I feel honored, and super excited that my middle-grade dystopian novel BEFORE has been nominated for a Whitney Award! For years I’ve been to the Storymakers conference and watched incredible books get this award. I feel humbled and grateful just to have my book nominated! #whitney #whitneyaward #whitneyawardnominee #whitneyawardnominee2023 #award #storymakers23 #storymakersconference #storymakers #before #middlegradebooks #dystopian #kidsdystopian #author #kidlitauthor #middlegradeauthor @kidsbookswithheart @denitsa_shopova
Hello, beautiful souls <3 I was recently interviewed by award-winning video documentary maker Jade D'Cruz. As always, Jade has a wonderful disposition that puts you at ease. It was a lovely informal chat about my debut novel, House of De Vries. I do hope you can hear me. I need to invest in a microphone. Watch out for more videos. Jade is also the author of Divine Love. The winged beings of light: I highly recommend her book. It's a book full of divine inspiration as she channels knowledge and wisdom from the winged beings of light. A book to be treasured and read often as you embark on your spiritual journey. Jade's book is out now on Amazon. After a successful book launch, House of De Vries is available at Amazon and Waterstones.com. Barnes and Noble. Apple Books and Kobo. Are you ready to delve into Sophia's world, where anything is possible, as she enters the formidable House of De Vries? Love and light always, Susie <3 #indieauthor #indieauthorsoftiktok #supportindieauthors #spirituality #writer #writinglife #adultfiction #adultfictionauthor #metaphysical #newadult #darkfantasy #romancebooktok #DebutAuthor #fantasyauthor #fantasynovels #fantasybooks #contemporaryfantasy #books #bookshelf #bookstagram #bookshop #timetravel #mysterious #indiepublishing #ingramsparkauthor #kdp #storymakers23 #epicfantasy #paranormalfantasy #yafantasy
In this captivating adult occult fiction, join Sophia Jenssen, a London reporter, as she embarks on a journey through the shadows of her past. Set in Amsterdam, Holland, and Paris, France, this metaphysical fiction takes you on a supernatural, sensual adventure of time travel, haunted houses, forbidden romance, and the mysterious allure of the occult. #romancebooks #timetravel #adultfictionbooks #Bestseller #metaphysical #authors #supernatural #debutnovel #spirituality #fantasty #books #bookshelf #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #fantastybooks #epicfantasybooks #bookish #indieauthor #writersofinstagram #writing #fantasyauthor #fantasynovels #fantasybooks #contemporaryfantasy #bookworm #indiepublishing #ingramsparkauthor #kdp #storymakers23 #paranormalromance #Bestseller
I don’t usually go for romance novels, but I just blew through this great little read (now titled The Billionaire and the Grad Student) by @ameyzeigler 😃 The premise and characters were fun and engaging, and she addressed some serious issues with respect and sensitivity. I was rooting for our main couple from page one and I’ll definitely be picking up some more of her stuff! I met Amey at the Storymakers Conference last month and on top of being a great writer, she’s a great person! If you’re a romcom reader, you should check her out. Thanks for sharing your stories, Amey! #authorsofinstagram #writerssupportingwriters #storymakers23 #romcombooks
When the fabulous @evbarger is behind the camera, all kinds of joy are captured #storymakers23
Got my pictures taken at #storymakers23 by the extremely talented @evbarger ! Here's my favorite.
Storymakers Conference 2023: TBRs https://ashleyweaverauthor.com/2023/05/24/storymakers-conference-2023-tbrs/ #storymakers2023 #storymakers23 #storymakersconference #roxannemcneilbooks #emiliakelly #marygrayauthor #rebeccaconnollyauthor #jessicaguernsey #clarissakae #cammielarsen #anthology #tbr #tbrlist #latterdaysaintauthor #ashleyweaverauthor #fairytaleretellings #historicalfictionbooks
Wow! What an incredible first time at Storymakers!!! I had no idea how many friends I'd make! Thanks @storymakersconference ! #writingconference #writerconference #writersconference #storymakers #storymakersconference #storymakers23 #storymakersconference2023
Today I tried to do something brave and am documenting evidence that I actually did it: I applied to become a mentee of a Storymentor from #storymakers so I can learn more about querying and traditional publishing. I realize that there are probably lots more hopeful mentees than there are available mentors so I'll try not to be disappointed even if I'm not chosen. However they say you miss 100% of the shots you don't take so I'm proud of myself for at least taking a shot! - - - #storymakers23 #writersjourney #tryingtobebrave
Please join me and Piper Jean on Instagram Live at 8 pm EST to discuss reading, writing, and all things bookish! #authorsofinstagram #authorssupportingauthors #authorscommunity #storymakers23 #storymakers #whitneyawards2023 #whitneyawardsfinalist
Met one of my heroes at #storymakers23 over the weekend! 🤩
I went to #storymakers23 and had so much fun! It was a bucket-filling blast. I forgot how much fun other writers are. I wasn’t much for taking pictures but these are a few. -Friend and amazing writer @veedabybee gave an excellent keynote where I learned to shine on through the ups and downs and that I need to fail to succeed (except she said it so much better). I also got to finally meet her IRL and it was fantastic! -Friend and @queensoquel won third place in the First Chapter contest! And we had so much fun bumming around Provo 💜 -I met so many super cool and hilarious people who even write in the same genre! Small world! @worderella @kaylynnflanders @literaryrobinson -I went to some amazing classes and have been blown away by the quality and caliber of the people teaching. @celestectyler I will be shouting your praises for the foreseeable future. -I was lucky enough to teach on pöisons and #steampunk and was surprised to see actual real life people and authors I recognized in my class 😮 -I love learning and I love writers!
Somebody paid me money for something I wrote so now I have a professional Instagram account. That's how it works, I guess. Now that I've got an author account, you can expect less pictures of my kids and more pictures of my cat. That's also how it works. I'm proud and excited that my two middle grade novels are getting good feedback, and I promise to use my new-found fame (ahem...zero followers...) for good. Unless I actually get famous, then I'm definitely switching to evil. #Storymakers23 @storymakersconference @lesleywriters
#givethanks #resultsprotraining #movementisfreedom #deathisonlyabeginning still recovering from #storymakers23 got it done...
Getting to teach at @storymakersconference this past weekend was a dream come true! As always, I didn’t take nearly enough pictures, but I had so much fun seeing old friends and making new ones. It was over way too soon! If you missed it, my class, “The Anatomy of an Effective Landing Page,” is available for conference attendees to stream online the next 90 days. #webdevelopment #authorwebsites #authormarketing #storymakers23
She’s always been underestimated. But now she’s relying on it ✨ Cursebreaker releases 8/1 🦢👑🏹 • • • • • • • • #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #fairytaleretelling #fairytaleretellings #storymakers23 #plussizefmc #tropemap #yafantasy #yafantasybooks #swanlakeretelling #retelling #friendstolovers #unrequitedlove #kindleunlimited #kindlebooks #gailcarsonlevine #ellaenchanted #thegoosegirl #shannonhale #lunarchronicles #marissameyer #kindleauthors #kubooks
Today’s writing session brought to you by my garden, and the villains workshop @nielsenwriter taught at storymakers last week. #storymakers23 @storymakersconference #amwriting #amwritingscifi
I'm finally getting around to writing my Storymakers 2023 wrap up. I was distracted with Mother's Day and the spur-of-the-moment choice to read A Heart Worth Stealing (even though in still reading three other books.) No regrets! I took a different approach to Storymakers this year and took a break each day simply to apply some of the ideas I'd had during classes to my current WIP. I was able to write 5k words over the weekend, which is huge for the amount of writing I've been getting done lately. I took some amazing classes from amazing authors, met old friends and new friends, and am SO ready to fall in love with writing again. It's been a challenging few months, but I feel happy. That's always a win. #storymakers23 #storymakers #writingconference #iamwriting #wip #favoriteauthors #finallywriting #ifeelhappy #writingcommunity #authorsofinstagram #authorupdate
My absolute favorite judge comment from the Storymakers First Chapter Contest!😍 Whoever you are, thanks for making my week!❤️❤️❤️ #foreverthisway #storymakers23 #firstchaptercontest #mysterysuspense #steminist #psychologicalsuspense #romcom @waypointauthors #waypointauthors
🆂🆃🅾🆁🆈🅼🅰🅺🅴🆁🆂 🆆🆁🅸🆃🅸🅽🅶 🅲🅾🅽🅵🅴🆁🅴🅽🅲🅴 2023 - I don't go to very many "pro" events during any given year. My kids are still quite young, and so on and so forth. And when I do get out and mingle with fellow writers, I forget to take pictures. - I didn't forget this year, although I didn't take as many as I should've. - @aspenhadley_author @brittneymulliner @victorinelieske @tricialevenseller @tanyahalesart @jscottsavage @magicalbooknook @sarahallenbooks - Thank you to all of these ^ fantastic individuals for making my time at the conference so fantastic! - #storymakers23 #writerslife #writer #amwriting #indieauthor #writingconference #writersofinstagram #writersofig
Storymakers was a smashing success 🥸 @cnholmberg not only has the best hair, she’s super sweet and knowledgeable. @kathrynpurdie is so genuine and kind. @magicalbooknook is a riot and if you aren’t following her, do so now. @brandsanderson is a wealth of knowledge and support for writers just as he’s a gift to readers. My sister @iamcaitlinjacobs literally moved people to tears and chills with her class in theme. Got to spend in person time @rachaelstollwrites (as opposed to our writing group zoom meetings) 💜💜💜🫶🏼 I meet so many new friends and got to see familiar faces from the last few years. @jrv_perry @celestectyler @kristinaatkinsauthor @robertaskidmore were a part of many a shenanigans that I unfortunately have no picture evidence of?! #th Can’t wait for next year. Also my novel The Abandoned Realm comes out in 17 DAY 😱😱😱 @storymakersconference #storymakers23 #storymakers #writer #authorsofinstagram #writingcommunity #indieauthor
Connected with new and old friends at @storymakersconference this past weekend. It’s been some time since I’ve gone to a writer’s conference and it filled my writer heart 💖 Here are a few of the highlights from this conference. My writing group rocked it, @veedabybee with her keynote inspiring me to keep writing and her intensive class to never give up tackling revision!@rebeccagageauthor rocking steampunk cosplay and teaching not one but two classes! @queensoquel won third place in the first chapter contest! Again! So much gratitude being around such talented women. Had such a lovely time eating, laughing, and shopping with @worderella @kaylynnflanders and @literaryrobinson Each of you have a place to stay for free in Vegas! I won an access ticket to the line for @brandsanderson book signing. When I realized I didn’t have any of his books with me, @bayne_fam saved the day by driving me to a bookstore so I could have something signed. Side note: if you borrowed my paperback Mistborn book and forgot to give it back, I’d be happy to take that off your bookshelf. It’s loved and worn in all the right places 😜 Plus, the cover art 😍 Sanderson also taught a stellar class on marketing and social media for authors that has my entrepreneurial brain firing ✨ Hey, also, if I’m going to end up matching with someone, @traciabramson is the author to do it with 😂 Driving up and back with @bonniehopkinson was a breeze! And coming home to a clean car and home for Mother’s Day wrapped this experience with a perfect bow 💝Love you @spencergunnerson !!! 😙 Thank you @wendyejessen and everyone else on the Storymakers committee 🫶🏼 #writerlife #writersofinstagram #becomingauthor #writermoms #writersofig #writingcommunity #storymakers23 #bookstagram #brandonsanderson #brandonsandersonbooks #shereadsandwrites
Using the last hours of my vacation to sketch out the hero of the third book in the Hesitant Mediums series, and maybe outline a little. This Luna edition of the Ethereal Visions tarot deck is gorgeous! The art nouveau style with diverse actors is inspiring. Now to figure out what I'm looking at here... This is a 5-card tarot draw using a technique from @kristinaatkinsauthor to help brainstorm a character. I did two more to round out the trio at the center of my next book and my brain is buzzing. Such an interesting way to dream up personalities I usually spend months uncovering! #tarotforwriters #storymakers23 #tarotforwritersblock #amwriting #hesitantmediumsseries #hesitantmediums #belindakroll #blackfantasyauthors
My first year at Storymakers was amazing and exhausting! So glad I got to meet some of my favorite people in person (including my critique group members who I’ve known online for three and a half years!). My brain is full and still so tired, but it was a great weekend and I can’t wait to go back! (Picture #6 is how you sneak a photo with Brandon Sanderson without having to wait in the hour long line. 😏😂) #storymakers23 #authorlife #ineedanap #amwriting #writingfriendsarethebest
So, I’ve rewritten this sentence three times now because my brain is so crammed with all of the stuff I learned this weekend and I can’t accurately articulate what I want to say. 🤣 #storymakers23 was a BLAST! I got to meet and reconnect with so many of my favorite people. I was there when my friends won the first chapter contests. I had the opportunity to tell others about my book. I learned about rhetorical devices, poisons, and how to setup a successful book signing. All in all, a wonderful weekend. I always come out of these things with at least one big takeaway. I think my big one this year was that I can be confident in my work, that I SHOULD be confident in my work. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t feel like I was doing the right thing, but simply that I was doing a little thing. But that’s not true. I’ve accomplished a lot in the past few years and I will accomplish a lot more in the future. I’m a writer, an author, a mentor, a friend and for me, that is success. #writingconference #amwriting #author #writer #writerlife #authorlife #yafantasyauthor #fantasyauthor #ilovewriting #creator #inspired #bestweekendever #writingcommunity #writershelpingwriters
This past weekend I got to meet and learn from the likes of @thealicross @ginad129 and so many others who took the time to share their incredible knowledge! From brand new writers like me to seasoned pros, the Storymakers conference was a place to connect, support, and have fun! I can’t wait to continue this journey with my expanded arsenal of friends and information. Whatever your passion, find your people. I guarantee they will help you soar😊 #storymakers23 #writerssupportingwriters #authorsofinstagram #findyourpeople
Over the weekend, I gave the keynote address at the opening session of the #Storymakers23 writing conference. I spoke of how I am an author —and an absolute failure. These “fails” may be the very wind we need to push us towards our promised potential. Just like the characters we write, we also have a hero’s journey of growth! Thanks to @wendyejessen and Jessica Kendall for inviting me to speak. They helped put on an amazing conference. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself speaking to 700 + writers at any time. I also taught a two hour intensive class on revision. There was great participation! The fabulous @sarah_m_eden was the keynote speaker the next day. Her words of bridge building were powerful. @brandsanderson class on social media and marketing also made an impression. I respect the drive and hustle of so many authors, indie/hybrid/trade. Sanderson said this is the best time to be an author in the history of the world! It was inspiring to hear his take. All weekend long I was lifted up by the tremendous support and those cheering others on. My dear sweet sisters were there. Friends from my writer’s group came. People I haven’t met before chatted with me in the halls. My bestie @yamilesmendez was there. She knocks me over with her loyalty and love. It was a wonderful surprise to see Chris Schoebinger from @shadowmountainpub . I have an upcoming project with them and appreciate the enthusiasm their team has already given. Speaking of Shadow Mountain, I loved the chance to shout out @authorlisamangum in my speech. All I had say was “Lisa,” and most everyone knew who I was talking about. She is on legendary first name status. 😊 Last and never least, I want to give recognition to the one who has been there since the very beginning: my dear husband. Not only did he come to support, but also taught a class on the Business of Being a Writer (from the legal and estate/legacy planning side of things). I was so proud of him! Thanks for all those who came, volunteered, and shared connection at @storymakersconference this year. I’m honored to be on this writing path with you. #amwriting #authorlife #authorsofinstagram #writingconference
Renew. Refresh. Redouble. #ilovetoseethetemple #amwriting #aspiringauthor #writermom #storymakers23
Renew. Refresh. Redouble. #ilovetoseethetemple #amwriting #aspiringauthor #writermom #storymakers23
Storymakers 📖🖋️ This was one of the best weekends I’ve had in my adult life, especially in the past few years. I was inspired, found motivation, and made friends (which is not easy for me to do!!!) I am so grateful for everyone who made this conference so wonderful! My highlights: ✨ watching @authorjoannabarker win a Whitney!!! ✨ getting talk to so many inspiring writers ✨ meeting @brandsanderson and talking to him about food (super excited to try the places he recommended) ✨ @sarah_m_eden ‘s keynote address ❤️ My only regret is that I didn’t take more photos. These are just ones that other people suggested taking, thank goodness for that. Also, if I missed tagging you in a pic let me know! I’m super bad at connecting faces and names 😬 #storymakers23 #storymakers
Appa and Momo sat like this for at least 15 minutes, just staring. Kinda like me and my computer screen after a writing conference. Where in the world do I start NOW???? #amwriting #amwritingya #writingconference #storymakers23 #authorcats
Got to hear from @brandsanderson about marketing and social media on Saturday. Hearing about his processes and behind-the-scenes is always interesting, because he's so efficient. He has different strengths than me, but it's fun to hear how he does things. #storymakers23 #storymakers #brandonsanderson #authormarketing #writingconference
What an amazing, whirlwind of a weekend! So fun meeting new writer friends and reconnecting with old ones! I even got to meet my agent sister (meaning we share the same agent @heathercashmanauthor ). Fun times! I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference. ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ #storymakers #storymakersconference2023 #storymakersconference #storymakers23 #deceptiongameseries #deceptiongame #deceptiongamebooks #whitneyawards #whitneyawards23 #authorlife #writerscommunity #writersofinstagram #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authors #authorscommunity
Oh Storymakers, you were EXACTLY what this author needed this past weekend. On the drive down, I had a breakdown and cried the whole way. It was a good thing I had friends in the car telling me when to exit and change lanes. The classes were encouraging and inspiring, but it was the people who made the most impact. Thank you @authormariesoleil @jessicaguernsey @ash @lovelybookishdelights @authorkortneykeisel @ashleybudge @michelledennischristensen and everyone else I’m forgetting because my brain is mush. Special shout out to my developmental editor @megeditsbooks who is an absolute delight and the hype girl I need. I’m grateful we finally met in person. I’m eternally grateful that I took @jrv_perry class last year and she mentioned she was an editor and connected me to you. To @authorkatecondie and @aspenhadley_author who let me stick to them like glue and who made me laugh. Their company lifted my spirits and filled the cracks in my heart. Thank you for accepting my forced friendship ladies. A huge thank you to my sis in law Becca Briar and friend @am_mathews for being my tribe. For listening, encouraging, helping, and supporting me. I love that I have you in my life and to attend all the writing things with. I wouldn’t be brave enough to go to the conference without you by my side. Until next year 🩷 #sweetromanceauthor #cleanromance #writerlife #authorlife #storymakers23 #romcomauthor #authorsofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookish #bookishlove
Please join me this evening, 8 pm EST, on Instagram Live to chat with Lenore Stutznegger about all things bookish! @lenorestutz #bookstagram #whitneyawards2022 #whitneyawardsfinalist #storymakers #storymakers23
✨ STORYMAKERS 2023 ✨ I love this writing conference. It was different for me this year, but I think I'm just in a new stage of life since I've last attended. Now I'm physically exhausted, emotionally and mentally drained, and my social battery is utterly depleted, but I will continue coming back. The classes have inspired me back into writing brain and helped refill my creative well, which right now in my life is invaluable. I didn't take near as many pictures as I wanted to, so sorry to those who I missed, but I so value all the hugs and conversations and memories. It was awesome to meet booksta friends in real life, and make many new friends too! Hope to see so many of you next year too! 💕 #storymakers23 #writersconference #authorlife #writinginspiration #writingfriends #bookstagram #bookstabuddies #bookstabesties #bookwriting #romanceauthor #indieauthor #authorssupportingauthors
#storymakers23 was incredible. I took amazing classes, saw old friends, and made new ones. #writingcommunity #writerlife
What a fantastic whirlwind weekend of meeting new writer friends for life, celebrating my book, and learning from some of the best writers in the world! I feel so blessed to have been part of such a wonderful adventure at @storymakersconference 💕 What a thrill to meet one of my favorite authors of all time—the great, kind, and mastermind— @brandsanderson 💕 #whitneyawards #storymakers23 #writersofinstagram #writer #writerslife #author #authorsofinstagram #authorsofig #authorslife #writingcommunity #writingcommunityofinstagram #writer #authorsupportingauthors #storymakersconference2023 #indieauthor
Brandon Sanderson (@brandsanderson) was at Storymakers 2023! I'm so happy I was able to have him sign his book The Way of Kings for my son, Cyrus @bravestride, who wants to be a writer because of him. I bought Cyrus Steelheart years ago, and he has devoured every Sanderson book since. He started writing two years ago, and he's a natural. #storymakers23 #storymakers #writersareawesome #writerinspiration #writersconference #writerslife #writerlife #authormotivation #authorinspiration #authorslife #authorsinspiration #brandonsanderson
So many talented authors at Storymakers 2023. It was fun to wander through the bookstore. #storymakers23 #storymakers #writerlife #writersareawesome #authorinspiration #authors #authorlife #authorslife #writersconference #writersconferences
Storymakers 2023! Fantastic conference with some of the most wonderful women in the world. Seven members out of the twelve in our writers group were able to make it. Shout out to all my ReVisionaries! The world is a better place when you're with your people. #storymakers23 #writerslife #storymakers #authors #writersofinstagram #writersareawesome
Spent the weekend at #storymakers23 with my sister @kateanderwrites!
Had an amazing time at #storymakers23 this weekend. So many wonderful classes and wonderful people to see!
While I'm conditioned to conference life from my tech day job, I've never indulged in a writing conference, and I'm glad @storymakersconference was my dip in the water. This year's theme was Connections, and as you can see, I made many! There are many more new friends not pictured who I look forward to seeing next year. This was the most non-Midwestern, Midwestern-feeling conference I've ever been to. Everyone I met was lovely and welcoming. Classes were inspiring, the faculty hilarious and charming, and I'm feeling a calm sense of certainty that this unexpected opportunity was exactly what I needed. Thanks to the committee for selecting me for their scholarship. Thanks to the Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Minnesota, and Alabama ladies for adopting me. It was so nice to meet in person people I've been interacting with for years, and others who I'm sure we'll stay in touch for years to come. Reader, indulge your passion, however big or small. Stay consistent to yourself. Luck is preparation meeting opportunity, and I'm feeling pretty lucky today. Shout-out to the husband, who was super supportive of me taking the trip. I would have attended virtual-only if he hadn't pushed me. #storymakers23 #writinglife #authorlife #belindakroll #brightbirdpress #indieauthor #connections
Two exhausted but very happy writers ❤️ Dañiela started as a college friend, turned roommate, turned bridesmaid, turned writing buddy and I am SO grateful. She has worked so hard and learned so much in her writing career. I am grateful for all of her support and help as I prep for my debut. Going to #storymakers23 with her was a joy and I’m so excited for all of the future years! If you aren’t following her, you should be. Her books are NOT to be missed.
A few more from Storymakers! #storymakers23 #writingconferences #amwriting #writinglife #writerfriends
If you ever get the chance to go to a writer’s conference in person, run! I think we all expect to come away learning more about how to create characters or avoid the muggy middle, and create a better story, but I was really surprised to find that a lot of what I gained from the conference this year, didn’t happen in a classroom. 🥀New friends & connections. I am *not* an extrovert but when I get around writers and bookworms, I lose all my introvertness. I have no idea why but I absolutely love it. The connections and friendships are probably my favorite part. 🥀New Books. It was in fact my goal to not buy any new books this year because I still haven’t read the ones I bought last year. I came home with six 🙄 🥀A better understanding of four major players in The Fallen Kingdoms who are taking this series to the next level. 🥀Permission to do me. Even if that means skipping classes to use my time to write (see the previous one 😏). 🥀A new multi-author book project plan for (aways) in the future. It was a good time, and I feel so ready to hit send and get Reign of Darkness to my editor and bounce back to square one for book 3. #storymakers23 #writersconference #lessonslearned #writerslifeforme #writingcommunity #alwayswriting #authorevent #booksigningevent #writerfriends #fantasyauthor #indiebooks #indieauthorsofinstagram #authorsunite
I love going to #storymakers23 this year and getting to rub elbows with some of the best writers. @brandsanderson @nielsenwriter I’m inspired to keep going!❤️📚
Another year of Storymakers in the bag! Saw so many people that are near and dear to me. Got to catch up with a few, which filled my soul. For those who attended or have virtual registration: you can still watch my Princess Bride Class! . Pics: 🔹With @ginad129, my partner in crime over on In Omnia Paratus. I 🔹adore & admire her so much! 🔹The crowd holding up cell phone lights during Saturday’s keynote as we sang the theme song of “Reading Rainbow,” which might as well be the writer’s anthem. 🔹Saturday’s keynote speaker, the incomparable @sarah_m_eden, whom I’m lucky enough to call a dear friend (didn’t get a great pic, alas). 🔹The emcee, Kaushay Ford, who exudes the energy of positivity we needed. 🔹Amazing conference chair @wendyejessen, who deserves a week-long nap & put on a fabulous conference 🔹With @loraleeevansauthor, a long-time Storymaker & friend—so long I don’t remember how many years it’s been. She, too, always has a smile to share & is a delight to see. . I’ll be watching classes I missed & probably napping too. . #storymakers #storymakers23 #storymakersconference #writingconference #writingcommunity #writinglife #writersofinstagram #authorsofinstagram #bookstagram #lyonwrites
Last day of #storymakers23 This is my happy place 😍
About a year ago I started pursuing a long-suppressed passion of mine, writing speculative fiction based on Asian society and mythology. This weekend, with encouragement from family and friends, I attended my very first writers' conference. I met so many nice people and learned so much. Also, I learned that I should document my journey in a way that shows I'm not an AI generated bot. So here I am in all my humanness! :) #storymakers23 #writersconference #writersjourney #definitelyhuman
I had a blast this weekend at the Storymakers writing conference @storymakersconference . I attended with my critique partner, @cindywallaceauthor . I saw old friends, even an old college roommate, made new ones, and connected with people I’ve only known online. I put myself out there, signing up for a query critique with an agent and a first chapter critique with an editor. Talk about nerves! I had them! It was an education-packed two days, filled with fun, inspiration, and friendship! For two and half days, I was with one of my homes away from home. I love the writing community 💜💕 #storymakers23 #storymakersconference #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #authorssupportingauthors
I feel like I got to hang out with the very best today!!! Storymakers always feels like it was meant for me, but today was simply phenomenal. Thanks especially to @sarah_m_eden who made me cry in the lunchroom but thanks also to the many wonderful teachers that I had today, including @cnholmberg @brandsanderson @stephanieblackauthor and SO many others. Also thanks to @eschlerediting for reading through the first chapter of one of my WIPs and reassuring me that it was actually working. Thanks also to all the wonderful people who wandered past my table during my book signing. Whether you bought a book or not, you made me feel included and made it so fun to be there. Lastly, legit it was so much fun to hang out with @magicalbooknook @nataliebriannebooks @stephanieblackauthor @traciabramson @authorbonniejopierson and so many others!!! (Sorry if I didn’t tag you! My brain is mush…) Y’all are the ones that make it fun!!! ❤️ Best. Weekend. Ever! P.S. I did not plan for my hair to be that big 🤣. The humidity from the rain this afternoon made it almost double in size! #storymakers23 #writersofinstagram #writersjourney #booksigning #bestweekendever #writersofIG
Storymakers 2023! I love learning about writing, but my favorite part is the people! I got to hang out with my writing group and my friend @shirstenshirts. I got to see @authorwhitneyhurst and meet @authorkarenthornell. I got to meet Jessica @lovelybookishdelights. And it was a fun bonus winning entry to the Brandon Sanderson book signing! There were many more people who I didn't get pictures with, but I just want to thank everyone for being so nice when I said hi and wanted to chat. I hope I see you next year! In the meantime, I'll enjoy seeing you on Instagram 😁 and sharing our love of books ❤️ #storymakers23 #newfriends #writinggroupfun #writingcraft #writingcommunity
Writers Conference Day 2. My brain is stuffed like a stuffed thing. I love these people and I missed the ones not here this year. #ilovemyjob #writerfriends #authorfriends #storymakers23 #justdance #justwrite #authorlife #allthewords yes, I posted Kaylee twice but can you blame me?
#storymakersconference was so fun and inspiring and overwhelming and gave me imposter syndrome and inspired me and exhausted me and all in the best way. So glad @krodeback could experience this roller coaster of emotions with me and that I could learn and write and learn some more this weekend. #storymakers23
My favorite author! #brandonsanderson #StoryMakers23
Brandon Sanderson 🤩🤩🤩 Phenomenal writer, fantastic teacher, nicest person EVER! #storymakers23
These women, y’all! Glorious women looking glorious at the 2023 Whitney Awards Gala! Congratulations Melanie Jacobson on your well deserved win! It’s been an incredible Conference Jessica! ❤️📕 🏆🥰 #storymakers23 #livinwrite #whitneyawards
I’m back. It’s been four years since I’ve been. This is where I belong. ❤️ #storymakers23 #writingconference #bookstagram #amwriting #storymakers #authorlife
My favorite humans ever are Storymakers— in one way or another.🥰 #storymakers23 #storymakers #thewritekindofpeople
Doesn't quite meet the scale, but being in @brandsanderson 's social media marketing class prompted me to post more... #storymakers23 #storymakerswritersconference
Gearing up to teach about style and rhetorical devices. Even after 20+ years of teaching, I STILL get nervous. Good thing I like teaching. 😂♥️ #storymakers23
I’ll be signing books at the mass book signing this evening. If you’re at the conference, please stop by and say hi! I love to meet new people! ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ #storymakers #storymakers23 #storymakersconference #storymakersconference2023 #booksigning #authorsofinstagram #authorlife #authors #writerscommunity #writersofinstagram #writersofig
Post-keynote exhaustion 😴 #storymakers23
Representing!!!! #storymakers23
@jrv_perry and I are on the big screen! Okay, maybe it’s a small screen, but still…isn’t our book prreeetttyy?!?! #storymakers23 #SparktoStory
Yay for Storymakers 2023!!🎉🎉🎉📕🧜🏼♀️ #storymakers #storymakers23 #storymakersconference2023
So you’re saying these things aren’t normal? Writers are indeed a wonderfully weird lot! . #storymakers23 #writingconference #writersareweird #writingcommunity #writinglife #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #lyonwrites