Each month I take a moment to pause and share a few things I’ve found to be helpful and fun along the adventure of living and writing well.
I hope you find them to be enlightening and encouraging!
Article Roundup: Query Letters
A query letter is like a cover letter for our novel that is sent to an agent. It needs to provoke interest, convey the heart of our story, and basically be perfect in order to make the agent want to read and represent our work. No biggie, right?
I’ve been doing a lot of research on query letters and the publishing process this month so I thought I’d share some of it with you. If you have any great advice or resources to share, definitely let us know in the comments!
Query Me This: How to Write a Query – Fiction University
- Here is a helpful breakdown of some of the core components of a query letter. Definitely check out the links at the end of the article for even more resources!
The Complete Guide to Query Letters – Jane Friedman
- This has some great advice on query letters (and other related topics) based on years of experience in the publishing industry.
How to Write a Query Letter in 7 Steps – Reedsy
- Aren’t lists great? This is a nice, straightforward way to approach writing a query letter. And it comes with an info-graphic so that’s always fun!
How to write a query letter – Nathan Bransford
- Informative, straightforward, and with lots of links for additional reading and resources, this is a great read on query letters and the submission process.
Book Review: A Thousand Mornings: Poems by Mary Oliver
Note: Links for this book are affiliate links which means if you purchase something I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry, I only recommend things I actually like! For more info see my site policy.
This beautiful collection of poems by the magnificent Mary Oliver reminded me of why poetry is so important, so valuable, and so loved.
As writers, these poems can remind us of the beauty of language, the art of using words well, and the power that even a few words can wield. They provide an example of how to express truths both simple and complex.
As humans, these poems remind us to look at the world and at ourselves with care. To look at the trees and be aware of their mystery, to listen to the mockingbird and let it teach us about ourselves.
I’d recommend everyone find a copy of Mary Oliver’s writing and take some time to slow down, to read, to think, and to just be still.
Recipe of the Month: Cinnamon Roll Cake
This coffee cake/cinnamon roll hybrid received many compliments and was eaten quite quickly in our home! I’m a huge fan of cinnamon rolls and this is a nice, slightly simpler version where there is no need to roll out the dough or wait for it to rise. Happy baking!
Self-Care Homework: Reading
Take some time to reread an old favorite book, or maybe the favorite book of a friend. Just relax and enjoy!
Writing Prompt:
What is one of your greatest strengths? How would that look like in a character you’re writing? What is one of your greatest weaknesses? What would that look like in one of your characters?
Pure Cuteness: Excited Puppy <3
Quote:
“We don’t need to do it justice. We just need to do it.”
-The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Happy writing and joyous living to you all! Feel free to send me a note with any questions or to say hi anytime! 🙂
