Nicholas Bruner
Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Young Adult Author
Category: Uncategorized
Query letter
So I did some editing on the hook for my query letter. The old one wasn’t inaccurate, exactly, but I think in tone it conveyed Dani as being something of a Bad Girl, and the plot as being a little grimmer than what it really is. Here’s… Continue Reading “Query letter”
Favorite author at different ages
I was thinking about different favorite authors I’ve had in my life, and how that has changed over time. The first author I remember as a favorite was Robert O’Brien, author of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Not that I knew his… Continue Reading “Favorite author at different ages”
What I’m Reading: Steven King’s On Writing
This should maybe be titled What I’ve Read, since I finished it a couple days ago: Steven King’s On Writing. It came to me highly recommended by more than one person, and I found it well-written and entertaining. Part auto-biography and part how-to guide,… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Steven King’s On Writing”
Famous writers from different states
So I was trying to think of the most famous writers I could from each state. A few were obvious (Cather, Faulkner, Toole). Still, I didn’t come up with too many–it turns out I’m not actually sure where most writers are from. I put the… Continue Reading “Famous writers from different states”
The Importance of Writing Groups
I’ve been a member of the Writers of Chantilly for about 18 months, and it’s made a tremendous difference to my writing. Before I joined, I thought the most important thing about being in a writers’ group was the group’s critique of the story. But now that… Continue Reading “The Importance of Writing Groups”
Musical inspiration
I find a lot of inspiration for my writing in song lyrics. I don’t listen while I’m writing–music is way too much of a distraction! But lyrical fragments will get in my head and stay there for years, and eventually have an impact on what… Continue Reading “Musical inspiration”
Ballad hook
Today I started sending out my manuscript for The Ballad of Dani and Eli to agents. If I hear any updates on that front, I’ll post it here. For those who are interested, here’s the hook from my query letter: Fifteen-year old Dani likes… Continue Reading “Ballad hook”
What I’m Reading: Escape From Camp 14
Escape From Camp 14 is the name of the current book I’m reading. It’s about Shin Dong-Hyuk, a man who was born and lived his entire life in one of North Korea’s six political prison camps until he escaped at age 23. To get an idea how remarkable this is,… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Escape From Camp 14”
