When you’re writing Black characters, how you use African American Vernacular English (AAVE) on the page will reveal whether you’ve honored their voice or whether you’re using dialect as a gimmick. Here are some things to consider before tackling AAVE. Structure. There is a right and a wrong way to… MORE
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Zoom culture definitely opened up the ability for writers, where ever they reside, to attend wonderful writers conferences across the nation and around the globe. I participated in a few myself. Still, nothing beats the personal interaction and camaraderie of spending a weekend ensconced in an intimate hotel setting with… MORE
Ten Tips for Virtual or In-Person Pitching
by Angie Hodapp
The writing world is transitioning back to in-person conferences, and we couldn’t be more excited! But the unexpected benefits of virtual events means they’re probably here to stay. Whether you’ll soon be pitching in-person or over Zoom, here are ten tips to help you present as professional, knowledgeable, and ready… MORE
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Fan Favorites and Likability
by Tallahj Curry
This month, we asked three NLA authors about their fan-favorite characters and what makes them so likable. Which of your characters is a fan favorite? What makes them likable? Is that important? Why or why not? Stacey Lee, author of The Downstairs Girl and Luck of the Titanic Jo Kuan… MORE
Like your grandmother who couldn’t get rid of that semi-broken toaster because she might need it again someday, publishers have a surprising number of obsolete and defunct clauses hanging out in their publishing contracts. Most just elicit a chuckle, but at least one can greatly impact an author’s earnings. The… MORE
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