Sign up for Melanie's newsletter --> Sign me up!
This year I’ve chosen the phrase BE IN THE MOMENT because this past year of slowing down and smelling the proverbial roses has taught me that none of this is worth it if you don’t appreciate what you already have.
I’ve been a big supporter of NaNoWriMo since I first participated in 2009 (yes, TEN years ago), but about midway through November, I came to a realization: the no holds barred, write as fast as you can and worry about edits later mentality that makes NaNo what it is no longer works for me.
Anna B. Doe is a young adult and new adult contemporary romance author. She writes real-life romance that is equal parts sweet and sexy. She’s a coffee and chocolate addict. Like her characters, she loves those two things dark, sweet and with little extra spice. When she’s not working for a living or writing her newest book you can find her reading books or binge-watching TV shows. Originally from Croatia, she is always planning her next trip because wanderlust is in her blood. She is currently working on various projects. Some more secret than others.
Beth Rodgers is an author and editor. Her newest release is a children’s picture book, Welcome to Chanu-Con! She is also the author of two young adult novels, Freshman Fourteen and its sequel Sweet Fifteen, as well as the short story Hearts & Homes, found in the Mistletoe & Magic anthology from YA Books Central. Her world is made up of her three boys, her husband, and good family and friends. She loves spending her time watching TV and movies, volunteering at her kids’ schools, taking walks, and, of course, reading great books.
I’ve created a guided journal for those who’d like to teach themselves to find the good in each day. Each two-page spread has lines for three daily good things, plus a space for the three highlights for the week. There are no dates—only lines to fill in what week it is—because you shouldn’t wait for the beginning of the year to start a journal.
In the past when I’ve finished a book, I’ve given myself a week or two to catch up on writing-related things like updating my website, then I dive into the next project. But it never felt like enough. This year has been different.
A writer brave enough to write powerful stories for today’s young adults and their adults, Kristine E. Brickey was born and raised in Michigan and has always loved the power of words. An award-winning, retired teacher of 30 years, Brickey has an understanding that allows the creation of true characters and situations that strike the hearts of others. In addition to her art, Brickey spends time traveling, riding the forests and trails of Michigan on her horse, and participating in many ‘artsy/wordy’ groups and activities. Achieving her life dream of seeing her novels in the hands of others and on bookstore shelves has only increased her passion for reading and writing.
Sarah Patt refers to Landmark School as her second home—never taking for granted, the short commute, brisk salt air, and the devoted faculty, staff, and students who help make her work inspirational and rewarding. Because of Savannah is her first novel, and she has two more in the works!
As most of you know, for the past ten months I’ve been working on a book that is bigger and darker and twistier than anything I’ve ever written. It deals with mental illness and self-sacrifice and took more out of me than I could have imagined. And now it’s done!
Except it’s not.
Erica M. Chapman is a young adult author who writes dark, emotional novels with bursts of humor, and lighter contemporaries with smart-ass protagonists. Her debut novel, Teach Me to Forget (Simon Pulse) is out now. She’s a member of SCBWI and a lifetime Detroit Lions and Michigan football fan who loves alternative music. She tweets, and watches various CW & Freeform shows while typing her next story on her MacBook.