It’s exciting to finally include snippets from that part of my life in a novel. Everything about the way I describe the town is true—at least it was when I left in 2010.
Dear Reader
Melanie Hooyenga
The Edge Rules is Now Available!
The Edge Rules is now available! Former mean girl Brianna had everything, but when she’s busted shoplifting, she ditches her shallow ways and discovers being herself is easier than manipulating people. Filled with life-changing decisions, way too much highway trash, and new friendships where you least expect them, The Edge Rules is perfect for fans of outdoor adventure, swoony kisses, and figuring out who you really are.
On Writing the Mean Girl
Telling Brianna’s story is important to me, even though I’ve had to relive some moments from my high school days that I’d rather leave in the past. I stop short of saying I was bullied, but the fact that I still remember how they made me feel 25 years later tells me that this is a story that needs to be told. Diving into why they acted that way wasn’t always fun, but if it helps a reader today, it was worth it.
Getting to Know Michelle Lynn
Please give a big Hoosblog welcome to Michelle Lynn! And don’t be intimidated by how many books she has! [insert star eyes] Even her bio is a lessen in craft.
WvBM: Never-Ending Emails
I’ve weaned myself down to a handful of lists and they all have REALLY GOOD ADVICE—and another because I LOVE HER—and every time I read the posts, I feel one step closer to having a grip on this whole indie publishing thing.
YA Scavenger Hunt featuring Julie Reece
On this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize—one lucky winner will receive one book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 120 hours!
Honoring My Brother on the Year Anniversary of His Death
I decided that the best way to honor my brother is to publish my next book on his birthday. I knew I wanted it to come out in late October or early November, and he was born October 26. It feels right, and it’s a gesture that I think he would appreciate.
Getting to Know Karole Cozzo
Please join me in welcoming YA author Karole Cozzo! We met through the Sweethearts of YA (which is currently on hiatus) and I’m excited to have her here. Karole lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, two kids, and Vizsla. In addition to writing, Karole works as a School Psychologist at an area high school. Hobbies …
You Can Pre-order The Edge Rules!
I’m so excited to introduce the third book in The Rules Series, The Edge Rules! Early readers have said it’s their favorite in the series, and as much as I love the first two, I might agree.
WvBM: The Struggle of Not Writing
The number one criterion of being a writer is that you write.
Seems simple, right? In theory, it is.
For this edition of Writer vs. Business Manager, I’d like to talk about the struggle of not writing—when that’s all you want to do. Everyone knows what it’s like when life gets in the way of your plans, but as an indie author, it’s more than that.