posted on August 7, 2019 by shannongreenland

Writing Advice from YA Author Shannon Greenland

I’m always curious to read the advice of other authors, both unpublished and published. I’ve had several books out now and have garnered my own briefcase full of things I have learned not only myself, but also by observing others. And so I thought I’d share….

In no particular order:

  • Write what you want to write even if it is not a popular trend. Publishing is cylindrical and eventually what you love to write will be in demand.
  • Be true to your characters. Let them do and say what they want. Don’t control them.
  • Remember reviews are another person’s opinion, and everyone is entitled to one.
  • Further to that, you are entitled to an opinion as well, but never trash talk another author or his/her work. It is rude and lacks class.
  • Be careful of what you say in public (especially at conferences/conventions/book signings). Someone is always listening.
  • Write a first draft all the way through without going back. It’s called a first draft for a reason.
  • Join a writing organization. It is a great way to network and learn the business.
  • Never be afraid to “color outside the lines”. In other words—take chances!
  • Take constructive criticism from a select few people who you trust.
  • Be kind and thoughtful to those you meet on the climb up. You never know who might pass you by some day.

Remember even the best of the best still suffer from insecurity. Have faith and stay the course. Push through and eventually you WILL see the benefits!

__________________________________

I am the daughter of the first female POTUS, and today is about to become the longest day of my life…

24 hours—that’s how much time I have to save my mother before terrorists assassinate her. But now my father and brother are missing, too. This goes deeper than anyone thinks. Only someone on the inside would know how to pull this off—how to make the entire First Family disappear.

I can’t trust anyone, so it’s up to me to uncover the conspiracy and stop these madmen. Because little do they know, they picked the wrong person to terrorize.

My name is Sophie Washington, and I will not be a victim. No one, I repeat no one, is taking me or my family down. But the clock is ticking…

 

Shannon Greenland

Shannon Greenland

Shannon Greenland, or S. E. Green, is the award winning author of the teen thriller, Killer Instinct, a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers; the teen spy series, The Specialists, an ALA Popular Paperback and a National Reader's Choice recipient; and the YA romance, The Summer My Life Began, winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award. Her books have been translated into several languages and are currently on numerous state reading lists. Shadow of a Girl is her latest novel and due out 9.19.16. Shannon has participated in and served as a guest speaker at festivals and conferences around the country to include but not limited to the LA Times Book Festival, American Library Association, Book Expo of America, Bouchercon, Romance Writers of America, RT Book Convention, Young Adult Keller Book Festival, Southern Festival of Books, and many more. Shannon grew up in Tennessee where she dreaded all things reading and writing. She didn't even read her first book for enjoyment until she was twenty-five. After that she was hooked! When she's not writing, she works as an adjunct math professor and lives on the coast in Florida with her very grouchy dog. Find her online everywhere @segreenauthor.

https://shannongreenland.com/

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