Author: Amy Nielsen
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Polishing Your Submission Packet For Querying
Hello Authors! When I was in the query trenches, I found there were a lot of things I wished I’d known early in my query journey. Now that I’m an associate literary agent (as of July 3rd, 2024!), I thought it would be helpful to querying authors if I provided some guidance on how to…
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Reader to Leader: My Journey to YA By the Bay
On October 13th and 14th, 2023, I have the honor of participating in a literary event YA By the Bay founded by Sorboni Banerjee and Dominique Richardson, authors of the Everbeach Series. They designed the event to inspire teen readers to become leaders. This weekend, I got to thinking about what led me to YA…
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Reading With His Daughter
I tucked the documents the attorney had given me into a folder. Documents that meant Dad was officially unable to make his own health and financial decisions—grateful he’d signed them before it was too late. “Dad, it’s time to go,” I shouted into my former guest room. My father sat in the worn recliner he…
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There’s No Pee in P.E.
Mrs. Marshall, my third-grade teacher, points to the clock. “P.E.’s in five minutes. If anyone needs to use the bathroom, I’d do it now.” Her words fight with the ones on the page. But Charlotte’s Web has me more entangled than a trip to the pee-smelling hallway bathroom. I ignore her suggestion and keep reading.…
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A Guide to Publishing: From Initial Idea to Execution
The Purcell Agency, where I’d been an assistant all summer, recently promoted me to associate literary agent. As soon as I announced, several aspiring authors with amazing ideas reached out and wanted to know how to get started writing the book that’s been bouncing in their brains for years. As a debut author myself, I…
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Author(ish) Podcast – Episode 11 – Banned Books and a Call for Submissions Inspired By Them
Amy talks a little about her experience with book bans during her career as a public school librarian. She also puts out a call for submissions for Uncensored Ink: A Banned Book-Inspired Anthology. More information about the anthology is below. Anthologist: Amy Nielsen Coordinator: Ian Tan Submission Window – October 1, 2023-February 29, 2024 Description: An anthology centered…
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Uncensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology
Anthologist: Amy Nielsen Coordinator: Ian Tan Submission Window – October 1, 2023-February 29, 2024 Description: An anthology centered around the topics of intellectual freedom, censorship, and book bans, through the imagined lens of librarians and structured according to the Dewey Decimal System Introduction: Here at Wild Ink, we are appalled and saddened by the censorship we see now and…
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Something Weird is in the Attic by Barclay Nielsen
My eight-year-old autistic son sees me reading and writing—a lot! I also encourage him to read and read with him. He’s read my book “Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder” which he knows was inspired by him. So last night when he asked me to transcribe his horror story, I was blown…
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Ten Steps Authors Should Consider Before Querying
You’ve typed the words The End. Congratulations! You’re ready to send your full manuscript to the massive email list you created of every agent in the business. Your game plan—cast your net wide and you’re bound to have multiple offers of representation within days. Nope. Not even close. While you, your mother, your sister, and…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 10 – Interview with Michael Dolan Owner of Winding Road Stories Publishing
Michael’s Bio Michael Dolan is the founder and editorial director of Winding Road Stories, an independent traditional book publisher that is home to 25 authors in a variety of fiction and non-fiction genres. In addition to being the author of several books, he has served as executive editor for many publishing companies, including Conde Nast. Michael…
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The New Librarian
The pounding on the door should have startled Stevie, but she’d been tipped off. She took a slow, deliberate sip of steaming Earl Gray. Then she placed the chipped floral cup on its matching dish atop the side table. She picked up her cane but made no attempt at a speedy greeting. The people on…
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Amy Nielsen on the Meet the Elite Podcast
I take every opportunity I can to share my passions to reach as many people to help as possible. In this episode, I share my work both through Mayflower Media as a book coach and helping authors make book trailers, and my work with families of children with exceptional needs through Big Abilities. It’s only…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 09 – Interview with Sally Lotz author of The Truth is a Lie
Content Note: Although not graphic, this episode contains discussions of child abuse and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide. -Brene Brown Sally’s Bio Sally is a mentor and a writing coach with…
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My Top Ten Self-Editing Tips
You did it! You wrote your story. You typed the words, The End. You commissioned a couple of beta readers. They helped you tighten your plot and clear up any confusion. You’re happy with where your story starts and where it ends. You’re ready to dive head-first into the query trenches. Pause—not so fast. There’s…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 08 – Opening Pages: Risky Versus Less Risky
In this episode, Amy and Dana discuss all things opening pages! We focus on risky versus less risky ways to open your novel including examples. Risky Less Risky Novels Mentioned in this Episode
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Telling Versus Showing: Addressing This Common Issue By Minimizing Filter Language
What is a Filter? In Webster’s dictionary, the definition of filter, when used as a noun, is something that has the effect of a filter (as by holding back elements or modifying the appearance of something). The definition of filter, when used as a verb, is to remove by means of a filter. So using…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 07 – Interview with S.K. Andrews author of The Kelly Society Book Series
S.K. Andrews Bio When S.K. Andrews wasn’t swimming in the Pacific Ocean in her hometown of Laguna Beach, California, she busied herself by writing fantasy stories and acting on stage. Having grown up watching Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone and Night Gallery shows on TV, S.K. quickly fell in love with paranormal tales with a message…
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My New Role as a Literary Agent’s Assistant
When I published my first book, Teaching the Video Production Class: Beyond the Morning Newscast back in 2014 to say I was thrilled would be an understatement. The following year, I left a nearly twenty year career as an educator to focus full-time on raising my autistic son and to work on my writing career.…
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The Valuable Lesson I Learned From Failing to Read the Large Print
When one of my writing besties, S.E. Reed author of My Heart is Hurting was selected as a guest judge for the Fiction Potluck over at the Writer’s Workout of course I wanted to participate! I really enjoy cranking out a short story so I was excited to see what S.E. would pick for the…
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You Belong Here
A notification pinged on Michelle’s cell. She stopped typing the dissertation for her Board-Certified Behavior Analyst program. It didn’t matter if the notification was for a low-effort puzzle app or a text from her recent Made-It-Face-Book-Official boyfriend; she responded to each with equal urgency. She tapped in her passcode and swiped on the notification—a request…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 06 – Interview with Cozy Mystery and Sweet Romance Author Jennifer Vido
In this episode, Amy and Dana interview cozy mystery and sweet romance author, Jennifer Vido. Author Bio Jennifer Vido is the author of the Gull Island sweet romance series. An avid booklover, she interviews bestselling authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column on FreshFiction.com. A longtime Arthritis Foundation advocate, she teaches seniors an arthritis-friendly water…
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Ronan’s Revenge
Introduction I don’t read, write, or critique Fantasy, I’m just not that smart! But when a writing bestie was selected as a guest judge for a fantasy writing competition, I had to try! I had no idea of a plot. But one scene from a movie kept coming to my mind. (I won’t say what…
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Intellectual Freedom and Why We Must Fight For It
I’ll be honest, this is personal. And it was personal long before the gatekeepers denied entry of my friend, author extraordinaire S.E. Reed’s 2023 debut, My Heart is Hurting, into the Palm Beach County Library System. My First Intellectual Freedom Crusade This goes way back to the Fall of 1999, my first year as an…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 05 – Getting an Agent
In this episode, Amy and Dana break down what they’ve learned after collectively querying nearly a hundred agents over four years. And while they both ultimately chose to publish via small presses, many authors want an agent. So here is our best advice on deciding if you want an agent and how to get one.…
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The Singing River
Shannon and I held hands as we rode our bikes side by side. A skill we’d recently perfected. He’d just guessed my Hum That Tune, I Was Made for Dancing. I’d plastered my room with Teen Beat Leif Garret posters. His looks ranked better with me than his music. But I did like that one.…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 04 – Interview with Young Adult Author S.E. Reed
In this episode, Amy and Dana interview author S.E. Reed. S.E. has spent the last 20 years of her life moving around all five-regions of the United States which gives her a unique American perspective. Many of her pieces have a strong Southern theme, but she also dabbles in the strange, bizarre and fantastical. Her work…
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A Sunset and a Cigar
A sunset is the ultimate partner. She demands nothing. Only gives. That may sound misogynistic. But what the hell? We’re talking about a sunset here. I take my single-blade guillotine, give me a break; I’m old school and ready the stick. I light my Ashton as I take in the lake, the sky, and the…
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What To and What Not To Include in Your Novel’s Opening Pages – Risky versus Less Risky
Starting your novel in the right spot is not easy. Trust me! I have three opening scenes drafted for my work in progress (WIP). But it is extremely important for two reasons. But what should, and maybe more importantly, what should not, be in those opening pages? Below you’ll find the best practices my research…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 03 – Interview with Screenplay Writer, Director, and Author Kevin O’Neill
In today’s episode, Dana and Amy interview Kevin O’Neill. Kevin is an award-winning film director, screenwriter, and producer who has been writing and directing short films for the last sixteen years. His films have been nominated for 89 awards and have won 59. Many of his film scripts are inspired by real stories from his…
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The Bystander, The Mother, and The Son
Writing from three different points of view, Amy shares a personal story about a meltdown her autistic son had when he was four years old.
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Cosmopolitan: A Contemporary New Orleans Ghost Story
I’m not a ghost storyteller, but after visiting New Orleans and going on a ghost story tour, I had to at least try it! So here’s my attempt at weaving a NOLA ghost story into a contemporary setting!
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Jumbalaya, Crawfish Pie, Seafood Gumbo – 1952 – Jumbalaya on the Bayou – Hank Williams, Sr.
If you’ve read my YA WORTH IT (or hopefully plan to when it’s published), I’m sure the almost burning questions on your mind are, “What the heck is filet gumbo?” and “How can I get some?” I say almost burning because, well, you’ll find out soon enough. Much of WORTH IT is based on my…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 02 – The Emotional Phases of Writing
In episode two of the Author(ish) podcast, based off a blog Dana wrote, Dana and Amy talk about the Emotional Phases of Writing. You can read the blog by clicking here. I share that I recently met my publishing sister, S.E. Reed, author of the upcoming YA My Heart is Hurting. (You can watch the…
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Blood-Red Lipstick
I’m waiting outside on a rusty garden bench in front of my Florida ranch when Rhonda rolls up in her stepdaddy’s jacked-up Ford. “Wahoo,” she screams through the open window. “Let’s go!” I stand and tug at the miniskirt I’d long outgrown. It’s just a regular Tuesday. But to Rhonda and me it’s anything but…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 01 – Writing Community
Authors Amy Nielsen and Dana Hawkins discuss the importance of building a Writing Community and give actionable steps in how to do it.
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Author(ish) Podcast Trailer
Authors Amy Nielsen and Dana Hawkins introduce each other and the types of content listeners can expect on their upcoming podcast.
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The Actress
I wrote this to honor my IRL friend Sabrina Lloyd who did go on to achieve a successful career in acting, until she decided on her own terms, she didn’t want it anymore.
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Find Her Phone – A Short Story Family Thriller
Light seeps under my closed bedroom door. The signal that my newly minted adult daughter hasn’t made it home. I ignore my full bladder and jostle my husband. “What time is it?” He raises his head. “Six-fifteen. Why?” “I think the light on the staircase is still on. Either Lauren hasn’t made it home or…
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5 Reasons Why You Should Fictionalize Your Past Trauma
Let’s be real. No one gets through this life unscathed. Everyone experiences their share of trauma. You’ve probably said, “I should write a book,” more times than you can count. And memoir can be powerful. But fictionalizing your past may be a better option. My upcoming debut, Worth It (Wild Ink May of 2024 (available…
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The Mimosa Tree
When I started writing fiction, I had no idea prologues were a fiction death-wish. I cut my prologue and got a deal for my upcoming debut WORTH IT. But, I think she has some merit. It’s first-person POV, but definitely reads as memoir. Anyway, maybe you’ll enjoy. Here you go. The Mimosa Tree Dad only…
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Hello, I’m Beer Can Island
On the map I’m known as Pine Key Tampa Bay, but I’m infamously known to the locals as Beer Can Island—which I prefer. I’m a pretty big deal here in Tampa Bay. At least I think so. Folks are in a pretty good mood when they’re here—evidenced by abundant smiles. On most weekends boats line…
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The Abortion
HOUSING PROJECTS Southern Mississippi 1960s Lamar held my trembling hand in his sweaty one. A white doctor in dirty scrubs put my feet in stirrups. My knees locked. Two colored nurses in plain clothes draped a sheet over a wall-to-wall wire, cutting off my view of my torso. Not that I wanted to watch. The…
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Osprey
Yesterday, while visiting my boat to clear a mama osprey’s nesting debris, inspiration hit. It’s not perfection, but it’s from the heart.
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Why You Should and How To Make an Author Media Press Kit
Let’s be real. You chose to be an author because you have something to say. And it’s beyond the pages of your amazing fictional novel. You have a bigger message. Most authors do. And yes, our first goal as authors is ultimately to entertain. But most of us share a collectively deeper one—to evoke change…
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5 Tips to Manifest Your Author Career
Manifestation is the conversion of thoughts into reality. Believing you will achieve your dreams and goals. Then taking the actions necessary to ignite them into existence. If you are a writer in the query trenches, it’s easy to get trapped in a negative mindset. Publishing is ripe with rejection. It’s no wonder so many authors…
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How to Use Facebook Groups for Beta Readers: Think Book-Flix!
Once the first full draft of my 2024 debut was complete, I knew I needed betas. But I had no idea how to approach them. Seventeen years in the making, a lot had changed since I first started this manuscript. Facebook was one of them. One of the FB groups I was in was for…
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Querying Part 2: Query in Batches
Once you’ve poured over Twitter, Manuscript Wish List, Query Tracker, agent’s websites, and more, you’ve probably got a list somewhere from fifty to a hundred agents and small presses ranging from Perfect Fit to ones that say “Surprise me! I’m always looking for something new.” Before you get excited and cast your net wide, let’s…
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Querying Part 1: Tools to Find Agents
My YA novel, WORTH IT, debuts in 2024. Querying was stressful. But I think the approach I used is what helped me to land my publishing deal and I’d like to share it with other querying authors in this multipart series. If you haven’t yet finished your query, please check out Query Master Class with…
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Why You Should Include Small Presses in Your To-Query List
If you are a querying author, chances are you’ve poured over agents’ manuscript wishlists, social media posts, and websites hoping to find perfect matches for your manuscript. And while that is what you should be doing, it’s not all you could be doing. A lot of querying authors overlook small presses in hopes of landing…
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5 Ways to Locally Market Your Book Before It Launches
You did it! You got a publishing deal! The years of hard work paid off. But the work is far from over. You’ll likely go through several rounds of edits. Then the fun part—the cover design, layout, and production. During the pre-launch period, you’ll likely work with your publisher’s marketing team on promotion strategies. But…
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The Story Behind the Story: What Inspired Me to Write WORTH IT
Three weeks ago, I signed a contract with Wild Ink Publishing. This very personal story has simmered in my mind since 2007. And while this novel is based on my real-life experiences as a pregnant teen in poverty, this is also my daughter’s story. I hope you enjoy the backstory of how WORTH IT was…
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A Day in My Autistic Life: If Mom Could Read My Mind
Thirty seconds left. I sprint through the Mushroom Kingdom. I must save Princess Peach. I smash Goombas and Koopas. I pound bricks and hoard coins. Resurrection comes at a price and I’m short. The ground rumbles. Bowser’s closing in. Behind two white clouds, a castle appears. I’m so close. A bridge. I miss. I don’t…
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Sarah M. Chen Author Spotlight
Sarah M. Chen, author of Cleaning Up Finn, shares what inspired her to write her debut, her journey to publication, favorite resources and tons of other amazing advice for emerging writers.
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Why You Should Write Books You Know Will Be Banned
Before I entered the world of writing, I shared my love of reading with kids as a middle-school librarian. My principal said there were three places on our campus students ran to: the gym, the cafeteria, and my library. It was an honor to be the recipient of stampeding readers. Within my library walls, I’d…
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Why You Need an Author Website Even if Your Book Isn’t Published Yet and How to Get Started
I know you’ve thought about it. You’ve probably even opened up WordPress, Wix, or Square Space and poked around. Then you told yourself since your book wasn’t published yet what was the point. Well according to Jane Friedman, “If you plan to pursue writing as a professional, long-term career, I recommend starting and maintaining an…
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3 Reasons You Need to Make a Trailer for Your Querying or Soon-To-Be Released Novel and How to Make It
The last movie I saw in a theater was Where the Crawdads Sing based on Delia Owen’s widely popular debut. By the time the movie started, I had a mental list of at least five movies I had to see next. Why? Trailers. A well-done trailer satiates the appetite of its viewer. My seven-year-old son…
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S. E. Reed Author Spotlight
MY HEART IS HURTING, by S.E. Reed, chronicles Jinny Buffett, a white-trash teen with a Harvard-worthy IQ, who lives with her sex worker mostly absent mama. Thankfully, Jinny stumbles into a found family who push her to do the impossible, and rise up from the grip of her mama’s fake nails. (You’ll find the full…
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My Journey to a Book Publication Deal
Authors’ journeys to publication have always fascinated me. And even though each author’s roadmap is unique, they all have one thing in common—they reach the same destination—a published novel. If you are a querying author, I hope my journey will provide you some inspiration as you continue to chart your way toward your final destination—your…
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Be Featured in Author Spotlight
Are you a querying or soon-to-be published author and would like the opportunity to be an Author Spotlight on my website? If so, send your query to amynielsen06@yahoo.com with Author Spotlight in the Subject Line. I’ll select one author a month to feature. Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. Benjamin Franklin
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Dana Hawkins Author Spotlight
Dana Hawkins is the author of the sweet romance, SERVING LOVE, about a bubbly cafe server full of dad jokes and chocolate shakes who forgoes romantic relationships to provide stability for her autistic nephew she’s raising. All goes according to plan until a grumpy-but-cute new chef starts. Dana and I consulted on this novel because…
Amy Nielsen 