Annie Debunks Common Writing Advice

As a young writer, people are often all to eager to give me advice.  My age and desired profession give off the idea that I'm young and naïve and have very little perspective on "making it big" as a writer.  To an effect, they're right: I am young, I am somewhat naïve, but I'd like…

Annie’s Take on Outlining (and Why She Doesn’t Like It)

Let's not beat around the bush: I don't like outlining.  If you've been with me long enough, you've certainly read about my distaste for the practice.  If you're just joining us on this little journey of mine and didn't know my stance on outlining, now we're all on the same page. In real life, my tendencies…

Annie’s Approach to Writer’s Block

Today, I'm addressing the bane of every writer's existence: writer's block.  It's that feeling when you know you should be writing something, but you can't think of anything but complete, utter garbage.  Of all writing-related topics to discuss, I feel like this is the topic we bloggers turn to with a startling frequency.  Writers are…

How My Independent Study in Novel Writing Changed Me and My Writing

I'm pretty reserved in person, but there is one foolproof way to get me blabbering: ask me about my independent study.  I loved it.  I love it.  I will continue to love it because it was so freaking amazing. Let me start by telling you how my independent study came to be.  As I mentioned…