Last week, my client and friend Jill Viles died after complications with pneumonia. Jill was a beautiful soul, a wonderful advocate, a true scientist. Curious and compassionate, she touched so many lives. She will be missed, and dearly remembered.

I'm offering a Publishing Consultation and a Written Critique through one of my favorite nonprofits, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve. Their winding trails, gardens, and school programs are amazing! To bid, search for my name here: bit.ly/4iXmqxh

I worked on a new garden bed all weekend. In the meantime, this little beauty popped up on its own across the yard. Last year’s work coming to fruition.

I've been receiving so many great queries this spring, and I'm carefully sifting through them. But I'm also taking in person pitches this Friday in Louisville through #KYWW. #Kentucky #amquerying folks should stop by! kentuckywritingworkshop.com

I'll be at the Carnegie Center in Lexington this spring, offering consultations at the end of April, and a class on perfecting your book's opening pages at the end of May. carnegiecenterlex.org/classes?_sft...

I'm offering virtual consultations at the end of this month, through @mswlma.bsky.social. Come say hello and ask me your burning questions about publishing! manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-memb... #agenting #amquerying #publishing

I'm offering one-on-one consultations to writers on Saturday, in person at @carnegiecenterlex.bsky.social in Lexington, KY. carnegiecenterlex.org/class/litera... #querying #amwriting #agenting #publishing

Me: "I'll write these pitches when my kids go back to school next week." Weather Gods: "LET IT SNOW! RAIN & FLOODS!" Good morning. Welcome to Virtual Learning Day #9. ✏️🍎

I think we missed this gem of a word in Kentucky Y’All @cameronludwick.bsky.social. I need to start using it, perfect for my own little rascals!

Thanks for indulging me yesterday with my Ms wishlist. Here’s a pic from a trail in Appalachia, let’s see where this updated submissions path takes us!

This. When I say "super visual settings" and "tumultuous time period" and "retellings" all of these help make something more high concept, i.e. very easily visualized and understood

In Mystery/Suspense, I'm here for whodunits that are semi-cozy, like books by Richard Osman or Nita Prose. Also note the settings (retirement community, hotel), love the idea of a mystery in a monastery or botanical garden, where place is super visual. I <3 unexpected, underestimated sleuths. #MSWL

#MSWL in #Horror: -Atmospheric Horror, and extreme settings, like a blistering cold winter or a dry desert -Old stories coming back to haunt the MC -Character led journeys to find the truth or right a wrong -Supernatural elements - Dark naturalism, earthy, creepy woods

Fantasy/Speculative: I'm looking for magic & magical beings alongside mortals in charming places or unforgettable time periods, like Katherine Arden’s The Winter of the Witch, or VE Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (doesn't have to be witches—fae, djinn, gods are all good options) #MSWL

In Historical Fiction, I'd love to see a pair or group of unlikely female companions, like Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club or Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s The American Daughters, preferably in a plot of intrigue, secrets, and spies. #MSWL

I'm participating in #MSWL Day! I've been working through my queries, and I'm almost ready to re-open. (Estimate: March 10) I'll be posting throughout today, and I'm so excited to see new subs in these areas: #fantasy #speculative #adventure #historical #mystery #suspense #horror

Mushrooms are good for stress. Look at these and just try to tell me you don't feel a little bit calmer.

Hello Writing Community! We are delighted to announce our First Official Bluesky *** #MSWL Day *** February 12, 2025. 🎉🎉🎉 Agents + editors can post what they ✨wish✨ they had in their inboxes; writers can find their next best fit for querying. Learn more here: manuscriptwishlist.com/the-next-off...

I urge every author to read this statement from the @authorsguild.bsky.social about the Harpercollins AI licensing deal.