Blog - Page 2 of 8 - Jessica Conoley

Blocking Business Days

April 13, 2020

If you have the desire to share your writing with as many readers as possible, you’re probably looking at publishing your work in some manner. And it turns out writing and publishing are two very different beasts. If you’re trying to balance getting your work published with making time for writing, block a few business days into your writing calendar. Business days are days dedicated solely to moving your publication path forward by: 1) Researching agents. 2) Researching markets. 3) …

Save the Dates, Tip Round Up, and Meet My New Roommate!

January 11, 2020

Tip Round Up I like it when I can find things easily, which is why I’ve decided to add Tip Round Ups to my monthly newsletter. Roundups will list all the tips I’ve shared in one easy to reference list for you. Below is everything we went over in 2019. Can’t wait to see what we add in 2020! Craft tips: To Be + (-ing) First Draft Words Color Code & Find Balance Authorpreneurship tips: Author Websites-Step 1 Dear Ally, …

July 13, 2020December 2, 2019

Join me at Writers United this Wednesday, December 4th. I’m hosting Writers United this Wednesday night from 6- 8 p.m. and hope you will join me. We have special guests this month: Tiffany White of Writers Untapped will be offering free query critiques or offer feedback on the first 5 pages of a story for you Whitney Terrell of UMKC will be at the industry insiders table answering all questions MFA related. Whitney also has an extensive publication history as …

Stealth Edits at Jo Co Library’s Writers Conference 11/16

July 13, 2020October 12, 2019

If you would like the chance to get four pages of your work edited, for free, by me, here’s what you need to do: 1) Join my writer email list. 2) Format your work in standard manuscript formatting. 3) Print a copy and bring it with you to the Jo Co Writers Conference on Saturday, November 16th. 4) Make sure your e-mail address is somewhere on the submission. (Hand write it, type it, put it in braille, doesn’t matter …

Connect with KC Writers this month & Client Spotlight on Paula Gleeson

July 13, 2020August 1, 2019

Places to Connect with Kansas City Writers this August Monday, August 5th 2019, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Story Center Critique Group. MCPL’s Woodneath Library, 8900 NE Flintlock Road, Kansas City, MO 64157. Anyone can show up. You’re encouraged to bring five copies of your piece. (I believe up to 2,000 words.) The group is divided into groups of four where you learn how to critique and revise based on those critiques. Wednesday, August 7th 2019, 6 p.m. – 8 …

First Draft Words & Writers United

July 1, 2019

What are your first draft words? Every time I start a first draft I want to die, because its bad… really, really bad. It is full of lazy verbs, vague descriptions, and brimming with first draft words. First draft words are crutch words–the words I use to get me into a scene or get two characters talking to one another. When I’m starting my 2nd draft, and re-reading that crap-tastic first version, I highlight first draft words and I compile …

Stealth Edits at Writers United

June 4, 2019

If you would like the chance to get five pages of your work edited, for free, by me, here’s what you need to do: 1) Join my writer email list. 2) Format your work in standard manuscript formatting. 3) Print a copy 4) Write the secret code word: BREATHER on your submission. (Hand write it, type it, put it in braille, doesn’t matter to me. Just have the code word on there somewhere!) 5) Give your pages to me at …

Want to meet some Kansas City Writers? Save the Dates!

May 10, 2019

I’m excited to be partnering with the Johnson County, KS Library for Writers United! Our amazing library is making it a little easier for writers to find one another by having monthly writer meet-ups this summer, and they were kind enough to invite me to be a guest host. If you’re in the KC area and want to meet other writers come join me on Wednesday, June 5th or Wednesday, July 10th! The meet-up takes place from 6 – 8 …

3 Reasons Editors Love Standard Manuscript Format

April 14, 2019

Did you ever wonder why publishers & agents are so concerned about formatting? 1. It’s easy on our eyes. The double spacing, simple fonts, and wide margins minimize editor eye strain. 2. There’s room to write our notes when we edit by hand. Yes, sometimes we still print out entire manuscripts and mark them up! We notice different things while editing on paper that are often overlooked on a computer screen. 3. It lets your writing stand out. Editors and …

Podcasts for days! What’s your favorite listen?

July 13, 2020March 4, 2019

I had a great time getting book recommendations from you in response to my Best of 2018 Reads newsletter, I thought I’d pick your brains yet again. But this time I want to know what’s in your ear-balls? There’s a slight chance I may have become addicted to podcasts. I like listening while I take a walk or clean the house or when the radio stations are sucking at playing music. Since there’s a podcast for pretty much everything, I …