For NaNoWriMo this year, I went the rebel route and worked on an existing manuscript instead of writing a new one from scratch. Going into the project, I thought the manuscript I was rewriting had been solid and wouldn't require a lot of changes. The point of the exercise was primarily to reacquaint myself with … Continue reading Rewriting a Manuscript for NaNoWriMo
The Writing Process
Brushing Off the Dust
Getting back to a long-shelved novel In 2017, I thought I had completed my first science fiction novel, then titled The Artifacts of Dawn, and had even begun writing its sequel. After making sure it was thoroughly edited, I began the process of querying literary agents in the hopes of eventually landing a publishing contract. … Continue reading Brushing Off the Dust
Using a Pseudonym
Many writers choose to write under a pseudonym or pen name. There are many reasons to choose to not use your real name when publishing your writing publicly. Some writers have privacy concerns. Others work in an industry or live in a community where the subject of their writing may not be deemed acceptable. Others … Continue reading Using a Pseudonym
Back to the Drawing Board (Again)
I have decided to go back to the drawing board with my novel. It was not an easy decision to come to, but after being told numerous times that the novel was "too short to be marketable," I've decided I had to. That being said, I don't plan on adding more to the novel that's … Continue reading Back to the Drawing Board (Again)
My #PitMad Experience
Yesterday, on March 8, I participated in a Twitter event known as #PitMad, which is short for "Pitch Madness." The event allows authors with completed manuscripts to pitch them on Twitter for any agency or publisher that may be interested in publishing a new work in a specific genre. I followed the guidelines for #PitMad as … Continue reading My #PitMad Experience
G. L. Balend 