-
Query Revise & Resubmit Feedback compilation, by Najla M.
Summarizing a few recent query responses to pass forward to other writers. Individual information will remain anonymous. Below are high level points from 5 submissions: As always, this business is very subjective. Views are my own. This blog post is intended to help provide some suggestions when editing first chapters. Read more
-
Three Ways to Pull from Within to Be Authentic and Real in Your Writing by Najla M.
Writers are often told to write what they know, but what does that actually mean? Here are my tips on how to be authentic in your writing. I used pull in the title of this post because that’s what it felt like for me as a new writer to reach inside, yank out my pulsating heart, trudge Read more
-
Great First Chapters, by Najla M.
“If you don’t see the book you want on the shelves, write it.” — Beverly Cleary First chapters are daunting. Some people say haunting. Writers agonize over the major elements to include in one chapter (or about 2,500 words) – an engaging opening paragraph, a cool, compelling character, a strong voice, the perfect starting point, the Read more
-
Common Mistakes in First Chapters, by Najla M.
The first chapter sets the tone for the entire novel. (Scary, right?). It not only introduces the main character, it introduces you and your voice. (See link below for my blog post on voice). Whether in a bookstore, in a library, or using an electronic device, the reader uses the first chapter to decide if Read more
Mahis Publishing 