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Black Garden by Tom Warwick

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Black Garden is a sci-fi novella by Tom Warwick. For more information about the book, click on the Amazon link below.

Purchase on Amazon or read in KU

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About Me
About Me

I'm Hannah, an editor, author, and writing coach. I love helping writers like you polish their stories, enhance their craft, and chase their publishing dreams.

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Anyone else feeling a tad distracted lately? 🙋‍♀️🤦 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ve been working from home full-time for almost three years. I know what works for me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ That’s the thing: we all work differently. If you’ve recently transitioned to working from home, please know that it’s normal to find the transition a little challenging. And please know that the tips you see online (including from my own profile) are not “one size fits all.” We all have unique challenges, circumstances, and distractions. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I find that acknowledging them is the first step to getting focused. Some other strategies I use? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 I schedule my “fun time” in my planner so I know what my reward is (hello, Animal Crossing)! Seeing it and knowing I get to do it later is really effective for me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 I block time in my calendar for specific categories of tasks, like editing, admin work, etc. This helps me focus on one set of tasks at a time and helps me not feel overwhelmed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 I create a big “brain dump” list at night so I know what my tasks are for the next day. If I don’t do this, I’m afraid I’ll forget something and I spend time worrying about that. If I just write it all down on a legal pad, I know it’s waiting for me the next morning. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 I give myself permission to not be productive all day. How could I ignore my feline editorial assistants all day?! But seriously, sometimes we need to take the pressure off so we actually have the space to do what needs to be done.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Hopefully you can try one of these to see if it helps you 💞 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you transitioned to working from home? How are you doing in general? Have any strategies we can try? ° ° ° ° ° #bookeditor #blackcatsofig #indiesareworthit #instawrimo #campnanowrimo #fictionwriter #amediting #amwritingfantasy #writersonig #writersden #indieauthorsofinstagram
You want to know my favorite part about my job as You want to know my favorite part about my job as an editor and publishing mentor? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When I help clients believe in their projects and put their minds at ease. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This week, I've helped: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 One author get clear on her writing process for her next book; 📚 Another find a path forward in the often overwhelming options for production; and 📚 A third nail down an editing schedule to fit with their rapid release strategy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I firmly believe that your editor is more than someone with a red pen. They're there to help you, guide you, and bring clarity to this process. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You and your beautiful story deserve that support! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Send me a DM or click the link in my bio to get in touch 💞 And above all, stay safe and have a good weekend! ° ° ° ° ° #writingcommunity #indieauthors #YAfiction #writersonig #writersnetwork #authorscommunity #writingpodcast #bookeditor #writingcoach #indiesareworthit #amwritingfantasy #indiepub
Oh, subplots. You tricky, fun, and complex little Oh, subplots. You tricky, fun, and complex little nuggets of story. 🤔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You want to include subplots to give your novel depth, intrigue, and a touch of realism. However, subplots also need to be nuanced, serve a purpose, and not overshadow the main story. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Subplots should: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 Reinforce your story’s central themes and messages 📚 Help readers learn more about the characters 📚 Introduce additional conflict ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The way they serve that purpose is up to you and different for every story. You might add in a romance subplot, or you might have a secondary character mirror the protagonist’s journey. You might add political intrigue that highlights major complications. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whatever way you incorporate your subplots, make sure you give them a proper narrative structure. Subplots, just like the main story, need a beginning, some middle action, and a resolution. Without that, they just… float through the story with no real weight. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Swipe through the slideshow for more information. You can also read today’s full blog post at btleditorial.com/blog 🖥️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But wait, there’s more! @lc_chiasson and I published a podcast about subplots a while ago. Listen to Episode 11 of The Writer’s Nook Podcast wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Questions? Comments? Send them my way! I love talking about subplots. ° ° ° ° ° #indiepublishing #authorgram #amwritingfantasy #amwritingscifi #writingtips #writingadvice #writerscommunity #writersden #writersunite #bookeditor #indiesareworthit #YAfiction #indieauthorsofinstagram
Some of my quarantine activities include: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 Organizing my notebooks 📚 Working with some awesome clients 📚 Writing weekly blog posts (with a new one coming tomorrow) 📚 Refining my biz and services (thanks @jaclyn.devore!) 📚 Reading new books 📚 Repotting my money tree 📚 Playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These are just some of my notebooks. If you can't tell, I have a thing for blue and stars 💁🌌🌠 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In business news, I'm working on some really cool new things for you all! Stay tuned. 👀 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What have you been up to lately? Organizing your notebooks by color like me? Something else? 🤔 ° ° ° ° ° #indiepub #indiesareworthit #grammar #bookeditor #bookcoach #writingcoach #publishingpro #notebookcollection #instawrimo #aspiringauthor #writingtips #indieauthorsofinstagram
Hi! I’m Hannah, your friendly neighborhood edito Hi! I’m Hannah, your friendly neighborhood editor and indie publishing specialist. 💁 #fridayintroductions ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In these crazy times, I want to remind you that your writing and art matter. Many of us, myself included, are practicing self-care and a little escapism by reading, watching TV and movies, and playing video games. We wouldn’t have any of these intriguing, complex, engaging stories without writers like you. It’s okay to be working on and/or promoting your stories now. We need you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ That being said, let’s get social today and recommend some new stories for each other! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 If you like urban fantasy with a little romance thrown in, you should read The Call of the Elements series by Yvette Bostic. (And yeah - I’m totally her editor! She writes such fun stories. #soulmateclient) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🎮 If you like video games and own a Nintendo Switch, get on the Animal Crossing train! This newest installment in the series is so relaxing. Sometimes your neighbors will even ask you about your favorite genre of story. 🤗 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📺 I’m not usually big on true crime stories, but Tiger King on Netflix has been a wild ride. (Warning: there are some disturbing images of and references to animal abuse, so please watch at your own discretion.) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 I couldn’t round this out without another book recommendation! @samantha_heuwagen's novel Dawn Among the Stars is still free wherever you get books! Grab a copy if you like soft sci-fi with themes of mental health, found family, and healing. (also a #soulmateclient 💜) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you have any book, video game, or other media recommendations, share them below! ° ° ° ° ° #bookcoach #publishingcoach #publishingmentor #indiesareworthit #bookeditor #writersden #writingmood #writinglife #authorgram #writerscorner #amwritingfantasy #instawrimo #indiepub
If I could give you ONE piece of advice today abou If I could give you ONE piece of advice today about self-editing, it would be to... 🤔 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Create your own style sheet as you write! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A style sheet is a tool editors use to track things like unique spellings (looking at you, fantasy authors) and other stylistic preferences. (I'm totally making one right now for this manuscript I'm copyediting 🤷 #inspo) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Even though you'll probably be working with an editor at some point, creating your own style sheet will be helpful for your own revisions. Word and other word processors aren't always the best when it comes to grammar and spelling. At the very least, your style sheet will help you check your spelling! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You don't have to make it fancy or include a ton of grammar rules. (That's not even what a style sheet is for 👀) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Instead, track what you think is important and what you will want to remember later. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here's what I recommend you *definitely* include: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 How you use italics 📚 Spelling (especially any unique or made-up names) 📚 If you use contractions 📚 Oxford comma preference ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Your editor will make a more robust style sheet for your project, and having a style sheet is no replacement for a professional editor. However, your simple version will help you add consistency to your manuscript as you self-edit. That’s always a good thing! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you already create style sheets for your projects? 🤔 Or is this a totally new concept for you? 😜 ° ° ° ° ° #bookeditor #amediting #indiesareworthit #writingadvice #fantasywriter #amwritingfantasy #writersden #authorsofinsta #selfpublishedauthor #commonmistakes #grammar #newauthors
Working from home can be rough. It's not for every Working from home can be rough. It's not for everyone. It's even worse when social media simultaneously jokes about and shames you for not being productive "enough" in our current world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This pandemic is not easy on any of us. No matter who we are, we're facing major challenges. Our world has been turned upside down, and even us introverts miss seeing family and friends. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's okay if you accomplished a ton of tasks one day but are struggling the next. It's okay to not be writing. It's also okay to continue your normal routine and activities (as long as you stay home if you're non-essential)! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Give yourself a little grace and room to breathe. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We must all move forward, but we don't have to do it all in one day. 💞 Take it one moment and one task at a time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I won't be posting too much about this. While I think it's important to talk about it, some normalcy is also helpful! For the most part, I'll be posting my usual content. Questions? DM me or leave a comment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Stay well, friends 💜 ° ° ° ° ° #workfromhome #bookeditor #stayhome #productivitytips #writingcoach #authorcoach #indiesareworthit #writers_together #indiepub #grammartips #copyeditor
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines coach as “a p Merriam-Webster dictionary defines coach as “a private tutor” or “one who instructs or trains.” And yes, writers can have coaches! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When I was in high school, I volunteered as a tennis coach. Monday through Thursday, I would play tennis from 9 to noon, running through drills with my coaches and teammates. Then, I would have an hour break for lunch before the younger kids came around for their afternoon tennis camps. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sure, at 16/17, I didn’t have sole responsibility for a bunch of four-year-olds, but I did help teach them the basics of tennis. Coaching requires a lot: knowledge, passion, and good communication skills. I learned that over a decade ago when I started teaching tennis, and I still apply those skills today. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Nowadays, I don’t coach tennis (though I still train with a couple of coaches myself). Instead, I coach writers! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I designed my writing coaching packages to be flexible. After all, different writers need different things at different points in their careers. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📚 Getting started on IG and want help developing your brand? I’ll walk through the whole process with you. 📚 Want to work one-on-one to develop your plot and receive spot editing as you write? Let’s do this thing! 📚 Need one call to create a game plan for your writing career? Cool beans, let’s chat! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ That’s the beauty of a writing coach: someone who has a combination of knowledge and passion dedicated to helping you, week after week, improve your craft and up your game. We’re just like a sports coach, only there are no objects flying at your head and you won’t get very sweaty. 😜 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Want to learn more? Send me a DM or leave me a comment and I’ll get in touch with you! ° ° ° ° ° #writingcoach #writingtips #authorcoach #writerswrite #bookeditor #authorgram #indiesareworthit #writersden #writerslifeforme #indieauthorsofinstagram #writers_together
An author, a critique partner, and a beta reader w An author, a critique partner, and a beta reader walk into a bar… ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No, I don’t actually have a joke about that, though I’m sure there’s a punchline to be found somewhere! 😜 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Let’s talk about critique partner and beta readers for a moment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A critique partner is another writer you swap manuscripts with! With a CP, you usually give each other feedback, ask questions to help improve their story, and generally work on your writing craft together. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A beta reader is someone who receives a pre-published version of your manuscript and provides feedback from a reader’s perspective. They ask questions, may provide suggestions, and help you gauge how the market will react to your book. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Key difference? A critique partner is another writer, and beta reader is, well, a reader! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And neither of these things are the same as a professional editor. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ On this week's episode of The Writer’s Nook Podcast, @lc_chiasson and I are discussing how you can utilize critique partners and beta readers on your writing journey. Where do you find them? We’re talking about that. When to use their services? Talking about that too! Our tips from having worked with CPs and betas ourselves? Yup, we’ve got all the info! Find the episode wherever you listen to your podcasts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What questions do you have about beta readers and critique partners? Let’s chat! ° ° ° ° ° #writingpodcast #podcastforwriters #writersnookpodcast #critiquepartner #betareader #indiesareworthit #indiepub #writingcommunity #writersconnection #amwritingfantasy #amrevising #amediting
Remember last week when I posted a photo of my pro Remember last week when I posted a photo of my productivity book and wrote a caption about building your own system for productivity? Let’s revisit that topic today! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sometimes, even when you build a system that truly works for you, things get off balance. Shit hits the fan. Life gets crazy. Things don’t go according to plan. It happens to everyone. (I wrote this caption two weeks ago, but I don’t think I need to point out that COVID-19 is upending our entire way of life.) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So, what do you do when you’re feeling frazzled and off balance? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Well, I like to go back to my system. It usually takes a figurative kick in the butt to make me pause and go, “Oh yeah, my system!” Full disclosure: that happened to me yesterday with the news of what’s going on. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For me, that’s a combination of my planner, my Google calendar, and my white board. I’m sure that would overwhelm some people, but it clicks in my brain. (That’s why it’s so important for you to find/build your own system! Different brains work different ways!) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ My monthly planner spread and whiteboard help me track meetings, content updates, and deadlines. My Google calendar helps me track client projects, invoices, and calls. I color code different tasks, and I block out my hours in my daily planner spread to track my day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When I have a day of anxiety or non-stop interruptions, I have to take a step back and look at my system to see where the path forward is. I’ve built it in a way that is easy for me to use even when I’m not feeling 100%. It gives me both the space and perspective to see what’s not working, why I’m feeling overwhelmed, and how I can get back on track. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This strategy can work no matter what you’re working on: general life tasks, writing projects, day job work… you can build a system for anything, really! It’s about finding what works for you, your work style, and your brain. What kind of system do you use to track your projects and life, if any? 😜
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