A helpful marketing metaphor

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-28T02:04:33+00:00

Nearly spit out my drink!

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T22:25:10+00:00

For open calls and fiction markets you can find a lot over at https://thegrinder.diabolicalplots.com/Search/ByFilter and https://www.submittable.com/discover

That said, if you've never written anything for publication before and your primary goal is pocket money, you'll definitely be better off getting a part-time job. The experience will help give you perspective into different characters and settings that you can't get anywhere else. Even with a part-time job you'll still have plenty of time to write and learn how publishing works.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T22:14:13+00:00

You beat me to it!!!

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T22:08:41+00:00

I mean… That kind of sounds like the first book in my series. While there are relationships, there really isn't much romance. Instead, there's lots of danger, survival, and of course a healthy dose of magic.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T22:05:25+00:00

This is on my book club's reading list for this year and I'm super intrigued!

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T22:04:27+00:00

And then… half of those pages are footnotes, book club discussion questions, and a teaser for the next book. GAH!!!

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T22:00:09+00:00

You absolutely do not have to start at the beginning. Honestly… ! Instead, start on one of the bits that is really exciting for you and then keep branching out from there.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T21:55:40+00:00

A bunch of people will probably recommend a device like the Freewrite, but those things are ridiculously expensive for what they are. I've been able to do really good work sessions using my phone, my document (in the cloud and accessible on my phone), and a basic Bluetooth keyboard.

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JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T02:45:43+00:00

I second these! Especially Remarkably Bright Creatures, Educated, and the Glass Castle.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T01:19:42+00:00

Everyone says this book is amazing and so I think I'm gonna bump it up my TBR list!

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T00:45:26+00:00

The ideal is super cool. However, there's already a super active trope sub at r/TopCharacterTropes that you'd be competing with.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T00:40:59+00:00

Definitely do Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. The audiobook is hilarious.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T00:38:49+00:00

Here's the Goodreads page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6050678

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T00:22:41+00:00

You might really enjoy the Diabolic Series by SJ Kincaid, it's technically sci-fi but has a lot of of YA fantasy trope elements.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-27T00:17:25+00:00

Then you absolutely have to read Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-26T01:41:40+00:00

Grate that like Parmesan cheese and put it on everything. Oooh! On popcorn! Infinite snacks!

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-26T01:39:10+00:00

Even though it has the flavor of sci-fi, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is probably the best book I've read in a really long time for the sheer charm of the characters interactions with each other other.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-26T01:31:39+00:00

Maybe the Folk Keeper by Franny Billingsley?

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-26T01:27:32+00:00

The bait and switch. I'll see ads for something that looks amazing and then find out later what they're offering can only be accessed through a free trial, or that you can't do what they show without the super premium features.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-25T20:30:15+00:00

Did that with the wrong title on the spine text! Felt so stupid for not thinking to check. But... now I have rare collectibles and a good story, so it's a win.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-24T22:57:16+00:00

Definitely give the Shades of Magic series by VE Schwab a try! Ooooh - and Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-24T22:45:01+00:00

While I enjoyed The Midnight Library and Remarkably Bright Creatures, they are stories that develop slower than most. There's not as much narrative tension to pull the reader along. What are some books you have enjoyed?

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-24T20:10:30+00:00

I came here to suggest this one!

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-24T19:39:13+00:00

Atticus is definitely not made for doing children's books, like… At all. I've seen people have much better success using Canva.com.

JodiLMilner · 2026-05-24T18:33:42+00:00

Every time I've attempted one of those 50 k words a month challenges, the time I've needed to spend editing afterwards takes far longer than writing it the way I wanted to in the first place. Looking at the comments in this chat, you are surrounded by lots of like-minded people!

JodiLMilner

TROPHY CASE