 Post by Arielle Haughee Five Activities for Mastering |
 | Previously an elementary teacher, Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a five-time RPLA-winning author and the owner of Orange Blossom Publishing. She is an editor, speaker, and coach. She is the author of The Complete Revision Workbook for Writers, the children’s books Grumbler, Joyride, Pling’s Party, and Sixth Sunday, the editor of the How I Met My Other anthology series, and the creator of the Focus Journal line of journals. She was also honored with the President’s Award from the Florida Writers Association in 2020. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. |
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Guest post by author Natalie Klein
How to Get Teens Excited
about Reading Books
Do you have a teenager that never seems to want to pick up a book, let alone read one?
In a world of Snapchat and TikTok, it can seem that books have become a distant memory, and screen time has replaced any chance of reading.
But believe it or not, teenagers can enjoy reading again, and it's just a matter of finding that cozy sweet spot.
We look at 3 tips on getting your teen off screens and hooked on reading.
In a world of Snapchat and TikTok, it can seem that books have become a distant memory, and screen time has replaced any chance of reading.
But believe it or not, teenagers can enjoy reading again, and it's just a matter of finding that cozy sweet spot.
We look at 3 tips on getting your teen off screens and hooked on reading.
1. Dig deep and find out what genres interest them
Not all teens are interested in the same things, so dig deep to discover what your teen is drawn to and start from there.
- For example, if they enjoy action movies, they may be more interested in reading an action-packed novel.
- Are they passionate about sports? Look for books about their favorite games or biographies of current players.
- If they're into history, find some historical fiction or non-fiction titles.
2. Let your teens choose their own books
Letting your teenager choose their own books to read will have them more likely to enjoy them. Being open-minded about their reading material will also give them freedom of choice.
- Introduce them to comics, graphic novels, magazines, novels, e-books and audiobooks to find a medium that suits them.
- Do they love a movie or series on a streaming service? Why not explore the book or comics if they have them available?
3. Expose your teenager to different places to buy books
As any book lover knows, there is no feeling quite like losing yourself in a good book. However, finding the right book can sometimes be challenging, especially for young people who are still exploring their interests. One way to help your teenager find the perfect book is to encourage them to explore various places such as:
- Comic book shops
- Bookstores
- Book exchanges
- Online retailers
- Library
4. Create an environment at home for reading
As a parent, you have the opportunity to set an excellent example for your children by modelling behavior that you would like them to adopt. If you want to encourage your children to read, make sure that reading is a part of your family's daily routine.
You can also create an inviting environment for reading by ensuring plenty of books are in your home and setting aside a special place for reading. By modelling positive reading behavior, you can help your children develop a lifelong love of books.
You can also create an inviting environment for reading by ensuring plenty of books are in your home and setting aside a special place for reading. By modelling positive reading behavior, you can help your children develop a lifelong love of books.
Developing a lifelong love of literature
As any parent knows, teenagers can be a tough audience when it comes to reading. They're often more interested in their phones and social media than they are in picking up a book. Encouraging your teenager to read can be challenging, but it's worth it. By exposing them to a variety of books in different places, you're giving them the opportunity to find new favorites and explore their interests.
If you make reading fun and exciting, they'll likely stick with it! There are plenty of great books out there for teenagers, so get started exploring and see what catches your teenager's eye. Reading is a lifelong habit that comes with many benefits, so help your teenager get started on the right foot today.
If you make reading fun and exciting, they'll likely stick with it! There are plenty of great books out there for teenagers, so get started exploring and see what catches your teenager's eye. Reading is a lifelong habit that comes with many benefits, so help your teenager get started on the right foot today.
 | Natalie Klein is an aspiring writer who loves writing for children of all ages and sparking their imagination. Natalie also works as a website copywriter, crafting clear, concise and persuasive copy for small businesses. When she’s not busy writing, she can usually be found listening to true crime podcasts, sewing and exploring all things related to the history of England. www.nataliekleincopywriter.com.au |
Guest post by author Tamatha Cain
A Small Querying Tip: The Human Touch
Being an author is hard.
The end. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. (I don’t know why I think it’s so hilarious when people say that…)
But seriously, what other career today demands that you be an expert in so many widely different fields? I can’t think of even one.
Back in the day, writers were writers. Perhaps they had to hold down another job to make ends meet, and of course that is still the case today, but never did they have to also become tech-savvy filmmakers who understand the vagaries of social media algorithms and the subtleties of SEO key word choices. When we’re not, you know, writing books, we’re supposed to create content and drive engagement and build platforms. (I love to imagine the Bronte sisters sitting around debating which hashtags would get the most eyes on their timelines and, thereafter, convert to book sales.)
Ha-ha-ha sigh…
There is a lot of hard work behind making a career as an author today, much of which we wouldn’t have conceived of only a decade ago. But of all the elements of modern author life, querying agents for representation may be the most highly questioned, fiercely debated, and terribly dreaded.
But seriously, what other career today demands that you be an expert in so many widely different fields? I can’t think of even one.
Back in the day, writers were writers. Perhaps they had to hold down another job to make ends meet, and of course that is still the case today, but never did they have to also become tech-savvy filmmakers who understand the vagaries of social media algorithms and the subtleties of SEO key word choices. When we’re not, you know, writing books, we’re supposed to create content and drive engagement and build platforms. (I love to imagine the Bronte sisters sitting around debating which hashtags would get the most eyes on their timelines and, thereafter, convert to book sales.)
Ha-ha-ha sigh…
There is a lot of hard work behind making a career as an author today, much of which we wouldn’t have conceived of only a decade ago. But of all the elements of modern author life, querying agents for representation may be the most highly questioned, fiercely debated, and terribly dreaded.
Querying Should Not Be This Hard
Authors provide the material needed to keep the publishing world running. We make its existence possible. And yet we are often overwhelmed with the feeling that if we make one small misstep in the creation of our precious, delicate query, well then, how could we possibly expect any self-respecting literary agent to wish to work with us?
The truth is, there is no magic formula to the perfect query letter. It’s wonderful that so many experts offer their advice, and you can certainly learn a great deal and find direction on where to start by reading or watching this content. However, if you feel you must pay big bucks to attend multiple lectures on how to catch an agent’s attention with the perfect query letter, then I feel I must strongly encourage you to reconsider.
Now, if you simply enjoy this type of thing, then go for it. Taking a class or two might give you the confidence you need to finally just write the dang thing. But please don’t forget that you are a writer. You have written a whole book. If you can write a book that should be published, you absolutely can write the letter that represents your work to those with the power to help it get there.
The truth is, there is no magic formula to the perfect query letter. It’s wonderful that so many experts offer their advice, and you can certainly learn a great deal and find direction on where to start by reading or watching this content. However, if you feel you must pay big bucks to attend multiple lectures on how to catch an agent’s attention with the perfect query letter, then I feel I must strongly encourage you to reconsider.
Now, if you simply enjoy this type of thing, then go for it. Taking a class or two might give you the confidence you need to finally just write the dang thing. But please don’t forget that you are a writer. You have written a whole book. If you can write a book that should be published, you absolutely can write the letter that represents your work to those with the power to help it get there.
Talk to Yourself
We do that all day long anyway, right? I’d hate for anyone to how I work, mumbling to myself as I pound away at the keyboard, writing and rewriting, rearranging the words until they say just what I want them to say. But this method works for me because it lets me hear what others will hear and then see what they will see on the page. I recommend doing the same when it comes to writing your query letter.
We’ve all heard the basic rules:
We’ve all heard the basic rules:
- Include the genre and word count in the first paragraph.
- Include amazing and appropriate comp titles.
- Write like it’s the back cover copy.
- Keep it short, but also include enough detail to intrigue the agent, but also not too much detail…
Making a Connection with the Agent
This means determining what it was about that agent that truly drew you to query them and letting them know what that thing is. They know you’re probably also querying other agents. But why did you select them for your query list? Do you truly admire other writers they rep? Did you look at their wish list and see your book perfectly described there? Do you both have rescue dogs you love like family? Sometimes the reason you choose to query an agent does come down to something like that, something more than the number of books they have on a best seller list. Find something genuine and true, and let them know that in your opening paragraph. Do it in a few words, not a few sentences, and let them get a clear picture of what working with you would be like.
You Will Still Probably Be Rejected
Even after doing this, the fact is that most queries do lead to rejections. The way the industry currently works, with agents acting as gatekeepers to the publishing houses, means these agents are inundated daily by hopeful authors seeking their expertise. Gone are the days of printing out a manuscript and mailing it off, then waiting in hope it would be pulled from an editor’s slush pile. Things are different now. Not necessarily better, but different. And it’s changing still. The one thing that remains constant is the importance of human connection. Without it, nothing in the systems we create works properly.
We will all be rejected a lot before we find our best agent. My hope for us all is that we can make connections along the way that help our industry to stay human. That personal touch is my way of staying human in this crazy industry.
What is yours?
We will all be rejected a lot before we find our best agent. My hope for us all is that we can make connections along the way that help our industry to stay human. That personal touch is my way of staying human in this crazy industry.
What is yours?
 | Tamatha Cain is a novelist about to reenter the querying trenches, and she wrote this as much for herself as for her fellow writers. Her queries have a full-request rate of over 70%. She was previously repped by Mark Gottlieb of Trident Literary. Happily, two of her queries caught the highly-trained eye of Arielle Haughee’s here at Orange Blossom Publishing, leading to the acquisition of her novels Song of the Chimney Sweep (August 2022) and Only Oona (January 2023). |
Guest post by Nylda Dieppa
On Learning to Write Poetry
“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”
– Gospel of Thomas, verse 70
It’s happened so often that I’ve felt that I would die if I didn’t write, that it has become a habit of mine to (forgive my crassness) vomit onto the page all the noxious substances that are eating me up as well as all the exhilarating feelings that would intoxicate me. Too often in the last six or seven years I had no physical or mental energy to write. I had all kinds of rare and undiagnosable symptoms that robbed me of the ability to do much more than survive. I did the best I could to mask my suffering and be cheerful and I managed to stay alive with the help of my little dog, my children and grandchildren, and a couple of loving and supportive healthcare professionals. Now that I feel better, I write as if my life depended on it, because it does.
This is what it looks like on the page:
This is what it looks like on the page:
Love Poem
Write me a love poem, you say.
A love poem?
Is there any other kind?
There must be love somewhere
In order to write a poem
Full of emotion and insight.
To touch someone’s soul
With words that are full of anguish
Or pleasure, pride, or joy.
Why would I put two words together
If I had nothing to say
About my soul or yours or ours?
Why would you linger on them,
Tasting the terror, watching the wind,
Hearing the hope, memorizing the music
If there was no love in them
To touch your heart
With my soul’s blood?
A love poem?
Is there any other kind?
There must be love somewhere
In order to write a poem
Full of emotion and insight.
To touch someone’s soul
With words that are full of anguish
Or pleasure, pride, or joy.
Why would I put two words together
If I had nothing to say
About my soul or yours or ours?
Why would you linger on them,
Tasting the terror, watching the wind,
Hearing the hope, memorizing the music
If there was no love in them
To touch your heart
With my soul’s blood?
I don’t think I can tell anyone how to write poetry. I can’t tell a sonnet from a haiku (I exaggerate, but it’s almost that bad) but I can hear the music when simple words are placed just so. I can see incredible vistas when metaphors and similes show up dressed in rough natural fibers or sweetly naked. I can smell the aromas of heart-felt emotions at the birth of a baby, a beloved husband’s betrayal, or my brother’s murder. I can feel the tingling of my skin when a handsome stranger looks kindly and deeply into my aging eyes, and I can taste the bitter tears of my sexually abused child.
All of life is poetry to me!
How did I learn that? Aside from advanced literature courses in high school and college, both in English and Spanish, and a few years of French classes, I’ve never taken formal academic writing courses. I have pursued writing workshops in all kinds of settings. I was part of a writers group that pushed me to grow in my craft as well as defend my right to honor my Puerto Rican heritage through my stories and lavish use of exclamation points. But most of all, the best and biggest influence on my writing has been my voracious appetite for reading since I was three years old. Not to mention six and a half decades of telling the paper, napkin, or computer the deep thoughts and feelings I was terrified to share with the world.
After a lifetime of burying my feelings to protect those of people around me, I recognize that life without honest, soul-searching, heart-wrenching poetry is not worth the price of mere existence. All I know is that if you have the sensibility to appreciate a well-crafted sentence and the courage to confront your demons, you can write poetry that will touch people’s hearts.
After a lifetime of burying my feelings to protect those of people around me, I recognize that life without honest, soul-searching, heart-wrenching poetry is not worth the price of mere existence. All I know is that if you have the sensibility to appreciate a well-crafted sentence and the courage to confront your demons, you can write poetry that will touch people’s hearts.
 | Nylda Dieppa is a speaker, author, facilitator, translator, and LBGTQ+ supporter and ally enjoying life in Orlando, Florida. She has a Masters in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, New Orleans as well as a degree in Fashion Design and postgraduate work towards a PhD in Intercultural Theology. A dedicated homemaker for thirty-eight years, Nylda has five children and six grandchildren. She is also the author of Alborada: A Poetic Memoir Across Cultures, an autobiographical collection of narrative and lyrical poems crafted throughout her life. You may contact Nylda or her cute mini goldendoodle, Nela, at nyldad@gmail.com, and listen to her Story Corps interview here. Or learn more at nyldadieppa.com and sign up for her newsletter, Word Sketeches, here. |
by Arielle Haughee
When am I a “writer”? An “author”?
Many folks earlier in their writing journeys wonder when they can start using certain titles including “writer” and “author.” They wonder if there are specific achievements to be earned or rites of passage to be done before they can label themselves as such, perhaps even use the phrase “aspiring writer” to not jump into using a label too soon. But calling oneself a writer or author feels so official, like you’ve finally made it to your destination. It also sends a message to the community that you are serious about this. So, when can a person officially use the titles?
The good news is there are no hard and fast rules, no matter what anyone tells you. However, if you’d like some guidelines for yourself, I made some easy ones below.
The good news is there are no hard and fast rules, no matter what anyone tells you. However, if you’d like some guidelines for yourself, I made some easy ones below.
When am I a “writer”?
It can be intimidating to see the word writer under a well-known newspaper reporter’s name, someone who gets paid to write. Heck, J.K. Rowling has it listed as part of her Twitter bio. But the intimidation is just fear that we don’t belong with them, in THAT group of people. A writer is anyone who writes with a purpose, who writes to entertain, inform, or share an opinion, anyone who gets joy from writing, anyone who…writes! There is no need to add the word “aspiring,” especially if you are already doing it. You are the one who determines when you are a writer, no one else. So make sure the word WRITER is loud and clear in your Twitter bio.
For some fun, you can check out “15 Obvious Signs You Are A Writer” over at Life Hack.
For some fun, you can check out “15 Obvious Signs You Are A Writer” over at Life Hack.
When am I an “author”?
The word author definitely has some weight to it. Who am I? I am an AUTHOR. There is some debate about when this title comes into play. Some will say that a person has to have something published to officially become an author. But by this definition, someone who writes fifty books, but never has any published is not an author. On the flip side, someone can have one 500-word piece of flash fiction published and be considered an author using these terms. Something seems a bit off here, so I am going to present a new definition for “author” based off my own experience and my years in the writing and publishing industry.
I started my writing career entering contests and having short stories published. What fun! I loved nothing more than scouring the web for legitimate contests to enter and anthologies to try and get into. My goal was to have a good time and get some of my work out there. At this point, I considered myself a writer. Then something happened, I started selling the books I had stories in and had a complete change in mindset. I could make money doing this. I wrote more short stories, sold more anthologies, then eventually moved on to books. Writing changed from a hobby to a business.
I started my writing career entering contests and having short stories published. What fun! I loved nothing more than scouring the web for legitimate contests to enter and anthologies to try and get into. My goal was to have a good time and get some of my work out there. At this point, I considered myself a writer. Then something happened, I started selling the books I had stories in and had a complete change in mindset. I could make money doing this. I wrote more short stories, sold more anthologies, then eventually moved on to books. Writing changed from a hobby to a business.
An author is someone who writes and has a business mindset, no matter how they publish or if they are published yet.
That guy who wrote fifty books and has been querying them for the last ten years? Author. But if he just wrote them for himself and had no intention of publishing them, then no. The person who had one piece of flash fiction published? I would ask if they were selling copies of where their work appeared or are getting royalties from it. So possibly. Does a self-published novelist count as an author? Definitely. (Don’t even get me started on that debate.)
Once a writer moves into the business end of things, they become an author. One isn’t better than the other, they just have different focuses.
Some “business things” that authors deal with:
So, think about your mindset and how you view your writing and decide for yourself.
Are you a writer? An author? Both?
Once a writer moves into the business end of things, they become an author. One isn’t better than the other, they just have different focuses.
Some “business things” that authors deal with:
- quarterly payments/royalties
- contracts
- taxes from book sales
- forming an LLC
- business expenses
- planning marketing strategies
- focusing on the long term/career-focused
So, think about your mindset and how you view your writing and decide for yourself.
Are you a writer? An author? Both?
| | Previously an elementary teacher, Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a five-time RPLA-winning author and the owner of Orange Blossom Publishing. She is an editor, speaker, and coach. She is the author of The Complete Revision Workbook for Writers, the children’s books Grumbler, Joyride, Pling’s Party, and Sixth Sunday, the editor of the How I Met My Other anthology series, and the creator of the Focus Journal line of journals. She was also honored with the President’s Award from the Florida Writers Association in 2020. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. |
Guest post by E. M. Foster
Pros and Cons of Using
Fiction Writing Platforms
Major writing platforms attract millions of readers and writers every day, but professional and amateur writers alike argue about whether the pros outweigh the cons of promoting your work on these platforms. Should writers use these platforms? If millions of readers are out there waiting for your work to come along, should you grab hold of this opportunity? Are writing platforms a valuable resource in the long run?
There’s no easy way to answer this because every writer follows a different path. More and more authors today got their start by building a following on platforms like Wattpad and others. And with the dramatic push to the digital age when it comes to both reading and writing, these platforms are getting harder and harder to ignore.
If you’re wondering if fiction writing platforms are right for you, here are a few major pros and cons to keep in mind as you do your research.
There’s no easy way to answer this because every writer follows a different path. More and more authors today got their start by building a following on platforms like Wattpad and others. And with the dramatic push to the digital age when it comes to both reading and writing, these platforms are getting harder and harder to ignore.
If you’re wondering if fiction writing platforms are right for you, here are a few major pros and cons to keep in mind as you do your research.
Pros:
You Can Practice Interacting with Your Audience
The digital age has drastically changed the overall publishing and marketing processes for writers. Writers’ blogs and websites, social media, and networking with other professionals have become the standard outlets and pathways for promoting your work and yourself as a writer. Understanding these elements is crucial when making your way through the querying and publishing processes, and the overall task of standing out among the crowd can be overwhelming.
With fiction writing platforms, you get your first taste of an audience, and you learn the basics of audience interaction and engagement, as well as valuable skills such as time management and organization. However, growing with an audience still takes a practiced hand. If you have an audience on one of these platforms and you want to continue growing, take the time to do your research while practicing your skills as a writer and a marketer. Learning how to market yourself and network effectively will aid future experiences such as working with literary agents, connecting with publishers, and generally promoting yourself as the writer you’ve been transforming into. Interacting with your audience gets your readers excited about the next update on a platform, and this in turn gives you a clue as to how a published book generates publicity.
With fiction writing platforms, you get your first taste of an audience, and you learn the basics of audience interaction and engagement, as well as valuable skills such as time management and organization. However, growing with an audience still takes a practiced hand. If you have an audience on one of these platforms and you want to continue growing, take the time to do your research while practicing your skills as a writer and a marketer. Learning how to market yourself and network effectively will aid future experiences such as working with literary agents, connecting with publishers, and generally promoting yourself as the writer you’ve been transforming into. Interacting with your audience gets your readers excited about the next update on a platform, and this in turn gives you a clue as to how a published book generates publicity.
You Can Build Your Portfolio
In general, a writing portfolio is a collection of work that demonstrates your experiences and how you’ve developed as a writer. And the best thing about a writing portfolio is that not all of your writing has to be published in official journals or magazines. It can be something you have written on a personal blog or other mediums, including works on a writing platform given that you’re writing for an audience.
Cataloguing your writing from literary platforms can kickstart a strong writing portfolio. It also demonstrates your growth as a writer as you write more, and your audience gets to witness that. This provides valuable work and experience that builds your writing career, as writing programs, volunteer positions, and other places that provide experience for writers look for writing samples and portfolios. Additionally, if you don’t have much experience with literary journals and magazines at this point, platforms continue building on what you have started.
Cataloguing your writing from literary platforms can kickstart a strong writing portfolio. It also demonstrates your growth as a writer as you write more, and your audience gets to witness that. This provides valuable work and experience that builds your writing career, as writing programs, volunteer positions, and other places that provide experience for writers look for writing samples and portfolios. Additionally, if you don’t have much experience with literary journals and magazines at this point, platforms continue building on what you have started.
Cons:
What Literary Agents Have to Say
Thanks to the sudden emergence of these writing platforms, there’s a new way to get published that many consider faster, easier, and better. Why would you spend time querying and getting rejected by agents and publishers when you can build your audience online right away and possibly get picked up by an agent or land a publishing deal after building a following? It’s true that some authors have done that with their books, but these appear to be rare cases, and for important reasons. Literary agents know there is less marketing potential for a book if it already has a following to begin with. If a complete or nearly complete book already has a readership of thousands online for free, there is less chance that taking that book, publishing it, and then attempting to sell it will be profitable or successful in the long run.
The thing about publishing is that sales matter. It might seem shallow to think that it all boils down to money, but the truth is that it’s a literary agent’s job to find work that will be successful. Many literary agents believe that books that already have an audience have maxed out their marketing ability, especially if the book is completed. This isn’t true for all books, but in these cases the book was further expanded into a series (and also taken off platforms), meaning the marketing involves proving a piece can stand on its own and that its audience sticks around. Many times, unfortunately, agents don’t want to take that risk.
The thing about publishing is that sales matter. It might seem shallow to think that it all boils down to money, but the truth is that it’s a literary agent’s job to find work that will be successful. Many literary agents believe that books that already have an audience have maxed out their marketing ability, especially if the book is completed. This isn’t true for all books, but in these cases the book was further expanded into a series (and also taken off platforms), meaning the marketing involves proving a piece can stand on its own and that its audience sticks around. Many times, unfortunately, agents don’t want to take that risk.
The Challenges of Being Found
Another drawback of writing on these platforms is the sheer amount of work published each day. It becomes frustrating when you try to get others to see your work when thousands of books are published each day, and the books that aren’t worth your time may drown out the well-written pieces. It’s impossible to read through every book on every platform. If readers miss out on great pieces, agents will do the same. And if agents don’t look at platforms to begin with, chances are your work won’t be seen by them at all, even if that’s what you want.
Fiction writing platforms don’t guarantee success, but they shouldn’t be discounted either. Every writer has a different path, and if you want to write for fun or reach an audience on a platform, then you should go for it. Even if you’re serious about writing, you can still build an audience, but weigh the pros and cons of using these platforms.
Fiction writing platforms don’t guarantee success, but they shouldn’t be discounted either. Every writer has a different path, and if you want to write for fun or reach an audience on a platform, then you should go for it. Even if you’re serious about writing, you can still build an audience, but weigh the pros and cons of using these platforms.
 | E. M. Foster is a fiction writer and Pushcart Prize-nominated poet from Florida. She is currently preparing for a Master's in Creative Writing at the University of Cambridge, St. Edmund's. She is a reader and Creative Nonfiction Editor for Farside Review, reader for Sepia Journal, and writer for Coffee House Writers. Her work has appeared in The Aurora Journal, Sledgehammer Lit, and others. Find her blog and portfolio at fosteryourwriting.com. |
Guest post by Megan Brown
Bookish Slang and What It Means
ARC, TBR, COHO, DNF, ACOTAR, Reading Slump, Book Hangover, and Much, Much More!
The bookish world can be confusing. Between the shortened book titles, literary jargon, and author nicknames, it can be difficult to understand what people in the book world are even saying. This guide is meant to help you understand some of the slang so you can break into the book world with confidence!
General Acronyms:
- ARC: Advance Reader Copy– publishers give them out before they publish the final book to see what people think and if anything needs to be changed.
- B&N: Barnes and Noble
- CR: Current Read
- CW/TW: Content Warning/Trigger Warning
- DNF: Did Not Finish- A book you started reading but didn’t finish
- HB/HC: Hardback/Hardcover
- MC: Main Character
- MG: Middle Grade– books where the main character is around elementary/middle school age
- NA: New Adult– books where the main character is around college age
- PB: Paperback
- POV: Point of view
- TBR: To Be Read– Books that you really want to read
- YA: Young Adult- Books where the main character is around high school age
Author Acronyms:
- COHO: Colleen Hoover
- JLA: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- SJM: Sarah J Maas
- TJR: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Book Acronyms:
- ACOTAR: A Court of Thorns and Rose by Sarah J Maas
- FBAA: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- HP: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
- RWRB: Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
- SOC: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- TID: The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
- TMI: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
- TOG: Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
General Slang:
- Backlist: All the books that an author already has published.
- Booktok/bookstagram/booktube: The subgenres of tiktok/insta/youtube where people only talk about books
- Book Hangover: When you finish a book so good you don’t want to start another one because it won’t live up.
- Buddy Read: Reading a book at the same time as a friend
- Canon: The plotline that an author wrote — only things that happen in the books. Headcanon: Things that a reader imagines could happen in the book.
- High Fantasy: Books that take place in a completely different world than ours. Ex: Throne of Glass, Lord of the Rings, Shadow and Bone
- Info-dump: When an author puts a bunch of information about the characters/world/plot in at the same time.
- Insta-love: When two characters fall in love immediately
- Low Fantasy: Books that take place in our world, but there are magical/fantastical elements added. Ex: Harry Potter, Ninth House, Percy Jackson
- Meet Cute: The way that characters who will be in a relationship first meet– has to be cute.
- Mood Reader: Someone who reads based on the mood that they are feeling. Opposite a TBR Reader
- Reading Slump: When you don’t have the motivation/desire to read for a period of time Ship: Two characters who you like together– Doesn’t have to follow the actual plot. Ex: Four/tris, Rey/Kylo, Katniss/Haymitch
- Spicy books: Books with a lot of smut
- Smut: Sex scenes
- TBR Reader: Someone who reads the books on their TBR in a specific, planned order. Opposite a mood reader.
- Tropes: Reoccurring themes in books. Ex: Enemies to lovers, only one bed, grumpy/sunshine, love triangle
- Wrap-up: The collection of books that a person reads in the month — usually in bookstagram/booktok/booktube or book blogs.
With the incorporation of this vocabulary, you can join the bookish world with ease! Whether on Booktok, Booktube, or even chatting with your buddy read partner, these slang words can help you to discuss books and fangirl over characters.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
 | Megan Brown is an English and Journalism student at Augustana University. She loves reading, writing, and writing about reading! |
Guest post by Deborah Cohen
Do I Need to Be a Bikini Model Now That I’m Over 50?
Going through the aisles of Target to get what I thought would just be a loaf of bread and a jar of pickles, I gravitate towards (as usual) the clothing section. As my daughter and I look through what is on the sales rack, and the poster that hangs above, I tell her, “Things have really changed. You would never see a picture of a plus size model with noticeable stretch marks hanging in a store when I was your age.”
I think this is so wonderful. This is a step that has needed to be taken for so, so long. Women of my generation only saw magazines filled with size 0 models. Without even knowing it, we were indoctrinated into a world of diets and self-doubt. Everyone was supposed to look one way, and if you didn’t you weren’t meeting expectations. It was a common occurrence to see me with plastic wrap around my waist, making myself into a human sweat machine, or diligently doing my routine from my “Thinner Thighs in Thirty Days” handbook.
I think this is so wonderful. This is a step that has needed to be taken for so, so long. Women of my generation only saw magazines filled with size 0 models. Without even knowing it, we were indoctrinated into a world of diets and self-doubt. Everyone was supposed to look one way, and if you didn’t you weren’t meeting expectations. It was a common occurrence to see me with plastic wrap around my waist, making myself into a human sweat machine, or diligently doing my routine from my “Thinner Thighs in Thirty Days” handbook.
 | I know that there is still so much more work to do regarding body image, but it seems that with more and more people showing their “less than ideal” bodies on social media, at least a start has been made. No one should dislike themselves because they can’t look a certain way or fit into a certain size. I’m so happy for this generation and hope that girls really start knowing that they are beautiful just the way they are. |
As I joyfully notice more and more young, realistic body images out there, like the ones at Target, I am also noticing an uptick in unrealistic body images of women 50+.
Strolling through a variety of stories online, from parenting, to politics, to pop culture, I see a picture of a model who is a bit older than me, in her late 50’s. I’ve seen a lot of these pictures lately.
The taglines usually read like this:
“55 and her toned, flat tummy has fans in disbelief!”
“Abs like you’ve never seen, and she’s 63!”
“Former superstar, 52, walks Sports Illustrated Runway, and looks even better now in her bathing suit than she did at 25!”
The message from all of these stories is that women over 50 can still be desirable and not be pigeonholed due to age– which is fantastic!
We are still beautiful, sexy, and appealing. After all, aging should be seen as something good; we shouldn’t be “anti” aging, because, without aging, we’d be, well…dead.
Just like having curvier younger models, seeing older women as attractive is a long time coming.
Strolling through a variety of stories online, from parenting, to politics, to pop culture, I see a picture of a model who is a bit older than me, in her late 50’s. I’ve seen a lot of these pictures lately.
The taglines usually read like this:
“55 and her toned, flat tummy has fans in disbelief!”
“Abs like you’ve never seen, and she’s 63!”
“Former superstar, 52, walks Sports Illustrated Runway, and looks even better now in her bathing suit than she did at 25!”
The message from all of these stories is that women over 50 can still be desirable and not be pigeonholed due to age– which is fantastic!
We are still beautiful, sexy, and appealing. After all, aging should be seen as something good; we shouldn’t be “anti” aging, because, without aging, we’d be, well…dead.
Just like having curvier younger models, seeing older women as attractive is a long time coming.
| However, the majority of older women don’t look the way that most of the women shown in these stories about age empowerment look. Maybe they never looked like that. Older women can be aging well and looking lovely, and still have lots of curves (maybe even more curves than when they were younger). A woman doesn’t have to look like a 25 year old centerfold to be “looking great for her age.” So, if we are telling girls and younger women that it’s okay to be the size you are and that you are still beautiful with your thighs, tummy, and cellulite, why are these other stories saying that an older woman is still beautiful if and when she looks as good as a young (thin) woman in a bikini? |  |
Shouldn’t we be giving the same message to older women, that whatever your body type is, it’s a good thing?
It’s fantastic that people are now acknowledging that older women can dress how they want, wear bikinis, miniskirts, whatever makes them feel good. I remember hearing as a young girl when watching fashion gurus on talk shows, “She’s over 30. No more short dresses.”
We know that older women can work out and stay (or get) in terrific shape. Having a toned body doesn’t have to have the expiration date that used to be stamped on women.
Our bodies are wonders. Our bodies do so much for us, and are truly (without sounding corny) works of art. There’s this magnificent intertwinement of muscles, bones, and organs working very diligently. Getting the gift of waking up each day is pretty miraculous, considering all of the astounding intricacies it takes to keep us going.
But then as a lot of us age, we see parts of this glorious machine sagging, getting crepier, losing its elasticity, and not being as tight as it possibly used to be.
I want to see more messages out there not giving accolades to older women for looking young, but for looking like we have a body that has- and continues to- take us on this journey of life. It’s crucial to be healthy and to take care of yourself, but not everyone has the same end results when doing so.
Showing that older women can feel and are beautiful is the first step in the mind shift on aging. The next step has to be the message that is starting to get out to the younger women–you can be who you are without so much comparison and worry, for the simple reason that every body is different, and that’s just fine.
It’s fantastic that people are now acknowledging that older women can dress how they want, wear bikinis, miniskirts, whatever makes them feel good. I remember hearing as a young girl when watching fashion gurus on talk shows, “She’s over 30. No more short dresses.”
We know that older women can work out and stay (or get) in terrific shape. Having a toned body doesn’t have to have the expiration date that used to be stamped on women.
Our bodies are wonders. Our bodies do so much for us, and are truly (without sounding corny) works of art. There’s this magnificent intertwinement of muscles, bones, and organs working very diligently. Getting the gift of waking up each day is pretty miraculous, considering all of the astounding intricacies it takes to keep us going.
But then as a lot of us age, we see parts of this glorious machine sagging, getting crepier, losing its elasticity, and not being as tight as it possibly used to be.
I want to see more messages out there not giving accolades to older women for looking young, but for looking like we have a body that has- and continues to- take us on this journey of life. It’s crucial to be healthy and to take care of yourself, but not everyone has the same end results when doing so.
Showing that older women can feel and are beautiful is the first step in the mind shift on aging. The next step has to be the message that is starting to get out to the younger women–you can be who you are without so much comparison and worry, for the simple reason that every body is different, and that’s just fine.
 | Debbie Cohen is the author of a children's book, "Lights, Camera, Action: It's Cassie Lewett!" about a young girl overcoming her stage fright to reach her dream of appearing in a play. Also, she has been published in Chicago Parent, Chicken Soup for the Soul, on Herstry.com, and on Bustle.com. In addition, Debbie has a drama resource book available on Amazon called "Drama Stew: A Recipe of Activities to Introduce Kids to Drama." Debbie currently teaches reading and writing to middle school students. |
Guest post by Bay Collins
Ergonomics for a Digital Academic School Year
In this digital age we are able to do so many technological interventions from home. One can shop with a click of a button, telehealth and teleconferences are on the rise, and virtual learning is an option that many schools are considering for the safety of students and staff. Whether your child has their own digital device for learning or have a device the school district has provided, here are some ergonomic or efficient ideas to foster a successful school year.
ROUTINES ROCK
Establishing a “night before” and a “morning of” school routine is just as important as if they were to attend a brick-and-mortar school.
~ Night before – encourage the child to select the desired clothes to wear for the next day learning; top, bottom, shoes and jacket or sweater. Prepare lunch, snacks, bottled water, favorite drinks then refrigerate the lunch box. Review with your child online or paper school planner, discuss the next day learning assignments and schedules for breaks and lunch. Routine bedtime hours are vital for a productive day.
~Morning of - adhering to routine...brushing teeth, self-grooming, eating breakfast and dressing for success! Putting on attire that others will see promotes pride; no pajamas. When virtual school time begins your child is now ready to log in and commence learning.
Allow the student to get familiar with the keyboard and how it is used. This technique will encourage more accurate responses when typing is required and completing online homework assignments. There are free keyboard lessons that are available online.
In person learning gives parents an opportunity to meet the teacher. Don’t let virtual learning make your academic goals for your child be any different. Teachers are working diligently to make learning interactive. Feel free to send a quick email to the teacher introducing yourself and the best ways to contact you.
~ Night before – encourage the child to select the desired clothes to wear for the next day learning; top, bottom, shoes and jacket or sweater. Prepare lunch, snacks, bottled water, favorite drinks then refrigerate the lunch box. Review with your child online or paper school planner, discuss the next day learning assignments and schedules for breaks and lunch. Routine bedtime hours are vital for a productive day.
~Morning of - adhering to routine...brushing teeth, self-grooming, eating breakfast and dressing for success! Putting on attire that others will see promotes pride; no pajamas. When virtual school time begins your child is now ready to log in and commence learning.
Allow the student to get familiar with the keyboard and how it is used. This technique will encourage more accurate responses when typing is required and completing online homework assignments. There are free keyboard lessons that are available online.
In person learning gives parents an opportunity to meet the teacher. Don’t let virtual learning make your academic goals for your child be any different. Teachers are working diligently to make learning interactive. Feel free to send a quick email to the teacher introducing yourself and the best ways to contact you.
DESIGNATED LEARNING AREA
Together, you and your child select the area that will be the designated learning area and then proceed to prepare the area:
~ Desk - If possible, try to invest in an adjustable desk. Children can grow up to 2.5 inches in a year(1). The desk or table should be within the child's arm reach to avoid the child bending over or forward. A leveled desk or tabletop promotes good posture and helps to avoid fatigue.
~Chair – The child will be sitting for several hours, make sure the sole of the child's feet touch the floor; their feet must not dangle or hang without support. Check how the child sits in the chair, some may prefer a cushion for the seat or a pillow for back support. Look at their arms, do they rest comfortably on the table? Is there room so the screen is not to close?
~ Desk - If possible, try to invest in an adjustable desk. Children can grow up to 2.5 inches in a year(1). The desk or table should be within the child's arm reach to avoid the child bending over or forward. A leveled desk or tabletop promotes good posture and helps to avoid fatigue.
~Chair – The child will be sitting for several hours, make sure the sole of the child's feet touch the floor; their feet must not dangle or hang without support. Check how the child sits in the chair, some may prefer a cushion for the seat or a pillow for back support. Look at their arms, do they rest comfortably on the table? Is there room so the screen is not to close?
ORGANIZATION IS IMPORTANT
A great start is having the child who is familiar with a school setting to help create a school supply list. Then allow or assist them with organization of their learning area:
* Purchase the recommended supply list according to grade level.
* A clear ink blotter pad can protect the desk or table from accidental mishaps that tend to happen from time to time.
* Adjust the monitor screen at eye level.
* A designated learning area is not complete without pens, pencils, highlighter and pen/pencil holders.
*Pencil sharpener, the handheld manual sharpeners remain popular
*A desk calendar to track homework assignments and test schedules are great reminders for parents and students. Encourage entry of non-school events i.e. birthdays, holidays, medical visits, and outdoors events.
* A container or a drawer that holds items that are important depending on the child’s age as paper, crayons, rulers or calculators.
* Binders labeled on the outside for each subject i.e. Math, Reading, Writing Skills, Science.
* A simple wastepaper basket within reach.
* Personalize the student’s work area with a picture of themselves or something that they enjoy. This is especially important if you have more than one child or you are working from home.
*Think about the background, a simple solution is to place the back of the chair near the wall. If you have a desire to be creative, you can purchase or build a stand and cover it with seamless paper.
*Natural light is my favorite, however; there are times when we need additional light therefore select a lamp that does not add glare on the monitor screen or is harsh on the student’s eyes.
*Limit background noise. It can be distracting to hear the washer or dryer in the background.
* Purchase the recommended supply list according to grade level.
* A clear ink blotter pad can protect the desk or table from accidental mishaps that tend to happen from time to time.
* Adjust the monitor screen at eye level.
* A designated learning area is not complete without pens, pencils, highlighter and pen/pencil holders.
*Pencil sharpener, the handheld manual sharpeners remain popular
*A desk calendar to track homework assignments and test schedules are great reminders for parents and students. Encourage entry of non-school events i.e. birthdays, holidays, medical visits, and outdoors events.
* A container or a drawer that holds items that are important depending on the child’s age as paper, crayons, rulers or calculators.
* Binders labeled on the outside for each subject i.e. Math, Reading, Writing Skills, Science.
* A simple wastepaper basket within reach.
* Personalize the student’s work area with a picture of themselves or something that they enjoy. This is especially important if you have more than one child or you are working from home.
*Think about the background, a simple solution is to place the back of the chair near the wall. If you have a desire to be creative, you can purchase or build a stand and cover it with seamless paper.
*Natural light is my favorite, however; there are times when we need additional light therefore select a lamp that does not add glare on the monitor screen or is harsh on the student’s eyes.
*Limit background noise. It can be distracting to hear the washer or dryer in the background.
GOOD HEALTH IS ESSENTIAL
It is so important to take care of your family’s health. With so much screen time, there are concerns about dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, back and neck strain. Be sure to contact your healthcare professional as needed and maintain annual visits.
Hydration is important to good health, it is very popular to have an easy twist cap bottled water available.
Guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services recommend that children ages 6 and over should get an hour of physical activity at least three times a week.
Whether you selected virtual learning or your child’s school or district made that decision, you are an essential part of your child’s education. Your involvement helps your child succeed in their journey of knowledge.
Hydration is important to good health, it is very popular to have an easy twist cap bottled water available.
Guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services recommend that children ages 6 and over should get an hour of physical activity at least three times a week.
Whether you selected virtual learning or your child’s school or district made that decision, you are an essential part of your child’s education. Your involvement helps your child succeed in their journey of knowledge.
V- VIDEO
I- INNOVATIVE
R- REAL -TIME
T- TECNOLOGY
U- UNDERSTANDING
A- ALTERNATIVE
L- LEARNING
Reference (1) According to John Hopkins medical website.
I- INNOVATIVE
R- REAL -TIME
T- TECNOLOGY
U- UNDERSTANDING
A- ALTERNATIVE
L- LEARNING
Reference (1) According to John Hopkins medical website.
 | I consider myself a lifelong learner and I am pleased to be on this journey of discovery with diverse ideas. My motto is today and reader and tomorrow a leader. I relish my years of teaching children, adults and parenting our two daughters. My leisure times allows me to help children with disabilities improve the quality of their lives by riding horses in addition to riding myself. Remember: “Words are to the mind and soul as food is to the body.” Bay Collyns Bay_Collyns@instragram |
Post by author Arielle Haughee
Five Factors for Mastering Fast Pasting in Action Scenes
It’s finally time for the big face off and your reader is at the edge of their seat. Having the correct pacing in action scenes is essential. Otherwise your big moment will flop and the worst thing will happen: Your reader will be disappointed. Gasp! There are several tricks to making sure your pacing is on point in this critical moment. Here are my top five tricks:
Factor One: Time Manipulation
The scene itself is usually only a matter of minutes or sometimes even seconds. Think about when Harry and Voldemort clash wands. That was maybe two minutes? But the scene isn’t written like this: Harry and Voldemort pointed wands at each other. The wands blew up. Writing actions scenes requires the author to slow down the clock and stretch out the moment, giving it weight in the plot. This amps up the tension and the interest for the reader.
Another way to manipulate time in action scenes is to try and introduce a “ticking clock.” Yes, this could mean a literal timer before something explodes, but it could also be an imminent consequence if something doesn’t happen within the time frame. Someone or something is coming. Something is falling down. Anything that puts an element of time pressure into the scene.
Another way to manipulate time in action scenes is to try and introduce a “ticking clock.” Yes, this could mean a literal timer before something explodes, but it could also be an imminent consequence if something doesn’t happen within the time frame. Someone or something is coming. Something is falling down. Anything that puts an element of time pressure into the scene.
Factor Two: Including Action + Reaction
We want to give the scene a physical and an emotional punch, a one-two combo. Start with breaking down the scene into smaller actions. What exactly is the character doing? Each motion has more gravitas in this scene so be sure to highlight the actions that are propelling the character forward in the plot. (example: opens the door, feet brush on the rug, a noise comes from the bedroom…)
Next, add in the character’s internal reactions and thoughts. (example: no one is supposed to be here) This confrontation is the culmination of more than just one thing and the character’s mind should reflect that. Increasing the emotion for the character also increases the emotion for the reader. It makes them more attached and rooting for the character to succeed.
Next, add in the character’s internal reactions and thoughts. (example: no one is supposed to be here) This confrontation is the culmination of more than just one thing and the character’s mind should reflect that. Increasing the emotion for the character also increases the emotion for the reader. It makes them more attached and rooting for the character to succeed.
Factor Three: Layers of Conflict
Pacing slows down in any scene where there isn’t enough conflict, but it’s especially true during action scenes. Not enough conflict can also make your scene too short or things too easy for your character. The best thing you can do is to absolutely torture your character. Make every single thing that can go wrong happen. If he is about to give a speech in front of a large crowd, make him get a cold the night before. Have him chug a glass of water but not have time to stop in the bathroom. Make him lose all his notes and have his long-lost girlfriend in the crowd. Then have a wardrobe malfunction on stage.
Remember to include the internal conflict as well. Our speech giver can have a crippling fear of failure from all the years his mother berated him for minor mistakes. Make this action scene so heavy with conflict it is almost too much for the reader to handle. We really want to stress the reader out. That way when the upturn comes, it’s that much more exciting.
Remember to include the internal conflict as well. Our speech giver can have a crippling fear of failure from all the years his mother berated him for minor mistakes. Make this action scene so heavy with conflict it is almost too much for the reader to handle. We really want to stress the reader out. That way when the upturn comes, it’s that much more exciting.
Factor Four: Zero Fluff. None.
Your big action scene isn’t the place for your character to casually notice the surroundings or have long introspections. Anything extra is going to slow down the pace at this critical moment in your story. It could be information you do need to include in your plot, but it’s probably best to save it for another chapter or scene. So if you haven’t explained why the car is able to fly, the big action scene isn’t the right place to tell the whole backstory involving the fairy powder.
Be merciless when revising your action scene. Ask yourself if the information is an essential part of the current motion or if it can be moved elsewhere. Cut your sentences down as much as possible.
Be merciless when revising your action scene. Ask yourself if the information is an essential part of the current motion or if it can be moved elsewhere. Cut your sentences down as much as possible.
Factor Five: Strategic Structure
This is a critical but often overlooked element of writing fast pacing, the visual structure of the words on the page. The reader’s eyes should fly over the text at the same speed as the story pace. Avoid extended paragraphs and complex sentences. Use short sentences deliberately, creating a punch. When you want the reader to pause, perhaps right before the dog is about to attack, then put in a paragraph that is a little longer than the others. Look at the structure of the words on your page. Use the visual elements of the text itself to enhance your pacing.
Mastering pacing in action scenes takes practice and a focused effort. My best suggestion is to study your favorite action authors and analyze their scenes. How do they use time to create fast pacing? How much of what they write is action versus reaction? What are the layers of conflict? How did they keep the scene lean? What does the structure of the text look like? Studying successful action scenes can help you learn how to build your own.
| | Previously an elementary teacher, Arielle Haughee (Hoy) is a five-time RPLA-winning author and the owner of Orange Blossom Publishing. She is an editor, speaker, and coach. She is the author of The Complete Revision Workbook for Writers, the children’s books Grumbler, Joyride, Pling’s Party, and Sixth Sunday, the editor of the How I Met My Other anthology series, and the creator of the Focus Journal line of journals. She was also honored with the President’s Award from the Florida Writers Association in 2020. She has a serious reading addiction, fantasy romance her absolute favorite, and loves nothing more than good conversation paired with a good wine. She is surrounded by males at home—a husband, two sons, and an energetic dog—and tries to integrate as much purple and flowers in the house as possible. |
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Arielle Haughee is the owner and founder of Orange Blossom Publishing.
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