characters, and 3) Portray authentic emotion.

And now I would like to share these tips with you!

For this series, I’ve compiled a list of tips so that you, too, can deepen your writing.

These tips are succinct; however, if you’re serious about deepening your characterization then I would advise doing your own research. Trust me: These techniques will add a layer of authenticity to your writing! (See the end of this post for recommended reads.)

Acting Tips On Characterization…

1. Develop the inner life of your main character: backstory, worldview, ambitions, needs, fears, etc. This will shape who they are today. Thus, their behavior, mannerisms, speech—external life—will be influenced by this inner life.

2. Understand how your main character’s relationships with various people exposes different sides of them.

3. Find the small connection you have with your POV character and portray that with all your might. You might not be a competitive person by nature, but perhaps you can recall a time when you were competitive. Then, if your POV character is a competitive person, bring that connection out as much as possible. Uta Hagen suggests that actors “Play within the territory of you.”

4. A character’s dialogue, emotion, and behavior are triggered by a specific stimulus. Find this stimulus, and then create the authentic reaction for your character at that time. This will keep readers from claiming that they didn’t understand why the character behaved in certain manners, because it will make sense within the context of the scene.

5. Layer your character by assigning mannerisms and styles of speech that reflect who they are. How do they dress? Stand? Walk? Enter a room? How does this reflect who they are?

6. How does your character’s bedroom, “prop pieces,” and wardrobe say about them? Do they have memories attached to specific objects? How is this reflected in the way they interact with the environment/props?

7. Our character’s decisions should be justified. Even if the choices seem ridiculous on the surface, readers should understand why the character reacted/behaved in that manner. The choice should make sense for the character at the time.

8. Bring humanity into stereotypical roles. Yes, stereotypes exist in real life so it’s okay for them to exist in our writing as well. But stereotypes are only a label. As writers, let’s go deeper by rounding out the character, giving them desires, fears, needs, etc.

9. Physical choices can highlight various aspects of our characters. In Natalie Portman’s Master Class on acting, she uses an example of a scene in The Deer Hunter. As Meryl Streep’s character walked down the street in this scene, she took a moment to stop at a shop and fix her hair in the reflection. Use any opportunity you can to show who your character is rather than to simply tell.

10. Your character existed before the story began, so bring your fully developed character into the circumstances of your scene. The character development you do ahead of time will enable them to come across as human rather than a caricature. You will know your character so well that their responses, emotions, and choices will come more naturally and quickly to you since they have already been formed in your imagination.

In the following posts I will share further acting tips that will help you convey emotion, break down scenes, etc. In the meantime, if you would like to do your own study of acting, here are books I would recommend:

The Warner Loughlin Technique (this can aid writers in crafting a character’s backstory)
Respect for Acting (method acting tips for characterization)
Getting into Character: Seven Secrets Novelists Can Learn From Actors
Method Acting for Writers (I have yet to read this one)

Any other characterization techniques we can learn from actors? Let me know in the comments!

Tags acting, acting techniques, authenticity, character development, character motivation, Characterization

Becoming an Author

Rediscover Your Motivation for the Writing Journey

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date May 9, 2020
1 Comment on Rediscover Your Motivation for the Writing Journey

If you’ve been trudging along the writing path long enough, you’ve probably already discovered that it isn’t for the faint of heart. I have worked on a fiction manuscript for the past two years, and I’ve devoted hours into brainstorming, plotting, researching, writing, and editing … despite the fact that it is not yet a contracted project. I have earned zero amount of dollars for this book up to this point, and frankly, there is no guarantee that it even will be published.

Non-writers—more specifically, non-artists—don’t understand this. Why spend hours alone, working on a project that may or may not see the light of day?

Because us artists understand that the fruit of our labor is not necessarily found in the end result.

It is found in the artistic process itself.

True writers don’t write simply for the money, the exposure, the attention, the publication. The writers who do have this as their initial motivation never seem to last long in this industry.

So what is it that keeps true writers persevering, even when the finish line seems out of reach?

Their motivation rests in their passion for the craft. The joy that is found as they breathe a new story into existence. The adrenaline rush they discover as they type, trying to string the perfect words together to paint their imagination. That motivation is found in the feeling of accomplishment when a word count goal has been reached, or when a new plot twist has been uncovered.

So if you have found yourself discouraged along the writing journey—wondering if you will receive a return of investment—let me remind you that the greatest return of your investment is your passion. If you’re searching for a career that will grant you a fair return of investment, then perhaps this isn’t the career for you.

If passion isn’t your sole motivation behind this writing journey, then perhaps you don’t have the right fuel to keep you persevering for the long haul.

But if it is the reason you continue to write, even when the rejections roll in—if passion is to blame for the tireless work, the dollars you’ve invested into purchasing writing courses and conferences and books—then, rest assured: The journey will be worth it.

Why?

Because it’s that passion that will cause readers to resonate with your work.

It’s passion that will bring meaning to your work.

Without it, our writing would come across as dry. Our stories would be shallow. And our journey would be even more taxing.

I challenge you to rediscover your motivation for this writing journey. Don’t allow rejections to allow you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Don’t allow the state of the publishing industry to zap your joy for the writing process.

And if your creative well has been running dry—if you have found yourself exhausted from the ups and downs of this path—then remind yourself of why you fell in love with writing in the first place.

It’s only then, after rediscovering the joy of writing, that you will have the fuel you need to keep trekking along this crazy journey toward publication.

How do you rediscover your motivation along your writing journey? Let me know in the comments!

Tags Discouragement, motivation, Passion, rediscover your motivation, writing journey, Writing purpose

Becoming an Author

5 Creative Writing Prompts for the Quarantined Writer

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date April 9, 2020
No Comments on 5 Creative Writing Prompts for the Quarantined Writer

If you, like the rest of the world, have been stuck inside of your home because of the Coronavirus, why not use this as a time to increase your writing productivity? After all, we’re not the only writers who have been forced to self-isolate; it has been said that Shakespeare produced his play, King Lear, while facing the plague as well.

However, I don’t know about you, but my creativity often becomes stifled when I’m locked indoors for too long. Sometimes all I need is a walk in the neighborhood (or the treadmill), a writing prompt—and, of course, dark chocolate—to get those creative juices flowing again.

If you’re in need of fresh inspiration, I challenge you to put down the TV remote. Make good use of this time by allowing your imagination to run wild with one, or all, of the writing prompts listed below.

Feel free to share your responses to these prompts in the comments!

Choose one country, or city, you have always had an itch to visit, and pretend as though you are vacationing to this place and have decided to keep a travel journal. (This should take place after the virus clears, of course!) Write the first entry of your travel journal. What did you do on your first day of vacation? Did you meet anyone significant? Did you go sightseeing? What kind of food did you eat?
Write about the best dream adventure you have ever experienced. Why did you enjoy this dream, and what happened during it? Explain the dream, and then pretend as if you have returned to that dream world. How does it continue to unfold in your imagination?
You wake up and mysteriously find yourself in the castle pictured at this link. What happens next?
Find three objects that are within reach. Now, pretend as though these are the three objects you have chosen to bring with you to a deserted island, and write a story that involves you surviving on this island with these three objects.
Put your music on shuffle. Then, write a scene or story idea that combines the first song that plays and the first image to appear on this randomize list of photographs. Keep going—pairing the second song with the second photograph, etc.—until you have written five scenes and/or story ideas.

Tags creativity, quarantined, Writing Inspiration, writing prompts

Becoming an Author

Wishing for Publication Part 2: 5 Ways to Embrace the Waiting

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date March 9, 2020
No Comments on Wishing for Publication Part 2: 5 Ways to Embrace the Waiting

It seems as though every season in the publishing industry invites a new waiting game: Writing the book. Editing. Sending it out on submission. And then even the contract process and book release itself. So why should aspiring authors wait when they can easily choose the fast track instead? We discussed the answer to this question in the last post, so you can check that out here.

In today’s post, we will answer the question, how can aspiring authors make the most of these dreadful waiting season?

Here’s the easy answer: avoid focusing on the end result, and instead reframe your mindset and choose to actually embrace these in-between stages. This is a journey, after all, and one that isn’t entirely about the destination. Besides, the majority of our writing career will be spent in these seasons—so we might as well get used to them!

To offer a more practical answer, however, here are five ways aspiring authors can grow in the in-between stages of the publication journey:

1. Keep writing.

Unfortunately, many writers assume waiting equals twiddling their fingers, waiting for the agent/editor to respond to their submission. Sure, it’s healthy to take a break from writing. But when that break is over, why allow this lack of response to keep you from moving forward?

Aspiring authors will never know if the first book they send out will gain interest or not. That’s just the cold truth of the publishing industry. Those who truly want to see their dreams come to pass will get back to work, writing a new book, because they know that publication on that first one is never guaranteed.

2. Keep reading craft books.

Writing is an art form and is more instinctive than logical, so what good is it to read books on how to write? Even though that is true, there’s no denying that storytelling, as well as the act of putting words and sentences together to spark imagination, is a craft. Those who sharpen their craft are the ones who will excel in this skill—just like musicians and actors and dancers develop their craft as they learn from instructors. And since it can take a while to read these craft books, what better time to read them than during a waiting season?

3. Keep filling your creative tank.

Only you know what activities help you spark new story and character ideas. Maybe it’s taking a walk around an art museum, watching an old film, snapping photos, or reading books in the genre you write. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to partake in these creative outlets that are outside of writing, because doing so will likely replenish your creative tank (and trust me, this writing journey will demand this tank to be replenished frequently!).

4. Get involved in the writing community.

Writing can be a solitary journey, and it can be even more difficult to endure these waiting seasons and face rejections without other writers by our side. This is why we need to engage with other writers. They can offer us encouragement when we feel discouraged and remind us of why we chose to take this journey in the first place. So how can you find these friends? I advise taking writing classes, signing up for a writing/critique group, attending writing conferences, or even reaching out to likeminded writers within the online writing community.

5. Keep growing your platform.

I know—platform isn’t the most exciting word for an aspiring author to hear. I do advise focusing on your craft first before platform; however, there is no escaping the truth that establishing a platform is becoming more and more important in today’s publishing age. As an agent, I will occasionally receive rejections from publishers simply because a client needs to work on his/her platform. So while you wait, why not do what you can to grow this platform? Consider writing articles for publication, launching a newsletter list, and engaging on social media. Don’t worry: These platform-building efforts will not be wasted time (as long as you keep writing your first priority, of course).

As you can see, there are plenty of ways aspiring authors can be an active waiter rather than a passive waiter. Are there any other tips you can add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

Tags becoming an author, in-between stages, publication, waiting

Becoming an Author

Wishing for Publication Part 1: Rush or Wait?

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date February 9, 2020
1 Comment on Wishing for Publication Part 1: Rush or Wait?

When I receive a new submission at Illuminate YA fiction (teen imprint of LPC Books), I can usually determine fairly quickly if the writer has sent an undercooked manuscript.

It’s disappointing, too, because many of these undercooked submissions offer potential. The premise is intriguing. The main character is likeable. But unfortunately, the content just doesn’t match with what was promised in the cover letter.

To illustrate this—let’s pretend you’ve bought a box of brownies to bake. The picture of the fudgy brownies displayed on the box makes your mouth water so much that you just can’t possibly wait 30 minutes for them to bake. You need them now. So after putting them in the oven, you trim that time and set the timer for 5 minutes instead. Shouldn’t make much of a difference, should it?

But unless you want to eat undercooked brownies (which doesn’t actually sound so bad to me!), that twenty-five minutes will strike the difference between batter-brownies and cakey brownies.

So even though these Illuminate submissions may seem close to being of professional quality, we typically ask these authors to revise, according to our feedback, and resubmit no sooner than three months. Why? We know that, if we were to give them a small follow-up time window, we would risk receiving yet another undercooked submission.

The truth is—quality takes time.

Yes, I know this may be a hard truth to swallow when it comes to your publication dreams. The idea of holding your book may seem so alluring that you’re tempted to do whatever it takes just to make that dream come true ASAP. And with the ease of self-publishing these days, that temptation may actually be unbearable.

So why should an aspiring author stick around for the long haul when short cuts are easily accessible? Is it worth the frustrations that may come with waiting?

I believe so. Here’s why:

By rushing, you get a book out there and may even garner some pretty good reviews. But … you’ll sacrifice the potential to garner five-star reviews instead.

By waiting, it may take a while to perfect the manuscript. But … the emails you’ll receive (once it is published) from readers who rave about your book and its strong writing will be priceless.

By rushing, you throw your book together and can claim you have officially written a story from beginning to end. But … the story never had a chance to gain the kind of depth that could bring it to life.

By waiting, it may be years before your dream comes to pass. But … this process grooms writers into authors. The kind who are able to withstand long-term author careers.

By rushing, you can finally see your name on a printed book! But … your brand and reputation as an author is now attached to an undercooked piece of work.

By waiting, you may receive endless rejections and grow weary of the inaction. But … you are developing patience and humility, both of which are necessary character traits for an author to possess.

By rushing, you will be able to tell people that you are officially an author. But … you lack the sense of accomplishment you would have had if you didn’t take the short cuts.

By waiting, you may grow frustrated as you realize there is much about the writing craft and publishing industry that is unfamiliar to you. But … during this process, you are sharpening your craft and learning how the industry works.

By rushing, you can have multiple books out on Amazon for the world to enjoy. But … the joy of meeting each new author milestone may be cheapened and underappreciated.

By waiting, it may take years for you to prepare the fields and set the foundation of your author career. But … the fruit that will result is the lasting kind that will not spoil over time.

So, rush or wait … which will you decide?

I would love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments what you believe are the pros and cons of waiting vs. rushing.

In the next post, I will share with you how you can make the most of these waiting seasons.

Now, if you’ll excuse me … I have some brownies to take out of the oven!

Tags patience, publication, quality, rushing, submissions, submit your work, YA

Becoming an Author

Avoid Automatic Rejections by Following This Checklist

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date December 9, 2019
No Comments on Avoid Automatic Rejections by Following This Checklist

It can be discouraging to not receive a response on your submission—and even more frustrating when the response is an automatic “no.” I personally don’t give automatic rejections to submission; however, there are agents and editors who may delete a submission even before they’ve had a chance to evaluate it.

It might sound rude for them to delete a submission before even considering the project. However, they receive multiple submissions per week. If a writer does not adhere to specific guidelines, then, well, that’s an easy way for the agent/editor to separate the pros from the amateurs. If the writer can’t follow the submission guidelines, how can the editor/agent trust that they will behave professionally in the future?

Would you like to avoid this automatic no? If so, here are 5 questions to review before hitting the submit button:

1. Did I spell the agent or editor’s name correctly?

This is likely the first impression you’ll make (after the subject line, of course). You would be surprised how many emails I receive that are addressed to “Emily” (my middle name) rather than “Tessa” (my first name)!

2. Am I submitting to the right person?

Check the site. Ensure that the agent or editor accepts your genre and would make a good match for your works.

3. Did I follow the specific guidelines?

There are some writers who think they’re “above” the rules. But guidelines are set for a reason! Don’t be lazy—unless, of course, that’s the impression you’d like to make. I doubt it is. You’re hoping to work with this agent or editor, so make sure it’s obvious that you are a professional. And professionals don’t carry an egotistical attitude.

4. Have I edited my submission—including the query letter, book proposal, and sample chapters?

Don’t rush this process. Search for typos. You are a writer, after all. And even though writers aren’t always perfect in the arena of grammar and punctuation, your submission will look sloppy if it’s not clean. (I personally recommend asking others to read over the proposal/submission just to double-check. We’re often blind to our own faults.)

5. Did I submit the right file and adhere to the standard format?

Again, you’ll want to read the guidelines carefully to make sure you’ve hit every request regarding format, font, and file type.

For those who are unfamiliar with this process, you may think agents and editors are asking too much of writers—as if they’re requesting you to jump through unnecessary hoops. But trust me when I say that these guidelines are set for a reason. Not to frustrate the author, but because it helps the agents and editors to quickly evaluate each submission in an orderly manner. It also helps to differentiate the pros from the amateurs. Do what you can to come across as a pro! Keep in mind, too, that almost every successful traditionally published author has gone through this process.

Then, when you’re ready—and only then—should you send your work out to the publishing world. But not without going over this checklist first, of course!

Tags becoming an author, query, rejection, submission guidelines, submissions, submit your work

Becoming an Author

Are Your Expectations for a Literary Agent Too High? Part 2

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date November 9, 2019
No Comments on Are Your Expectations for a Literary Agent Too High? Part 2

In the previous post, I discussed how you can prepare for a literary agent by approaching the relationship with the right expectations. If you have not had a chance to read that post, be sure to do so by clicking here.

As mentioned previously, agent preferences will vary from author to author. There is nothing wrong with having preferences when it comes to searching for an agent; however, a problem can arise if these preferences transform into high standards that are impossible for any agent to meet.

So how can you know if you are expecting standards that are too high for a potential agent to fulfill? Well, let’s take a look at the tasks that a literary agent is not required to fulfill.

Agents are not required to…

Guarantee a publishing deal. While agents should work hard in an effort to land a contract for their clients, the end result is ultimately out of their hands.
Edit your manuscript. Although this is not a requirement, there are some agents who are more hands-on and editorial than others.
Serve as a mentor for their clients’ writing career. This, too, will vary from agent to agent. (I personally like to view myself as a mentor for my clients by offering encouragement, advice, and support for their careers.)
Communicate with clients unless there is a specific reason for doing so (for example, if the agent has sent your book off on submission or received a response from an editor). However, this should never be an excuse for an agent to ignore his/her clients.
Accommodate to clients’ commands, specifically in regards to where their books should be sent—and when. (Writers should never treat their agent like a slave, nor should they act as though they know more about publishing than their agent. If a client does not trust that their agent is skilled in this area, that is a sign that the agent is simply not a right fit for the writer.) There is, however, nothing wrong with requesting that your agent send your project to specific publishing houses.
Serve as a brainstorming partner. Again, there are some agents who are more hands-on and are happy to offer their ideas and suggestions concerning your works in progress—but this is not a requirement.
Serve as a brainstorming partner in other areas, such as branding and marketing.

If you can approach the submission process by first having a clear understanding as to the requirements of an agent, you will then hopefully have a solid foundation of which you can begin to build your agent preferences. Thus, you will have the direction and vision you need when it comes to choosing the agent that will be best for you. And with a healthy author/agent relationship, you will be well on your way to achieving your publishing dreams.

I would love to hear your thoughts! What are your top preferences when it comes to choosing a literary agent? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show teens they’re not alone. Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa’s first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House in 2018. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.

Tags agents, author-agent relationship, expectations, literary agent, mentors

Dear Young Scribes

Young Writer, You Are Enough

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date August 9, 2018
No Comments on Young Writer, You Are Enough

I was fifteen years old when I officially decided to launch my writing journey. I began by devouring books within the genre I’d like to write, studying the craft, learning how the industry works, starting a blog, and I wrote the first draft of my debut novel, PURPLE MOON.

When I attended my first conference a year later, I met several writers who were supportive and encouraged me in my writing journey. I can’t tell you how many people have told me, “I wish I was your age when I’d started out!” However, over the years I’ve also come across writers (and professionals) who don’t seem to have a respect for young writers. Some might even categorize them all as inexperienced, impatient, and assume they can’t write because they haven’t been in the industry long enough.

It’s as if some people will only respect writers if they’ve held a college degree for years, have worked in another profession, and then they finally decide to pursue this field well-into their parenting years.

There aren’t enough people who are encouraging young writers. Assuring them that they are enough. Yes, you can launch your writing journey at a young age. No, you might not have as much “life experience” as the writer who is double or triple your age–but will that keep you from a publishing contract? Only if that lack is reflected in your writing. However, I constantly come across submissions at Hartline Literary Agency from young writers whose talent is far beyond their years. I wouldn’t have known they were young had they not mentioned it in their proposal!

Young writers are passionate about storytelling. Driven to learn and improve their craft. Dedicated. Innovative. Intelligent. Imaginative. Teachable. Willing to embrace new challenges and adapt to the shifting industry. And isn’t this what editors at publishing houses are seeking? (I’ll answer for you: Yes!)

If you’re a young writer who is dealing with doubts and discouragement over your age or lack of experience, let me assure you that you are enough. Age does not have to keep you from striving toward your dreams.

And if you ever do begin to wrestle with discouragement, here are a few things to remember…

You are the leaders of tomorrow’s publishing industry. Your future books could set new trends amongst your genre. Who knows? You might even see your story come to life on the big screen someday! (Hmm…I wonder if Veronica Roth ever believed she was too young to write “Divergent” as a young adult…)
You are tomorrow’s best-selling and award-winning authors. Your books could be treasured and adored for years by future generations.
You are more likely to embrace and adapt to the new changes within the industry—especially where technology is concerned.
You are eager to grow; therefore, you are open to criticism and feedback and maintain a teachable attitude.
You’re familiar with the struggles of your generation. Your influence and voice amongst your peers might be louder (and less judgey!) than those who cannot relate.

Of course, the publishing journey might not come quick or easy for you. You have plenty of time to grow, develop, and glean from those who have gone before you. That’s why it’s important to start now–especially if you know this is a dream of yours.

Don’t be surprised, however, if you do come across writers or professionals who don’t take you seriously. If you do, just brush off their opinions and keep moving forward. Allow your confidence as a young writer to be your response.

Besides–those who might criticize you because of your age? I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re just bitter. They’re probably thinking, “If only I would’ve been smart enough to start my writing journey at that age!” 😉

If you’re a young writer, which do you receive more regarding your age–encouragement or criticism? Is there anything you’d like to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

[bctt tweet=”Young Writer, You Are Enough @TessaEmilyHall #amwriting #teenwriters ” username=””]

Tags Dear Young Scribes, encouragement, encouraging, motivation, motivational, publication, teen writers, Tessa Emily Hall, Writing Conferences, writing journey, young writer

Dear Young Scribes

Insta-Savvy for the Socials: 5 Tips for Boosting Instagram Growth – Guest Post by Caroline George

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date July 9, 2018
No Comments on Insta-Savvy for the Socials: 5 Tips for Boosting Instagram Growth – Guest Post by Caroline George

Social media provides a new frontier ready for settlers. We gaze at its complex landscape of influencers, followers, and likes, and we often elect to spend our time at a coffeehouse, lost in the dip of an overused lounge chair and writing session than develop our online presence.

Writing matters most, right?

Spoiler alert: Publishers want authors with platforms.

Due to changes within the publishing industry, authors bear the responsibility of marketing their work. If they don’t have an audience for their marketing endeavors, they won’t sell their books. And if they don’t sell their books, they risk losing future publishing opportunities.

Most social-savvy individuals agree Instagram dominates the media world. With its diverse methods of content delivery and communication, the platform offers users the chance to engage with their audiences and expand their reach.

Authors, we need to take inventory of our social media tool-belts and decide which instruments best suit our target audience. For example, each social media platform caters to a specific demographic. Facebook tends to reach more users over the age of 30. Twitter also houses a mature demographic and presents business-geared content. Other platforms (Snapchat, Pinterest, etc.) inhabit the social media world, however, in this post, I aim to provide tips to help you boost your Instagram growth.

Some Instagram features to note . . .

Insta-Stories: Temporary posts that appear when a user clicks on an illuminated profile image. Each post lasts 24 hours.
Highlight Reel: Insta-Stories saved on a profile’s page, beneath the bio. These posts do not expire.
Profile: A user’s main page that houses images, highlights, and stories.
Business Profile Analytics: Information stored in a profile’s upper right-hand corner. Shares demographic, best times for posting, content engagement, and more.
Linked Accounts: Other social media platforms connected to the Instagram page. Linked accounts share content with each other.

These features combine the experiences of Snapchat and Facebook, which is why, according to Statista, Instagram currently has over 1 billion active users. The platform welcomes various age groups and focuses on engaging audiences with image-centered content.

What does this mean for authors?

Potential for tremendous reach.
Ability to grow platform with self-curated content.
Chance to connect with readers and build community.

I write for young adults, so Instagram helps me share my content with a teen and millennial audience, book-bloggers, fan girls, and other authors. Using the following 5 tips, I managed to boost my Instagram @authorcarolinegeorge from 500 followers to over 12 thousand followers in 2 years.

5 Tips for Boosting Instagram Growth . . .

Find your niche.

The first step of growing your audience is knowing your audience. What’s their age range? What type of content do they like? How do you reach them in a unique way?

Create your brand.

A brand can simply include color scheme, type of content posted, and overall message.

Know your voice.

Determine how you want to sound on social media. Are you fun and friendly? Do you write blog-style captions or share puns? Will users recognize your writing style? Consistency is key, so once you find your social media voice, stick with it.

Use Instagram’s tools.

To reach your target audience and grow your following, harness the power of hashtags. Sites like Top-Hashtag.com share the most popular hashtags for the type of content you publish. More ways to garner engagement:

Use the Business Profile Analytics to pinpoint the best posting time for your account,
Follow accounts like yours,
Add gifs, polls, and such to your Insta-Story. The more Instagram features you use, the more likely your content will appear in users’ feeds.

Collaborate.

Team up with similar accounts to boost your following! Idea for a collaboration: Offer bloggers a free copy of your book in exchange for a book-themed photo and honest review.

Anyone can become Insta-Savvy with these 5 steps!

Want to know more about social media marketing for authors? Follow me on Instagram @authorcarolinegeorge and Twitter @CarolineGeorge_ for more platform tips.

About Caroline:

A 2017 Belmont University graduate with a double-major in publishing and public relations, Caroline aims to pursue a career committed to helping authors, publishers and organizations project their stories to their publics. She spends her time blogging, writing for various magazines and authoring young adult fiction books (her current publications include “The Prime Way Trilogy” and “The Vestige”). She considers herself a not-so-southern Georgia peach, coffee-junkie and delights in being best known for writing the phrase, “Coffee first. Save the world later.”

Tags caroline george, Dear Young Scribes, guest post, instagram, marketing, platform, promotion, social media

Dear Young Scribes

How to Create a Marketing Plan for your Book—Before it’s Contracted

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date March 9, 2018
2 Comments on How to Create a Marketing Plan for your Book—Before it’s Contracted

Marketing isn’t exactly an author’s favorite job. After all, aren’t writers supposed to keep producing books and rely on their publishers to sell their books for them?

That used to be the case. But now, agents and publishers search to sign with authors who understand how to market a book. They want to trust that the writer will be committed and work hard toward placing their book in front of its target audience.

This is why it’s vital that aspiring authors don’t just learn how to write a book; they must also learn how to create a marketing plan. And yes, it’s smart to do this even before your book is contracted.

For my clients at Hartline Literary Agency, I like to walk them through the process of creating a marketing plan in their proposal. A plan they can put into action when the book releases.

Most writers, I’ve noticed, only include brief promotional ideas under the “Marketing” section of their book proposal. But rather than writing a brief paragraph about a few of your marketing ideas, why not create an action plan—just like you’d do if the book were preparing to release?

Doing this will do 3 things:

Prove to the editor that you know what it takes to market a book.
Increase your chances of selling the book to a publisher.
Make marketing easier for you once the book is released. How? Because you’ll already have your plan in place.

Even if you haven’t reached the book proposal creation stage, I highly recommend that you go ahead and begin crafting the first draft of your marketing plan.

That way, once it’s time to put your marketing section together for your proposal, you won’t be tempted to write the following paragraph:

“To market this book, I’ll hold book signings at bookstores and sell the book at writing conferences. Some other ideas include: hold giveaways and contests on my social media accounts, do a blog tour, and speak at schools and libraries.”

Please do not write that into your book proposal. If you really want to stand out and impress the editor, then you’ll want to create an actual marketing plan.

Here’s how:

Categorize your plan into the type of marketing.

For example…

ONLINE MARKETING

PRINT MARKETING

TV/RADIO MARKETING

CREATIVE MARKETING

SPEAKING

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

Beneath each category, list about 3 – 7 steps you’ll take once the book is published. Be specific by listing the newspapers, magazines, radio stations, etc. that you’d like to reach out to once the book is published.

For example:

ONLINE MARKETING:

Arrange a 10 – 30-stop blog tour surrounding the release of the book
Submit articles to teen websites, such as [list here]
Hold a 15-day Instagram challenge using the hashtag #PursueYourDreams
Invite my street team to read an early copy of my book in exchange for an honest review
Plan a book cover reveal with my street team members

As you create your marketing plan, keep in mind that you are not expected to do it all. If your marketing plan is too extensive, then the editor probably won’t take it too seriously. Be sure to write a plan that you will put into action. Make it realistic and reasonable by giving ideas that you know you can follow through with.

Only choose marketing efforts that 1) you’re passionate about, 2) you can logistically put into action, and 2) that will reach your target audience. Even better if your marketing strategies can intersect the three!

My advice? Familiarize yourself with how to market a book. Don’t wait until you have a contract. Not only will this impress an agent/publisher, but it’ll also take pressure off of yourself once you do sign a contract and begin navigating the intimidating waters of marketing.

Who knows? You might even discover that you enjoy the idea of marketing more than you thought you would!

What are your favorite marketing strategies? Do you enjoy the process of marketing, or would you prefer to spend the time writing instead? Let me know in the comments!

[bctt tweet=”How to Create a Marketing Plan for your Book—Before it’s Contracted #writerslife #amwriting @TessaEmilyHall ” username=””]

Tags Almost an Author, book proposal, book release, marketing, marketing plan, marketing strategies, promotion, promotional efforts, publicity, publishing, Tessa Emily Hall

Dear Young Scribes

3 Gifts Authors Offer Their Readers

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date December 9, 2017
No Comments on 3 Gifts Authors Offer Their Readers

Let’s face it: There isn’t a guaranteed and instant pay off for the writer who works hard at finishing his/her book. Especially when this book isn’t under contract.

Perhaps you’ve invested hours into growing in your craft and writing your book—only to receive harsh critiques. Maybe you’ve been tempted to give up on this dream altogether and find a more profitable way to spend your time.

The ugly truth is, you’re not guaranteed success in this industry. You’re not guaranteed that this book will become a best seller, receive a literary award, or obtain shining literary reviews. So is the little income you might receive from this book worth the blood, sweat, and tears you’re pouring into this project?

I believe the answer to this question lies in your underlying motivation for writing your book.

If you only write in hopes to become a best seller, then no, you might not receive the pay-off you long for.

If you only write in hopes to make a full-time living as an author, then you might find yourself disappointed when your first paycheck arrives.

This is why I’ve made it my goal to view my writing as a ministry and not just as a career. Because when I view it through these lenses, then my perspective shifts. The fuel I have to keep pounding away at the keyboard no longer stems from imagining the award I might receive in some distant future.

It instead stems from obeying God’s call to use my gift for His glory. It stems from imagining the readers who might someday be touched by the words I write.

In other words: If God wants me to write, then He must have a plan for these words. They won’t be used in vain. No, I might not receive much of a profit from them—but my readers might.

So what can our readers gain by the books we write out of obedience?

Here are just a few…

The gift of a story.

Stories are priceless treasures. What books have you read that gave you a unique perspective or challenged you in some way? Have you experienced the escapism that comes from being swept into a fictive dream? Oftentimes, we relate certain books with specific seasons in our lives. (How many people have thanked J.K. Rowling for “making” their childhood?) When we create a story that becomes a treasure to our readers, we leave a legacy. Our words and characters will forever leave an imprint on their hearts. And when we receive a letter from readers who tell us how much our book meant to them, that’s when we know our work paid off.

The gift of encouragement, inspiration, entertainment, motivation, etc.

This might vary based on the genre you write. For instance, do you write science fiction in hopes to entertain? Or do you write Christian fiction in hopes to inspire? You never know: The book you’re working on now could be the very story that motivates one of your readers to follow their dreams. Or put God at the center of their marriage. Or perhaps your book will simply entertain your readers and allow them to take a break from the demands of life and find enjoyment through escaping into another universe.

The gift of characters.

Be honest: Have you ever developed a friendship with a book character? Although readers understand that the characters in fiction stories don’t exist, there’s still a sense of reassurance that comes when we “meet” a character who resonates with us in some way. Ultimately, characters are the reason we’ll remember a story. Tweens and teens especially like to find a friendship in the characters they read about. (I felt this way when I read The Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn as teen.)

The next time you’re tempted to give up on your book, return to your underlying motivation for writing. Make a list of the gifts you hope to offer your future readers, and allow this to serve as fuel for your passion.

Because when our core motivation stems from the gifts we can offer our readers rather than the “success” we hope to attain, then we’ll likely become far more content with the outcome in the long run.

What other gifts can authors offer their readers? What gifts have you received from stories you’ve read? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

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Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show teens they’re not alone. Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa’s first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House in 2018. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

Tags Dear Young Scribes, Tessa Emily Hall, Three Gifts Authors Give Readers

Dear Young Scribes

How to Prepare For Pitch Sessions at a Writing Conference

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date November 9, 2017
1 Comment on How to Prepare For Pitch Sessions at a Writing Conference

I attended my first writing conference when I was sixteen-years-old. This is what lead to the publication of my first novel, PURPLE MOON.

Since then, I’ve attended conferences yearly and have grown in my craft, established connections that were beneficial to my career, and made lasting friendships and memories.

But these conferences can be intimidating for newbies — especially if you’re a teen like I was.

A young writer recently asked me,

“I was wondering if you have any advice for pitch appointments? I’ll be attending a conference this fall and it will be my first conference where I’ll be pitching my novel in a formal setting.”

For those of you who don’t know, at a writer’s conference, you have the opportunity to meet with agents and publishers and pitch your book. At most conferences, these appointments last about 15 minutes.

Which means that, as a writer, you must make a great first impression in this short amount of time in hopes that they will request your full manuscript (or proposal).

As a writer, Associate Agent, and Acquisitions Editor, I’ve experienced what it’s like to be on both sides of the table. I’ve learned — through trial and error, and through witnessing the pitches of others — what to do and what not to do.

Here is what you do want to do during these pitch sessions:

Prepare beforehand. Write a concise tagline of your book that you can deliver during the pitch. Make a list of potential questions the agent or editor might ask. Do your research on who it is that you’re pitching to. You might also want to make a list of questions that you’d like to ask them as well.
During the pitch, give a brief introduction, then tell the agent/editor your title and genre. Then dive into the concise pitch. If you have a one sheet or sample chapters, ask if the agent/editor would like to see it.
Remember: passion makes an impression when it’s contained within the boundaries of a professional approach. You want to be passionate about your project, but not so passionate that you begin to ramble.
Project confidence, not arrogance. Believe in your book and don’t be afraid to tell the agent/editor about your publishing history and writing qualifications. (They will want to know this!)
Refrain from over-delivering — give them just enough of a hook to wet their appetite for more.You’ll also want to leave time for them to ask questions to you and vice versa.

The most important thing to remember? Relax. Have fun with this! Don’t put pressure on yourself to leave with contract interest, but to share your passion for your book and receive feedback and direction.

The agent/editor isn’t meeting with you to criticize you; in fact, they’re hoping to find projects that they can pursue. Many times they’re happy just to offer their input, even if they may not be interested in the project at the time.

Is anyone else planning to attend a conference soon? Let me know in the comments!

(PS … Are you a young writer? Receive a free PDF just for you when you sign up for my young/beginning-writers only mailing list!)

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Tags agent, appointment, pitch, Publisher, teen writers, Writers Conference, writing conference, young writers

Dear Young Scribes

Balancing the Elements of Fiction – Part 1

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date October 9, 2017
2 Comments on Balancing the Elements of Fiction – Part 1

Have you ever noticed how some authors tend to focus too much on writing certain fiction elements, yet ignore the others? Maybe their writing sounds a little like this…

Dialogue
Action beat
Dialogue
Action beat
Dialogue
Action beat

And on and on. Or perhaps the author writes far too much description and internal monologue and not enough dialogue or action. This becomes easily distracting, don’t you think? This is why we need to be careful that we aren’t making the same mistake in our own writing.

The elements of fiction include the following: description, dialogue, exposition, action beats, & interior monologue. Fiction writers should study and master each of these elements separately if they wish to deliver a story in novel format. However, the placement of these elements is vital. The elements need to be braided together throughout each scene and flow naturally so the scene becomes 4D to the reader. It’s a writer’s job to understand how to balance these elements in a way that keeps the pace of the story moving along.

Let’s think about this in movie format. Pretend as though you’re watching a film. If the camera focused on the scenery of the setting rather than the dialogue, I doubt you’d be intrigued enough to continue watching the movie. On the other hand, if the scenes focused on back-and-forth dialogue, don’t you think that’d feel restricting? Each element of the story must work together in order to portray the full spectrum.

If we can establish this in our fiction novels, then we will master the art of crafting a story that immerses our readers and brings them into a “fictive dream”. They’ll feel almost as though the story is happening to themselves rather than to the characters.

This is a balancing act, one that every fiction writer must strive to achieve in their stories. If we give too much emphasis on exposition and description, then dialogue, interior monologue, and beats will be neglected. So how can we balance the elements of fiction?

First, we must understand the definition and role of each element. We’ll discuss this in the next post of this series.

Which of these elements do you tend to give too much attention to in your own writing?

[bctt tweet=”Balancing the Elements of Fiction – Part 1 #writingtips @TessaEmilyHall” username=””]

Image Credit: My Gre Exam Preparation

Tags action, books, description, Dialogue, fiction, fiction elements, interior monologue, writing, Writing Craft, Writing tips

Dear Young Scribes

Creating & Maintaining a Blog to Build a Readership: Part 2

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date August 21, 2017
5 Comments on Creating & Maintaining a Blog to Build a Readership: Part 2

In the previous post, we discussed how writers can build a blog readership by establishing a brand, deciding on a topic, and having a clear target audience in mind. But how is a blog maintained once its created?

Here are 5 strategies I’ve found to be the most helpful:

1. Keep the blog updated 1 – 3 times a week.

When I first started my blog, Christ is Write, I blogged three times a week and noticed great results from this. Now, I only blog once or twice a week. There have been times when I’ve gone weeks without posting. It’s during those times I’ve noticed the greatest dip in my page views.

If you want others to notice your blog, it’s vital to produce weekly content for your readers. That way, they will continue to return week after week.

2. Follow multiple blogs within the same category and comment on their posts.

Remember the blog topics you narrowed down in the last post? Now, find other bloggers who post on the same topics.

For instance, when I launched my blog, I followed multiple bloggers who posted on faith and fiction. Those were the people I wanted to connect with.

If you comment frequently on their posts, your name will become recognizable to them. Pretty soon, they’ll return the favor on your blog as well.

3. Interact with your blog followers.

On the “about” page of my blog, I introduce myself, then invite the readers to introduce themselves in the comments. This gives me the opportunity to know more about my target audience, build relationships, and start conversations.

Also, it’s polite to respond to your comments—even if it’s a simple “thanks for commenting!”. Doing this will show that you appreciate your readers, and it will encourage further conversation on the topic. Then, when readers see that you’ve responded, they’ll be more likely to comment on your future posts, too.

4. Stick to the main topic(s) of your blogs.

Think of your blog like a magazine. If you typically write posts on health and fitness, then your readers should expect posts on dieting, exercise, etc. Don’t you think they’d be a little disappointed if you decided to write a random post on politics?

However, if you have an idea for a post that doesn’t fall under the main topic(s) of your blog, try to brainstorm ways you can cater the post in a way that sticks with the main subject(s).

For instance: When I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I had the urge to write a post about this disease. The only problem? My blog isn’t a medical blog.

Because of this, I decided to write the post in a way that could fit into my “faith” category. I was still able to share my experience and give info on the disease as well. (See Purpose of Trials: 5 Things Being Diagnosed With Diabetes Has Taught Me”.)

5. Write fresh content that will make it easy for others to read, share, and interact.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when writing a post:

Try to keep it between 300 – 850 words
Write short paragraphs
Include 1 – 3 questions at the end of each post that invite readers into a conversation
Research how to write SEO-friendly posts
Make it easy for your readers to share the post on social media
Always use copyright-free images (you can find them on Pixabay.com, Pexels.com, Photopin.com, Unsplash.com, etc.)
Modify your font, size, and colors so it’s easy on the eyes

It takes time, determination, patience, and persistence to grow and maintain a blog. The payoff, however, will be well worth it—especially when it expands your reach and perhaps increases your chances of publication.

For more blogging advice for writers, I highly recommend the book Connections by Edie Melson. Much of what I’ve learned on blogging came from that book, as well as the author’s blog, TheWriteConversation.blogspot.com.

How do you maintain your blog? Let me know in the comments!

Tags blogging, blogging advice, blogging tips, maintain a blog, platform, readership

Dear Young Scribes

What’s Wrong With Adjectives & Adverbs?

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date August 9, 2017
6 Comments on What’s Wrong With Adjectives & Adverbs?

When I was in elementary school, I was taught to incorporate as many adjectives and adverbs into my stories as possible.

My writing sounded like this:

The big, fat, yellow sun shined brightly against the light blue sky.

Colorful, isn’t it? And yet, sometimes those colors are the very things that distract the reader from the story. Literary agent, Sally Apokedak, puts it this way: “…too much description makes the colors all bleed together.”

Nowadays, adjectives and adverbs are considered to be lazy writing. They tend to tell the action, emotion, scenery, etc. instead of allowing the reader to experience it for themselves.

But didn’t books use adverbs and adjectives in the old days?

Yes. But we’re not still making black and white movies anymore, are we? We’ve improved our technology and have discovered new—better—ways of capturing film.

Same with books. We’ve discovered ways to write that invite the reader to delve deeper into the story. We want them to not only read about what the character sees; we want them to see it for themselves. We don’t want them to only read about what the character feels; we want them to hear it for themselves.

Overusing adverbs and adjectives is a form of telling rather than showing.

How to Fix This

Replace adverbs and adjectives with strong verbs and concrete nouns. This will help the reader picture the scene for themselves rather than be told how to picture it. Choose specific nouns and strong verbs that will convey the certain emotion that you want the reader to experience.

For example:

She ran quickly up the stairs.

Replace with a strong verb, such as:

She hurried up the stairs.

She rushed up the stairs.

The adverb isn’t necessary in those sentences. Plus, the verbs convey a much stronger sense of action, don’t you think?

Here’s another example:

The living room was dark and dreary. The long, draping curtains hung over the windows, blocking sunlight from shining brightly into the room.

By replacing the above adjectives with specific nouns, the phrase can be rewritten to the following:

The living room resembled a cave with its dim lighting. Even the pinch pleat curtains that draped over the windows were closed, as if it were a sin to let the sunlight stream into the room.

Should all adverbs and adjectives be deleted?

Not all of them. But nowadays, agents and publishers do not want adjectives and adverbs to slow down the pace of a story. And neither do the readers. Thanks to TV, movies, snapchats, and 3-minute YouTube videos, the attention span of the average reader has decreased a significant amount over the last couple of decades.

Although it is okay to use adjectives sparingly (adverb not intended!), try to find a way to find concrete nouns and verbs to describe the object without relying on an adjective to do the job.

Here’s another example:

The drink was hot.

Rather than telling the reader how the drink felt, use the effect it has on a character through using the senses—that way, the reader can experience it for themselves.

You can replace the above sentence with:

The drink burned my tongue.

Through the strong verb burned, we know that the drink must have been hot. The reader comes to that conclusion themselves. Not only that, but we can feel the burn on our own tongue since we have probably experienced a similar situation ourselves.

Conclusion

Too many adjectives and adverbs get in the way of the flow of the story. The reader can easily forget where the story was headed when the author tries to describe too many objects/places/people in detail.

Ask yourself: Is it important that the reader knows what color my character’s shoes are? Is it important to the story or the mood/emotion of this scene to show that the walls are gray? If not, leave the object blank. Readers love to use their own imagination and choose a color for themselves. Then, highlight on the specific and unique details that are significant to the story, characterization, mood/theme/emotion, or setting development.

The overuse of adjectives and adverbs is a common mistake that beginning writers make, and most agents and publishers cringe when they spot this.

Again, it’s okay to use sparingly. Adjectives tend to be more accepted than adverbs—just make sure that the adjectives are spread out and not clumped together within a sentence or paragraph.

Remember: When it comes to adverbs and adjectives, less is always more.

When you do decide to leave an adjective or adverb, be careful with where it is placed and how it’s used. Try your best to see if there is any other way you can describe the object, character, or setting.

If you have no choice but to keep it, then read over the page and make sure that the story continues to move along at a good pace. Make sure that the description is woven into the story and not the other way around.

How do you rewrite adjectives and adverbs in your manuscript?

[bctt tweet=”What’s Wrong With Adjectives & Adverbs? @TessaEmilyHall #writingtips #writingcraft ” username=””]

Tags adjectives, adverbs, editing, teen writers, Writing Craft

Dear Young Scribes

How New Writers Can Build an Impressive Writing Resume with Zero Experience

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date June 8, 2017
1 Comment on How New Writers Can Build an Impressive Writing Resume with Zero Experience

Aspiring authors are frequently advised to build a writing resume in effort catch the attention of an agent or editor. The reason? Agents and editors search for writers who are not amateurs. They want to work with writers who have proven themselves to be skilled in their craft and experienced with words and deadlines. When they see a list of publishing credits beneath your name, they will gain respect for you as a writer. It gives them a reassurance about your ability to produce quality, publishable-worthy content.

At least, this is what goes through my mind as I review submissions for Hartline Literary and Illuminate YA.

But I’m sure this advice might cause some inexperienced writers to cringe. How is it possible to build this kind of shining writing resume when your writing has only been published on your blog—if that?

Here are ways you can start now at building a writing resume that will cause your submission to stand out in a slush pile:

Submit guest posts to blogs and online magazines.

Online publications are often searching for new content to build their database. Not only is this a great way to build your credibility as a writer, but it will also give you more exposure and help to establish your online visibility and platform.

Where to find this:

Use an online search engine to find blogs and online magazines that publish articles to the audience you hope to reach. (For example, if you hope to target a Christian teen audience, consider submitting an article for the blog to my magazine, PursueMagazine.net.)

Write for your school and/or church newsletter.

Where to find this:

If your school publishes a newsletter, ask if you could contribute an article to build your writing resume. Same goes for your church newsletter. Find out if your church releases weekly newsletters; if so, ask how you can submit an article that meets their approval and guidelines. Many new writers have found this to be the best way to get their feet wet in the writing world.

Enter writing contests.

Placing in a contest is one of the best ways to establish credibility as a writer. There are several writing contests you can find online that offer a variation of categories to enter—such as short stories, flash fiction, devotions, articles, novels, etc. Here’s a plus: Some of these writing contests are judged by literary agents and publishers.

Where to find this:

WritersDigest.com holds multiple contests each year. TeenInk.com offers writing contests specifically for teen writers. Many writing organizations and writing conferences offer annual contests for unpublished writers as well.

(Side note: Recently, a teen writer sent a proposal to me at Hartline and stated that her work had been critiqued in a contest by an editor at Penguin/Random House. This editor told her that, out of all the manuscripts she’d critiqued in that contest, this writer’s work was the most promising. You better believe this gave me a new level of respect for this writer’s work!)

Publish your work in magazines.

After you’ve worked to establish yourself as a writer by publishing articles for free and/or writing for your blog, consider submitting your work to print publications. Again, find magazines that are targeted to your specific audience and publications that will build your expertise in a certain field. If you’re a fiction writer, search for magazines that accept short stories or flash fiction pieces.

Where to find this:

The latest Writer’s Market Guide (or Christian Writer’s Market Guide) is the best way to find a list of current magazines that are searching for submissions. Be sure to follow the specific writing guidelines listed in the writer’s market guide, and adhere to the specific theme if there is one.

If you begin to feel as though building a writing resume is annoying work that cuts into your book-writing time, remember this: Any time spent working with words is an investment into your writing career. Writing for blogs/publications will increase your visibility, validate your expertise, and help you practice writing quality content on a deadline.

Then, when an agent or editor receives your submission, they’ll know you’re not the type of writer who rushes toward achieving publication. Instead, you’re in this for the long haul. You’re dedicated and a hard-worker. You know what it takes to be a career-novelist, and you’ve already worked hard to invest in your career by first taking the time to build an impressive writing resume.

Do you have tips to add to this list? What’s the biggest struggle you’ve faced as you’ve worked to build your writing resume with zero experience?

[bctt tweet=”How New Writers Can Build an Impressive Writing Resume with Zero Experience #pubtips @TessaEmilyHall” username=””]

Tags credits, experience, publication, writing experience, writing resume

Dear Young Scribes

Publishing Terms Every Aspiring Author Should Know

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date April 8, 2017
2 Comments on Publishing Terms Every Aspiring Author Should Know

If you’re planning to attend a writing conference any time soon, it may be wise to freshen up on your industry knowledge. A great place to start is by familiarizing yourself with publishing terms and their meanings. You don’t want to find yourself in a conversation or workshop, unable to follow along because of the unfamiliar “language”. It’s especially important to know these terms if you’re hoping to submit to an agent or editor. If you aren’t aware of what a query letter is, then how can you write one that will catch an agent’s interest?

To begin your quest on freshening in your pub language, here are important terms every aspiring author should know:

¤ Manuscript: This refers to the typed (or written) document of a book in its raw, unpublished form.

¤ Literary agent: Literary agents represent authors, pitch their books to publishers, often offer career advise, and handle the negotiation of publishing contracts among other responsibilities. Agents are known as the gatekeepers in the industry.

¤ Acquisition editor: Acquisition editors are in charge of acquiring manuscripts to consider for a publication house.

¤ In house editors: In house editors edit manuscripts for content, style, wordsmithing, grammar/punctuation, and plot. (There are typically three types of edits per manuscript in most publishing houses.)

¤ CBA: Christian Book Association – This is the Christian book market division of the book industry.

¤ ABA: American Booksellers Association – This is the general book market division of the book industry.

¤ Book proposal: A book proposal is the book’s selling “package” that the author or agent puts together to sell the manuscript.

¤ Query: A letter written by an author and directed to a potential literary agent in an effort to pitch a book and sign with the agent. (Similar to a cover letter.)

¤ Branding: This is the term used when describing the unique identification of an author.

¤ Platform: The total number of potential readers that the author can reach and promote their books to. (This is based mostly on their online reach, including social media followers, total number of blog readers and blog stats, mailing list subscribers, etc.)

¤ Traditional publishing: A route the author takes when they sign their book’s rights over to a publishing house.

¤ Self-publishing: A route the author takes when they independently publish their books and own the rights.

¤ Hybrid model: A route the author takes when they combine the traditional and self-publishing models for their books.

¤ Genre: A category, such as Young Adult, that groups specific types of fiction books together. This helps a reader easily identify the type of story they can expect. (For example: mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, etc.)

¤ Subgenre: A subcategory that also identifies specific types of stories; however, a subgenre label is branched beneath a genre’s umbrella. (For example: In the label “YA contemporary romance”, contemporary romance is known as the subgenre, whereas YA is considered the overall genre.)

¤ Imprint: An imprint is a publisher’s division and brand of their company. Imprints publish a specific type or genre of books within that publishing company. (For example: Illuminate YA is the YA fiction imprint of LPC Books.)

Are there any terms on this list that you were not familiar with? What terms would you like to add to this list?

Tags industry, pub tips, publishing, publishing terms

Dear Young Scribes

Tips for Surviving the 6 Seasons of a Writer’s Life

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date March 8, 2017
1 Comment on Tips for Surviving the 6 Seasons of a Writer’s Life

If you’ve been in the industry long enough then you probably know by now that the writer’s life is unpredictable, and your path will never look identical to that of another writer’s.

Writing is like no other profession. There doesn’t seem to be a typical day’s work because our daily work shifts as the seasons change.

Although there are surprises—both good and bad—along the path to publication, the writer’s life can be categorized into 6 seasons…

Writing Season.

Tips for survival:

Stock up on writing fuel! This may include chocolate, herbal tea, sunflower seeds, trail mix, coffee, etc. Also, when you’re deep into writing, it can often become easy to ignore the outside world. Yet if you want to lead a healthy lifestyle then it’s important to stay balanced. Prioritize your responsibilities. Join a writer’s group for feedback and fellowship. Keep God and family first. Make time for socialization and relaxation. Most importantly, seek God before every writing session and watch to see how the Holy Spirit helps you churn out those words.

Submission Season.

Tips for survival:

Prepare yourself for rejection. Keep a strong backbone for criticism, and allow the criticism to make you into a better writer. Seek support from friends and family members when you start to have writing doubts and are tempted to give up. Write down your writing career vision and greatest dream on a post-it note and stick it on your desk. Keep a running list of encouragement you receive on your writing, whether it’s from those you love, members of your writer’s group, or a writing professional. Take this list out every time you feel beaten down by rejections and critiques.

Waiting Season.

Tips for survival:

Prayer! Waiting seasons are the best opportunity to seek God’s will for your writing career, to ask Him to open the doors that need to be open and close the doors that need to be closed. Only He knows the paths you should take. Pray that others will be touched by your words and that you’ll have the patience to wait on His timing. Trust that He’s in control of your writing dream. Meanwhile, don’t hesitate to start working on your next project!

Celebration Season.

Tips for survival:

Of course, it’s not difficult to survive during a time of celebration! 😉 This is the high point of the writing career—when you receive a contract from an agent or publisher. Take advantage of it! When you reach this season, reward yourself for your hard work. You deserve it! Go to your favorite coffee shop or restaurant. Take time to relax and watch your favorite movie. Meanwhile, keep a good head on your shoulders by staying humble. Make sure God receives the glory He deserves for opening this door. Involve Him in on the process; He wants to celebrate with you, too!

Editing Season.

Tips for survival:

It can be tough to overhaul your manuscript to meet the needs of an agent or publisher. However, it’s important to remember that they’re the professionals in this industry. They ultimately know what sells. During this editing process, keep the big picture in mind: Your book isn’t getting ruined during surgery; instead, it’s getting better and stronger. It’ll improve. During this process, detach your heart from the project—as hard as it might be—and try to view it under a critical eye. Sure, it might seem a bit messy during the surgery. But what surgery isn’t messy? It may seem like it’s been ripped to shreds, but rest assured, it will be put back together again. The end result will be worth the pain and torture, and ultimately the manuscript will look much better than it did before the procedure.

Promotion Season.

Tips for survival:

Keep a good head on your shoulders during the promotion. For many introverts, it might be hard to promote yourself. But keep in mind that it’s vital if you want to make a living from writing and if you want the book to sell. Remember: You aren’t promoting yourself; you’re promoting your product and the message you stand for. What is it that you stand for? How can you get others involved to help you share this same message? God gave you this message for a reason, and it can’t get into the hands of other people unless you promote! Yet promotion can often become draining, especially for us introverts. Make sure to carve out time to feed your creativity as well—whether that comes through brainstorming your next book, reading, working on a craft, going to an art museum, etc.

Repeat!

Tips for survival:

There is no destination in the writing journey. It’s a cycle of the above steps—so once you receive your dream-come-true, it’ll be time to dream another dream and create another goal (for example: “hit the best-seller list”) and so on.

The journey is exciting, though, don’t you think? The anticipation, the development of original idea to final product and then the dream-come-true stages that evolve. Even the difficult seasons—such as rejection and waiting—are worth it, because it’s through this process that we become pruned and prepared for what awaits us on the horizon.

Yet it’s during those peak moments of the writers’ life that makes all of those rough seasons worth it in the end.

[bctt tweet=”Tips for Surviving the 6 Seasons of a Writer’s Life #writerslife #amwriting @TessaEmilyHall” username=””]

What’s your favorite season of the writer’s life? What season are you currently in? What tips would you like to add?

Tags editing, encouragement, writer's life, writing, Writing tips