And remember that everyone works at a different pace, has different things going on in their lives. But, no matter what, if you write, then you’re a writer. #TheWritersZen

There will be some days you won’t feel like writing or you aren’t inspired and that’s okay. That’s another reason why community is so important. They will be there to give you the encouragement you need. #TheWritersZen

Good critique partners can help you hone your skills and make you a better writer. (Thank you to my critique partners!) #TheWritersZen

Beta readers are also wonderful along with critique partners. It’s important to find beta readers and CPs who read/write in the genre you are writing in #TheWritersZen

There have been some great virtual Writer’s conferences recently and it can be a great way to get feedback on your query and submission material #TheWritersZen

As always, just my opinion! First few chapters are often rough. It'll really give your manuscript an edge if you re-sculpt your opening in a seamless way for readers to absorb. Many,many MSs I reject are for this reason. And I don't want to reject! I want to request&fall in love.

I'm wrestling w/ this in my own WIP right now as I re-work the opening one final time making sure the information doesn't disrupt the experience. Ironing in the little bits that matter, but only WHERE they matter. Making sure emotion doesn't take a back seat to info delivery. 10/

Here's a quick tip: your reader does NOT need to learn it all at once. In fact, the more gradually&naturally you deliver information through your MC, the more satisfying the read will be in the end. Your reader should explore and discover alongside your MC. There is no rush. 9/

Instead, I'll have a conversation later that processes thru those deeper issues. Characters are the same; you will give your readers a more impactful experience if they can interact w/your characters like people, rather than reading big chunks of Stuff Author Wants You To Know 8/

Above all, make sure the information in the scene is relevant TO THAT SCENE. Example:when I'm interacting w/someone and my trust issues are flaring up, I do not go back and narrate to myself the origin of those issues or note that many ppl like me have them. They just exist. 7/

If opening scene starts OUTSIDE the castle/whatever, you have an excuse to show it. If your opening dialogue is between 2 ppl w/ different views, that's an opportunity to demonstrate balance of beliefs in the world&foreshadow tensions ahead. Break something. Start a fight. 6/

So how do you do it?
Make a list of all the things your reader needs to understand. Do this on your second or third draft, not the first. Then, shape your opening few chapters in a way that allows the reader to witness how the characters interact with these elements. 5/

...that explains one or more of these elements, the reader notices you, the author, trying to get them to understand something. They don't want to notice you. They want to forget you exist (sorry) and just relax and EXPERIENCE. They will absorb&care about world more this way. 4/

- Beliefs
- Setting
- History
- Relationship expectations
- Economy/Politics
- Traditions/Celebrations
- Language/symbolism
- Tech

All VERY necessary for your reader to understand in order to sink into your fantasy world and enjoy the story. But if you paste a big paragraph...3/

The goal is for your reader to NOT notice you explaining the world to them. So accomplish this by structuring your first chapters to begin advancing the plot in ways that allows your reader to see your character interact w/ the unique worldbuilding elements. This can include: 2/

A quick #writetip #querytip as I go through queries this morning: in adult SFF, there is often a true need for heavy, up-front worldbuilding, in order to understand the world they are exploring thru your character. How SMOOTHLY you do this determines if your reader notices. 1/

#querytip I'm open to fantasy...but if your fantasy has dragons, mages, kingdoms, realms, or anything along those lines, it's probably not for me.

First pages are crucial. Your story must have a reason for starting where/when/with whom it does. In a query, the content of your first pages should clearly be in line with your pitch - don’t mislead your audience! #querytip

Queries update: I’m going to be closing to picture book queries. I’ll still be repping them and signing them—but by referral or my own scouting. I am staying open to graphic novels from author/illustrators! #amagenting #querytip

#QueryTip: I *personally* don't like prologues. When I read for pleasure, I skip them. I post this as a query tip not because you should NEVER write a prologue, but because you should be aware that readers have mixed feelings about them. It's good to go in informed when querying!