It’s GTW Release Day With an Important Announcement at the End
IT’S GO TEEN WRITERS RELEASE DAY FOR THEIR NEW BOOK ON WRITING. I’M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS!!!! WE HAVE FINALLY MADE IT!!!!!!!
Also, I FINALLY figured out how to insert GIFs from Giphy on my site, so be prepared, they SHALL never end. (Hehehe….Okay, right now I’m having a more inside joke that no one except Mary is going to understand. I’m sure you can tell, by my insanity being extra high, I’ve been doing a lot of writing. Don’t worry, I’m getting close to finishing this thing, so maybe then I’ll calm down……I hope.) Anyway, before we get into everything with Go Teen Writers, I’ve been wanting to answer the questions for Katherine’s Would You Rather game, but I wanted to wait until I saw what everyone else was going to put, so I thought now would be a good time to do it. If you missed the game, totally check it out!! It was a BLAST!!! (Also, if you don’t really care about my answers, not judging you, just scroll through the next few paragraphs onto the actual start of the post. 🙂 )
Would You Rather…
#1. Go to Hogwarts or Narnia?
Okay, so 80% (no, I did not make up that percentage) of you guys said Narnia, and I’m gonna have to agree with you. Sorry, Hogwarts, but it’s NARNIA!!!! I’d get to see ASLAN!! HOW could you ask for anything more???!!
#2. Make friends with a fire-breathing dragon or an ice-breathing dragon?
This one was cut more 50/50…clearly we’re gonna have to debate one of these days which is the better one. 😉 I’m actually going for ice-breathing ’cause I think it sounds cool.
#3. Drink pumpkin spice water or eat pumpkin spice Pringles?
Okay, first off WHO EVEN INVENTED either of those choices. Don’t get me wrong, I really like Pringles, but pumpkin spice? Seriously? And I just shudder thinking about the water. Again, ya’ll were more 50/50 on this one. I’m gonna go with pumpkin spice water.
#4. Spend a day with Jafar or Gaston?
About 80% of you guys went for Gaston. Sorry, everyone, but I’d rather go with Jafar! (Okay, that answers a bit biased, ’cause I LOVE Aladdin, but still.) And Ally M. J. has an EXCELLENT point that Gaston did put muddy boots ON A BOOK!!!!! *gasp* Oh, the TREASON!!!!! But, I will agree, that Gaston might be easier to handle. But, I recommend, all of you hiding away your books for your time with Gaston while Ally and me are gone to go hang with Jafar. (Though, I do wanna say, I LOVED reading ya’ll’s reasons for going with Gaston, they almost convinced me to change my choice. Almost.)
#5. Write a fight scene or a death scene?
80% went with a death scene. And, I’m with the majority. Death scenes are soooo much easier to write than fight scenes. (Jane’s the only one among us with a good heart. She said fight scenes, ’cause they weren’t as sad. Sorry, Jane, that the rest of us are really mean authors. XD)
All of your answers, were just AWESOME!!!!!! Honestly, I wanted to mention more of what everyone said, but we don’t have time for all of that, so if you guys missed it, go check through the comments. They were SUCH FUN to read!!!!!! Now, onto today’s post!!!!!
Happy release day to Stephanie Morrill, Jill Williamson, and Shannon Dittemore on the release of their new book, Go Teen Writers: Write Your Novel. “An absolute must-have for all writers young, old, beginner, advanced, human or cyborg.” –Nadine Brandes. Learn more here!
“Whether you’re looking for encouragement or practical advice to get you writing or editing, Go Teen Writers is the place for teens who want to connect and grow. The ladies behind the blog and the books have years of experience honing their craft and figuring out what works and what doesn’t. If you’re a young writer searching for that missing piece to help propel you forward, look no further than the resources Go Teen Writers provides.” — Sara Ella, award-winning YA author of the Unblemished trilogy and Coral
Back cover:
You have a story to tell, don’t you? Or maybe you simply want to try your hand at fiction writing. Perhaps you’ve given it your best effort, but simply didn’t have enough tools in your tool box to finish that first draft. Wherever you’re at with this novel-writing thing, popular bloggers Stephanie Morrill, Jill Williamson, and Shannon Dittemore totally understand.
They know it’s hard to finish a first draft. To stay motivated until the end. To feel like a “real” writer. They know because they’ve been there too.
In Go Teen Writers: Write Your Novel, you’ll learn:
There is no such thing as one right way to write a novel.
How to take an idea and give it a beginning, middle, and end.
What story structure means and how it strengthens a book.
Different approaches to plotting a novel.
How to develop characters worth reading about.
Strategies for creating memorable storyworlds and settings.
What theme is and how to use it to enrich your story.
What to do when your first draft is finished.
There’s no doubt about it. Learning to write a novel from beginning to end is a challenge. But with this book as your guide, you’ll see that when you’re in possession of the right tools, you’re capable of finishing what you start. You’ll be empowered and encouraged—as if you had a writing coach (or three!) sitting alongside you.
Stephanie Morrill, Jill Williamson, and Shannon Dittemore have written a combined 30+ speculative, contemporary, and historical novels for young adults. Since 2010 their critically acclaimed website, GoTeenWriters.com, has offered honesty, community, and encouragement to teens (and not-so-teen) writers working to improve their craft. When not writing, blogging, or mom-ing, they can be found hanging out with young writers at conferences or wherever chocolate is being given away.
An Interview with the authors behind the book!!!!!!
When you were a teenager, did you consider yourself a storyteller?
Stephanie: I considered myself to be a writer from first grade on and always thought I would write novels.
Shan: I think I did, yes. I don’t know that I would have pulled that word out of the air, but I was part of a performing arts group (drama, puppetry, and dance), and I dabbled in poetry and the like. To me, everything revolved around story, and I knew I had a knack for telling them. A few teachers had encouraged me in that, and I embraced the idea. I didn’t really know what to do with it, and I don’t know that I envisioned it as a full time career, but I liked the idea that I excelled at something cerebral.
Jill: Not really. I was a daydreamer. And I wanted to be famous. So, there were days when I daydreamed about being a screenwriter or a novelists. Most days, however, I dreamed about being a fashion designer. That was what I went to college to study.
If you could go back to the beginning of your writing journey and give yourself advice,
what would say?
Stephanie: Write what you want to write. When I first started pursuing publication, I wanted to write impressive novels that you would study in English class. Literary fiction. But I had zero ideas for literary fiction, and I don’t really enjoy reading it that much either! I wanted to write that because it seemed impressive, which isn’t a great reason. I wanted to write young adult fiction just out of love for the stories themselves.
Jill: Trust your gut. There were several times when I didn’t think something was a good idea for
my career, but I trusted other people instead. Turned out that I was right. I knew my market. I knew my audience. And I knew how my stories would be received. I wish I would have trusted my instincts and not given in to pressure from others. Once you’ve been in publishing a while, you need to trust your gut. Not every opportunity needs to be pursued. Think carefully about your own goals and make careful choices.
Shan: My answer to this question changes frequently, but one thing I’d want rookie writer Shannon to know is that writing stories is, in itself, a reward. Writers do this job for all sorts of reasons. I began to pursue writing as a career because I wanted a work-from-home job that satisfied my creative itch. And while it hasn’t made me rich financially just yet, storytelling has met some financial needs, but more than that, it has been the catalyst for growth in my own life. As I try and fail alongside my characters, I learn and I change and I am so grateful for that experience.
Any last words of wisdom or encouragement for new writers?
Shan: Read. A lot. And widely. There’s pushback against classics these days, but I say dive in. Read everything you can. Read old books and new books. Read what interests you and give
those big scary books a try too. If you have other bookish friends, talk about the stories you
read, or journal about them. Pull the story apart in your head, consider why certain characters did what they did. Ask yourself how the setting contributed to the tale, and how failure played a
role in the growth of the characters. Consider why certain books resonated with you and why
others didn’t. Be thoughtful about literature. It’s a choice that will serve you well.
Stephanie: Build strong writing habits. Writing a little every day or every couple days is better than writing once a month or writing 50k once month out of the year. Having strong writing habits will make a big difference in your writing life.
Jill: I’m with Shannon on the reading part, but I’d say: read and write a lot. Read books in the genre you’re hoping to write. Study how the authors tell those stories. But also, read fiction widely. And write every day, if you can, or at least regularly. You will not become a better writer if you don’t practice a lot. So sit down and type some words. Over and over and over again. And try to have fun doing it too.
Again, for all you interested, you can learn more HHHHHEEEEERRRRRREEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO JILL WILLIAMSON, STEPHANIE MORRILL, AND SHANNON DITTEMORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hehehe, I TOLD you now I’d go GIF-crazy on you guys! Anyway, so now we’re onto the IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cue the fanfare!
So, you know I’ve been talking about the guest posting TWN has been invited to do this month. HERE is all the extra details. A really good blogger friend of mine, Allie Andersen, is hosting a CHRISTMAS BLOG PARTY on her site. There’s gonna be DIY tutorials, original poems, Sci-Fi short stories, fun games, and SO. MUCH. MORE!!!! You DEFINITELY don’t wanna miss this. It’ll get you right into the Christmas spirit and give us stuff to do since, you know, the virus that will not be spoken of is still going crazy right now. Get all the details HEEERRREEE!!!!! There will also be in that post a link to the list of ALL the upcoming posts, which me, Katherine, and Alana will each be getting a separate one there and a way to add it to your Google Calendar (if you have that) so you don’t miss a post. So, yours truly (That’s me!!!!) has got the first guest post out of the three of us from TWN. That’ll be this TUESDAY!!!! My post’s gonna be on a list of Christmas movies you’ve gotta watch this year!!!!! Totally join me for that. I will also be doing a reminder post here on that day, but newsletter subscribers won’t be getting an email notifying them of it, ’cause we’ve got posts piling up, and I don’t wanna flood your inboxes. So, maybe set a reminder on your calendar. YOU DON’T WANNA MISS THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re gonna have a blast!
SOOOO let’s chat in the comments, guys!!!!!!! Are you excited for this new book’s release? Are you gonna check out Allie’s Christmas Blog Party and does it sound exciting? Do you like me adding GIFs to my post? Who’s seen the movie ELF? *raise hands*(For those of you who haven’t, CONTENT WARNING: there is one four-letter word spoken towards the end. So, be warned if you do go check that out.) ALSO THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ AND ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I totally completely forgot about this post part of a link-up from blogger Christine Smith’s site where I talk about my novel and stuff. I thought I could do it this Saturday, but I need to know if that is too many posts together at one time!! If it is, let me know. If it’s not, let me know. I need to hear from you guys on this one. Thank you!!!
Well, now I’m handing the spotlight over to you. Talk to me in the comments!!!!! You’re on air! (Yes, I ran out of other brilliant ideas to say.)
Later, guys! *dramatic exit*
Issabelle Perry
Issabelle Perry is a proud Jesus follower, an extroverted writer, and a homeschool graduate. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, jamming to Skillet, studying history, hunting for Narnia in wardrobes, or envisioning herself wielding a magnificent sword (but due to her clumsiness, let’s hope that never happens). This self-proclaimed exclamation mark enthusiast can be found hanging out at Teen Writers’ Nook, a community of teen authors Issabelle co-founded in 2020. She is the author of Don't Let Me Go (Sky's the Limit Press 2024), May We Make Them Proud (2023), and a co-editor for two anthologies. What she’s probably doing right now is fangirling about her favorite books to random people or scanning the pantries for chocolate.
57 Comments
Ally M.J.
Book! Book! Book! Book! Book! Book! Book! Book!
I did kinda expect Narnia to beat Hogwarts, and *maybe* you have a point. I haven’t seen any of the movies in SUCH a long time, because my brothers alway veto it immediately. I read the books whenever I’m at my grandmothers house, but that’s not actually that much anymore. *sad 8-Bit noises* (Note: If you get that reference, I am forever your friend. If not, it’s from a video game I like.) Anyhoo, Maggie! Love the GIFs! I would vote for more BTS GIFs, because there are TONS of funny ones out there. I’m assuming, I mean. *cough*
I don’t think it would be too many posts. Actually, I had a bit of trouble following along with what you said, but I did hear “Too many posts at a time.”
Maggie
BOOK! BOOK! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOK!!!!!!!!!!
Actually, I wasn’t all that sure, but it’s interesting to know we have more Narnia fans than Harry Potter. WHAT??!!! *mouth drops open* YOU NEED TO GO REWATCH THEM! Trust me, after I went through the movies again, I had a MUCH bigger appreciation for the movies. I have actually only read #2, the lion the witch and the wardrobe in the series. Uh…*glances nervously around the room* I REALLY wanna say I completely understand your reference, but I don’t. YAY!! THANKS, ALLY!!!!! XD Hehehehe, vote is taken into consideration! (I actually don’t know what BTS is, but I did search it. I can see why you think they’re funny. Um…I mean *cough,cough*
Just basically, are you cool if I do a post on Saturday? That’s kind of the sum of all that. THANK YOU!!!!!!!! 👍
Ally M.J.
Oh, yeah, of course it’s fine if you do a post on Saturday. I know, I know. BTS is a Kpop group. I only listen to like two of their songs, Dynamite and Idol. But they are kind of hilarious.
Maggie
SWEET!!!!! (Also, I saw your comment on Go Teen Writers. This is me right now: 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😆😆😆😆😆😆🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Repeat. And, yes, you can NEVER use too many asterisks!!!) Ooooh, COOL!!!! Now, that you mention it, I might have heard about them from someone. 👍 🙂
Grace
Heyyy Maggie!! I’m finally commenting on your blog this time. Yay for me! (jk!) I am totally gonna check that book out, it sounds really good and helpful. Oh, and I love the GIFs, I feel like that is totally something I would do too! 😂 I have watched Elf!! Hilarious! But we had a filter watching is soooo. I’m definitely gonna try to remember to check out your post on the Movies, and comment!! 😉 Okay, i think that’s all I have to say right now. Byeeee! ❤
Maggie
Heyyyyy, GRACE!!!!! YES! THANK YOU FOR COMMENTING!!!!!!!!!! *happy dance* YAY FOR YOU!!!!!! *pumps fist in the air. YOU’RE SOO AWESOME!!!!!! Oh, yes, you should!! I haven’t read it yet, but it sounds like it’s gonna be just SOOO GREAT!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! Oooh, I feel like that’s something you would do, too! 😂😂 Oooh, COOL!!! My family normally just mutes it around the part where that four-letter word is spoken. It’s like my dad’s favorite Christmas movie, so I think he knows most of how the story goes like REALLY well. YES!!! It’s this TUESDAY!!!!! I hope to see you around, then!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okey-dokey! 👍 BYEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!💕💕💕
Joy Caroline
There’s no such thing as too many posts! I need more excuses to procrastinate on my writing and homework. XD
Ooh, a blog party sounds like so much fun. I NEED to check it out. And I love the GIFs!
How’s your writing going? This week I actually finished my near-death and death scene. I think it went okay for the first draft – I can fix the (many) mistakes in the second. There’s still a few more speed bumps out there for my MC, but I think I may get the first draft done even before Christmas. I feel sorry for my poor characters, but they’re gonna thank me at the end, LOL.
Have an awesome day!
Maggie
You’re ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!!!!! Hehehehe, I need excuses to procrastinate on my own writing and homework. XD
Ooooh, yes it looks like it’s going to be A TON OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess Allie’s blog party will give us a TON of reasons to procrastinate. XD Thank you, Allie!!!!! 😂 YES!!! THANK YOU!!!! It’s good everyone likes the GIFs, ’cause they’re soooooo much fun to insert in posts. I will go GIF crazy on you guys! XD
It’s been going really well. I am ALMOST done!!!!!!!! If only school could just vanish into thin air and my creative mind could kick into overdrive…then I could get this thing done! Ooooh, that sounds EXCITING!!!!!!!!! Yes, edits can be made in the second draft, it’s just GREAT that you’re getting this first draft done and finished!!!!!! YES! I KNOW YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! Go, JOY CAROLINE!!!!! WHOOO!!! You’ve just TOTALLY got this! *waving pom poms and ranting some wacky cheer* I’ll be expecting updates now until Christmas, BTW. Oh, yes, your characters are sooooooooo gonna be thankful at the end!!! (But it might be more ’cause the story’s done. 😉 LOL!! )
You have an AWESOME day, TOO!!!!!
Joy Caroline
I know right! I try to get homework done as quickly as possible so I can have time to write – that’s why I mostly go to bed and midnight and get up at six, so I can have writing time at night and early morning. I’m checking your progress bar every night because I’m just very nosy about other writers’ lives. LOL, you’re right – my characters are probably just so eager for the story to be done! (By the way, I’m curious – your WIP will have a happy ending, right? My ending is definitely going to be bittersweet, which I’m already stressing over.) Thanks!! You will totally get updates. Nice to hear the important thing right now is just GETTING… THE… STORY… OUT! 🙂
Maggie
That sounds EXACTLY like something I’d do!!!!!!!!!! Oooh, that’s cool you’ve been checking my progress bar!!!! It’s actually GREAT MOTIVATION for me to get a lot of writing in, ’cause I know Joy Caroline will be checking it. Hehehe….I’m nosy about other writers lives, too, so absolutely no judging!!! LOL! They probably are, I know Colin is on my end! Oh, yeah, well….happy enough to get people interested in the SECOND book!!!! Let’s just say good wins in the end, (’cause good ALWAYS wins) but that’s kind of all I’m gonna say. Aahh, don’t stress, it’s going to be GREAT. I JUST KNOW IT!!!!!!!!!! YAY FOR UPDATES! Yes, ONLY focus on getting that first draft completed, and then we’ll look into working through that second draft and making all the edits!!!!!!
Joy Caroline
Glad I’m motivating you, lol. Wow, there’s going to be a sequel for Into the Lamp? Sounds exciting! I’m actually thinking about a sequel to my book, but obviously I won’t get to that for a VERY long time.
I feel like the ending will pull on readers’ heartstrings if the book concludes with the characters still in uncertain circumstances, but keeping strong faith in God through it all. I think good always wins means that they trust him no matter what the exterior situation may be. I’m totally with you on not wanting to give away to much! It took me like two minutes to figure out how to formulate those last few sentences without having to explain my ending, haha. I guess we’ll surprise each other! Anyway, good luck! Always nice talking with a fellow writer!
Maggie
👍 Yeah, I’m wanting it to be a three book series, but we’ll see how far Into the Lamp goes first! Yeah, I’m a PRETTY long ways away from writing a sequel at this point, myself.
Ooooh, YES!!!! Rip out ’em heartstrings, Girl! (Figuratively speaking, of course. XD) THIS SOUNDS LIKE SUCH AN AWESOME ENDING FOR YOUR STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, trusting God no matter what is VERY good!!!!! 😃 Oh, WOW! Well, you didn’t spoil nothing for me. YEP!!!! We’ll surprise EACH OTHER!!!!!!!! Oooh, GOOD LUCK WITH YOU, TOO!!!!!!! YES! I always enjoy talking with fellow writers. (Duh, Maggie, that’s why you started a writing blog.) *grins sheepishly*
Addie H
A new BOOK?!!! I’m SOO EXCITED!! *throws confetti*
Ooh, I can’t wait to check out Allie’s blog party, especially if there is SCI-FI SHORT STORIES?!! *jumps out of chair* *screams*
*sits back down awkwardly*
No, I haven’t watched ELF. I’m guessing that it is a Christmas movie!??! XD
Maggie
YES A NEW BOOK!!!!!!!! THE EXCITEMENT IS HIGH IN THE AIR TODAY!!!!!!!!! 😆
*gasp* If you like Sci-Fi, you will just ABSOLUTELY LOOOOOOVE ALLIE’S BLOG!!!!!!! She’s got a TON of Sci-fi stuff going on!!!!!!! XD! I LOVE ALL OF THIS ENTHUSIASM!!!!!!!!
Yeah, it’s a Christmas movie. The second GIF I used in today’s post actually comes from the movie!
Also, did you see that I put the announcement out in the newsletter today about our collab? I’M JUST SSSOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!!! (Yep! For all of you reading this and read the newsletter, THIS is the AMAZING GAL I WAS TALKING ABOUT!!!)
Shanessa
Girl you have got to watch elf! Its the most hilarious Christmas movie😂😂 I grew up watching it!
Maggie
Yes, listen to Shanessa, she’s sooo wise! WATCH ELF!!!!!! XD
Shanessa
Haha yes bow to me you must!! Jk😂 yesssss watch ELF!! I just watched it yesterday! LOVE IT!!!!!
Maggie
Hehehe!!!! 🤣🤣 Oooh, why didn’t you invite me to the party?!! XD JK! I’ve gotta get to it soon. I haven’t seen it yet this year. Fun fact: Last year I ALMOST missed watching Elf that Christmas season, but my dad had the genius idea to put it in on Christmas day. So, I just barely got it in that year. Phew! *wipes forehead* XD
Shanessa
*gasp* *go’s back and reads* phew! So glad you didn’t miss watching it! Its one of the best movies!! I would have but I have no clue where your at😂 other wise I totally would have invited ya!😉
Maggie
I KNOW RIGHT!!!!!! I’m glad I didn’t miss it, too! XD 😉 Yeah, it probably wouldn’t have worked out very well. Aw, I know you would of. You’re sooo SWEET!!!!!!!
Stephanie Morrill
Thank you so much for sharing about our book!
Maggie
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, STEPHANIE MORRILL JUST COMMENTED ON MY POST. GUYS THIS IS BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem! *composes self* Sorry about that. This was just SUPER EXCITING!!! But, anyway, YOU’RE WELCOME!!!! I’m soooo happy to be able to help promote this AWESOME book and your AWESOME site!!!!!!
Katherine
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE STEPHANIE MORRILL COMMENTED ON THIS SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😮😮😮😃😃😃 Thank YOU for writing the book and for encouraging us aspiring writers in our writing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for commenting!!!!!!!
Mary
AHH I LOVED THIS!! So many GIFS, and YES FOR SAYING SHALL!!! *pumps fist in air*
Ahh Nadine Brandes reviewed it! I LOVE HER!! Also that book sounds super cool!
AHH *dies* LITTLE BABY YODA GIF *starts crying*
Wow…I just realized I’m screaming like way too much in this comment…mildly concerned for my health right now…but, eh, I’m a writer, so all health has long since gone 😂
Maggie
AAHHH, I’M SOO HAPPY YOU LOVED THIS!!! Yes. Love. All. The. Gifs. Ya’ll others reading this, it was this girl right here who has taught me well on how to properly use GIFs by example!!! *clap, clap, clap* *Nods head sagely* And, not to mention, taught me the importance of ALWAYS including chocolate. XD 🍫
Anyway, YES!!! WE ARE THE SHALL CLAN!!!!!!!!! *pumps fist in the air with you* AHHH, JUST ANOTHER REMINDER HOW BADLY I WANNA READ A NADINE BRANDES BOOK!!!!!!!!!! Oh, yes, this book does sound REALLY AWESOME!! I can’t wait to read it myself!!!!!!
I KNOW RIGHT!!! *dies with you* BABY YODA IS THE CUTEST!!!!!!!!!!
That’s okay! Screaming is ALWAYS acceptable, allowed, and encouraged here!!!! XD Oh, yes, we’re writers, we care absolutely nothing about our mental health. 😂😂😂 LOVE hearing from you, Mary!!! 💕💕💕
Mary
Ooh yay, so glad I taught you! Ooh yes, ALWAYS include chocolate *nods head sagely along with you* I’ve taught you well, young Padawan 😝
YESS GO THE SHALL CLAN! *pumps fist in air with you*
*super dramatically gasps* WAIT, have you never read a book by Nadine Brandes?? If you haven’t you MUST read Fawkes, it’s amazing!! I feel like you would totally like it.
HE IS SO CUTE!!! *dies all over again*
Wahoo awesome!! Hahaha, mental health flew out the window a LONG time ago 😂 Thanks Maggie!!
Maggie
ALWAYS include the chocolate!!! Yes, you’ve taught me soooooo well!!! 😆🤣 Wait, what do Jedi trainees call their trainers? I’m suddenly drawing a blank here. Uh…old master????? XD My brain just died on me. 😂
THE SHALL CLAN SHALL LIVE FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nope. I’m soooooo sad about that. :,( Yes, I have been DYING to read FAWKES SINCE THIS SUMMER WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!! My mom asked me a few weeks ago what I wanted for Christmas, and I was like FAWKES!!!! And then I had to explain what I was talking about to her. 😆 It’s been on my I NEED TO READ THAT ASAP list of a while now. (Yes, don’t ask me why I have that list. 😉 ) I feel like I would totally like it, too. XD You know my taste in fiction, soooooooo well.
I KNOW RIGHT!!! I REALLY wanna say dies again with you, but I feel like I’m repeating myself too much. Oh, well, I think you and me can agree that the Baby Yoda GIF was the best part in this post, amiright!!!
Oh, yeah. Mental health’s been gone for A LONG TIME now!!! And I’m the result of what happens when you forsake sanity for too long. 😂😂
💕💕
Mary
Uh uh uhhhhhh *brain dies* I think Anakin said ‘Master’ and it was highly dramatic, so we can go with that?? 😂
THE SHALL CLAN SHALL LIVE FOREVER!
Ahhhh you have to tell me whenever you’re reading it!! YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE IT!
Haha yeah I guess there’s just a point where the only thing you can say in reply is just a repeat 😂
Maggie
Yeah, we’ll just go with that. Okay, Master *spoken very dramatically* XD
I know I’m just repeating myself, but I kind of can’t help it: *trumpet noises sound in the distance* THE SHALL CLAN SHALL LIVE FOREVER!!!!!!!!
YES!! I will soooooo tell you when I get to reading it. And then we can fangirl over it like with The False Prince. XD YAY!!!!!
Yep!! But that’s sometimes a really fun point to get to! 😂
Shanessa
AWSOME POST ISSABELLE!!!!!!!! Ooooooooo Christmas party sounds like funnnnnnn!!
Maggie
THANK YOU, SHANESSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES, this Christmas party I bet is gonna be TONS OF FUN!!!!!!!!! Love you, Girl!!! 💕💕💕💕
Jane
YES! YES! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEEKKKK!!! I am so happy the book is out!!!!
Great Answers! I actually find fight scenes easier to write than death scenes. I don’t know why but it might have something to do with the fact that I’ve never written a death scene before. I know, its shocking 😛
I will so be checking out Allies Christmas blog party! *Dose happy dance around the room* *realizes that everyone is staring and sits back down* I do like your adding the GIFs to the post, they’er really fun! *Raises hand* my family watches Elf pretty much every year. 😛
I don’t think its to many posts, but don’t over work your self trying to get them up 🙂
I cant wait for your upcoming posts!! I was jumping up and down with joy almost the entire time I read this post!
I cant wait to read the book!!
It’s the ‘can’t wait’ time of year again ❤
Maggie
YES!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oooh, COOL!!!! Not really, I…er…haven’t YET in what I’m working on. But it’s coming! And that’s probably why I think death scenes to write are easier, ’cause I’ve written more fight scenes than I can count.
YES!!! TOTALLY!!!! She’d LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! *dances around the room, too* 😜
LOL!! XD!!! YES!! THANKS A BUNCH!!!!! I like that I’m adding them, too! XD They’re soooooo much fun!!
SWEET!!! Okay, I shall try my hardest not to over work myself, but it’s kind of hard, ’cause all the comments I receive on my posts ALWAYS makes it worth it!!!!!!!!!! <33333
YES!!! I can't wait 'cause you can't wait!!! It's just sooooooooooo exciting!!!! AW!! I'm soooo HAPPY, JANE!! You're just the SWEETEST!!!! (I know, I know, I say that ALL the time, but it's true!)
YES!! Me neither. I mean, that I can't wait to read it myself...you know what, just forget all of that. XD
YES!!! The 'can't wait' time of year!!!!!!!!!!! <33333333
Maggie
WAIT!!!!! I forgot to say how cool it was that your family watches ELF every year. *slaps forehead* sorry, but THAT’S SOOOO COOL!!!! It’s my dad’s FAVORITE Christmas movie, so I’ve seen it my fair share of times!! 💕💕
Jane
How could you forget!? *passes out*…*gets back up from fake passing out* No its fine. 🙂
Thanks! I have two little brothers and they really like the movie. So much so I think one of them asked to make the candy spaghetti once (Although, I have my suspicions that they were just after the candy) 😛 😀
Maggie
AAAHHH I HAVE NO IDEA HOW!!!!!!!!! *hiding face* XD
WOW!!! Brothers are sometimes wacky in those ways! 😉 Hehehe…I can see where that suspicion came from! 😆 Although, this may sound gross, but I have actually wondered what syrup on spaghetti tastes like.
Jane
SO HAVE I! I mean, he ate it in the movie so it can’t be that bad…right?
Maggie
YES, I’M GLAD TO KNOW IT’S NOT JUST ME OVER HERE!!!!!!!!!! Riiiggghhhttt, it can’t be THAT bad. I mean, you’re right, he DID eat it in the movies. And he kind of almost made it look edible! 😜
Ally M.J.
I mean, it looked good…. but spaghetti? And… poptarts? No, thank you.
Maggie
Yeah, I don’t want any of the extra stuff on it. But I have thought about the spaghetti and syrup. Good news my family won’t let me try out my crazy ideas. 😂
Victoria
YAAAAAAAY! IT’S OUT!!!!!! I am SO adding this to my Christmas wish list (which hopefully someone will get me *coughs* *looks at family*) XD
I’VE SEEN ELF!!!!! *waves hand* That movie is the BEST! It was actually the first Christmas movie we watched this year, so that was a whole lotta fun! 😀 Your conversation above actually reminded me of the time my old youth group played this game where two kid volunteers literally did eat a bowl of spaghetti with syrup, pop-tarts, marshmallows, and whatever else Buddy put on it. IT WAS DISGUSTING! I didn’t volunteer (thankfully–I don’t think any of us were told what we had to do beforehand), but just watching the kids eat it made me want to run FAR FAR AWAY. If I recall, I think it was also a race to see who could eat the most before stopping and, man, I’m just gonna say it wasn’t pretty. *shudders* They were boys though, so they took it like a man. XP But still, I could NEVER digest that! XD
GIFSSSSSS! I LOVE gifs! That Baby Yoda one? My heart. <333 *dies* HE'S JUST DA CUTEST MOST ADORABLE WITTLE THING EVER!!!! *squishes him* I want him soooo bad! Any Mandalorian/Star Wars or Avenger gifs you do I will virtually send you cookies with ice cream and cake! XD
YES, YES, YES! You should totally do Know the Novel! I was actually wondering when you would do your post earlier today! (But don't do it if everything gets too overwhelming…sanity comes first!) 😉
Maggie
YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!! FINALLY, RIGHT!!! YAY!! It’s on my Christmas wish list, though I’m secretly hoping to win a copy. ‘Cause, the reason I’ve been sharing the cover around a lot wasn’t just because of my ABUNDANT EXCITEMENT!!!!!!! (Though, it did play a role in some of it.) But they also had a giveaway, and every time you shared the cover you could enter another entry in their giveaway to win this book. So, yeah…secretly hoping I might be one of the winners. But shhhh, don’t tell anyone! 🤫
YAY!!!!! *high-fives* I KNOW RIGHT!!!!! Oh, WOW!! Sounds like FUN!!! The first Christmas movie I watched was Christmas with the Kranks. It was okay, not really a favorite. But, I’m still glad I got to see it. Wow, that doesn’t sound very fun, but also kind of hilarious at the same time!!!! LOL! They took it like a man??!! 🤣 I believe you, though, ’cause I know a few dudes who I could honestly see doing all that. Though, I must say if that’s what it takes to be a man, I’m VERY glad I’m a woman!! XD Wow, I could NEVER digest that, either!!
GIFSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! Me, TOO!!! I KNOW RIGHT!!! THAT’S WHY I HAD TO INCLUDE IT!!! *dies with you* <3333 HE IS SOOO ADORABLE AND I WANT HIM SOOOOO BADLY, TOO. I'd just squeeze him and never let him go. <3333 YAY!!!!!! Then, I'm TOTALLY gonna hafta do some!!!!!! *looks eagerly at the cookies, ice cream, and cake* XD
YES! YES! YES!!! You're excitement, is just making me EVEN more excited!!!!! I'm hoping to get it in Saturday, but we'll see. Oh, I'm TOTALLY gonna have to do it. I've been WAITING SINCE OCTOBER!!!!!!!!! Hehehehe...I clearly don't have my priorities in the right place. Sanity, kind of, always gets shoved out the window. 😉 THANKS FOR COMMENTING, GIRL!!!!! It's just made me smile!!!! Much love!! 💕💕💕
Victoria
LOLOLOL!!! XD Hey, whatever it takes, right? You’ll have to let me know if you win! 😀
Ohhhh! I watched Christmas with the Kranks too! Yeah, I understand how it might not be a favorite. There are a few inappropriate parts in it, but other than that I actually kind of like it! Now that I think about it, that may have been the first one we saw this year instead….or maybe the second. Eh, I don’t remember. #DoryMemory XD
Oh, yeah. VERY glad I’m a woman too! XP
*gives you the cookies and ice cream and cake* You doooo!
AWWWW, I’m so glad! XD You’re VERY, VERY welcome!!!! <33333 *hearts forever*
Maggie
XD Yep! That’s my mind frame. WHATEVER. IT. TAKES! Though, I should get some extra bonus points for *almost* being able to show the cover once a week. I mean, that’s some serious dedication, if you ask me. 😆 Oooh, YES!!!! I’ll totally let you know, if that happens. I probably won’t end up knowing who all the winners were, unless I was one of them, so if I never tell you, that means I didn’t win. But it’s cool, either way. I still had fun helping them promote their book.
Yeah, there were some inappropriate parts I didn’t like, but other than that it was pretty good! XD!!! I guess we shall never know!! Hehehehe…. (#DoryMemory? THAT’S GENIUS!!!!! LOL!! I’m soooo gonna remember that one next time!! 👍)
😃😃😃
Ooohhh!! *happily accepts the cookies, cake, and ice cream and stuffs my face with them* Mmmmmm!!!! YES!!!
<33333333
Ally M.J.
*sad face* Maggie, you’re not going to share your deliciously unhealthy sugary things with us?
Maggie
Nope! Maggie’s keeping them for herself. *impish grin* Okay, maybe one. *slides you a cookie*
Trixie
I need that book. Haha love the gifs, my friends are probably really tired of me sending them bad puns!!! And yes go Elf!!! I love that movie! Alllie Anderson’s blog party….. hmmmm I haven’t been there yet 😉 Anyways so excited for these upcoming posts!!!
Maggie
I. Need. That. Book. TOO!! Hehehe, those GIFs are addicting at best. 😉 LOL!! I’m sure that’s not true, but if it is, I can TOTALLY relate! YES, GO ELF!!!!! XD IKR! Such a fun, hilarious movie!!!!! XD So, has it’s been your unknown twin commenting on Allie’s blog party? 😉 Y’all must be mistaken for each other a lot. XDDDD ME, TOO!!!!!!!! It’s sooooo hard to limit my posting! If I thought everyone would be okay with it, I’d post All. The. Time!!!!!!
Trixie
Hahaha!!!!! So fun, I can’t wait for more and to see Elf for this year, alas *sad sigh* I haven’t seen it yet this year. Alright well, I am gonna go annoy my friends with bad puns and gifs.
Maggie
*sad sigh* I haven’t seen it this year, either. I can’t wait to watch it, too!!!!! It’s on my list! Go, Trixie! And may you always bring annoyance into your friends’ lives with bad puns and GIFs!!!! XD 😉 Though, I’m sure your bad puns aren’t really bad.
Jen
I loved your answers to Katherine’s questions! I can’t wait for all the posts! And I understand where you’re coming from, but I really like getting an email telling me y’all have a new post because I am horrible about remembering to put things on my calender. XP You don’t have to worry about flooding my inbox, the convenience of getting your post straight into my email was one of the reasons I signed up, and to join the awesomeness. 😉 It’s fine if you don’t though. 😀 Honestly, post all you want, girl! I may not be able to read them the same day they come out, but I will get to them! ;D
And I noticed your’s and Katherine’s new profile images, they’re beautiful!
I’ve been meaning to say something but haven’t had a whole lot of time for commenting lately, I’d like to use the image you made for my blog a few posts ago on my blog if that’s okay? I accidentally went on hiatus the past two weeks and am spending some time changing some things.
Maggie
Aw, THANK YOU, GIRL!!!!! YES, me neither! Aw, that just makes me sooooooooo happy to hear that!!! Phew, that’s good! Though, I wish I knew how other’s felt…’cause there’s people on my email list I HAVE NO CLUE where they came from! *shrugs* Oh, yes, you can’t forget the perk of joining the AWESOMENESS!!!! XD 😉 Aw, don’t worry about them. I’m sure no one will miss my crazy rambling, and don’t stress for ONE MINUTE over my little blog and all. I COMPLETELY understand how buys life gets. Especially this time of year. I just feel soooo blessed to have you a part of TWN!!!! That in itself just means more to me than words can EVER say!!!! <333
THANK YOU!!!!!! I've been trying to find one I'm satisfied with. This new one I've got says "Is writer." 'Cause I'm a writer and my real name is Issabelle which means one of my nicknames is Is. Most people probably won't make the connection, but it was kind of like an inside joke for me. 'Cause I'm just a nut that way. XD And I ALWAYS thought your rose was VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!! And fitting for your pen name, too!!
OF COURSE YOU CAN SOOOO USE MY IMAGE ON YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!! It just makes me soooo happy to hear you love it THAT much!!!!!!!!!! It was made specifically for the bloggers if they wanted to use it/have it or not. (I might should've said that....) And, who doesn't love a good graphic to get them interested in something. Oh, yeah, I noticed your hiatus. I can't wait, though, for when you're ready to return back to the crazy, unpredictable life called the blogosphere!!!!!!!!
Jen
Haha! Yeah, I completely understand wondering where some followers came from. (Though, I’m pretty sure most of the followers I’ve gotten in the past few weeks are because of you! <333
Oh, that makes sense. I thought your name was Issabelle because I also read the Go Teen Writer's blog and there was a girl commenting names Issabelle who had your old profile pic, aaand I think you mentioned something before in the comments (I think Colin called you that?) before? I think Issabelle, and Maggie, are pretty names! Aww! Thank you! One of my sisters found the picture online somewhere, Pinterest maybe? The funny thing is that I picked my profile pic before I decided on my pen name. XD
Okay, thanks! I thought so, but wanted to verify before I did it. I will let everyone know you made it, though! Because I think artists should be credited for their work. ^_^ Haha, yeah, completely unintentional but here we are. *shrugs* XD Aww, I can't wait either! Hopefully if not this coming Monday then next Monday! 😀 I'm doing some blog housekeeping so if you notice things disappearing or not working, that's probably why! XD
Maggie
Oooh, I hope so!!!!!!!! It’d be nice to know I helped your site out! It TOTALLY deserves ALL the followers!!!!!! <33
Oh, yeah, I've commented on Go Teen Writers before as Issabelle, so I'm like 99.9% certain that was me! Hehehe...yes, Colin doesn't approve of my fake name. Good news, I don't really care much on his opinions concerning me. I mean the dude should be more focused on all the things I've been sending his way in my story. XD Aww, THANK YOU, GIRL!!!!!!! Oooh, that's COOL!!!! Hahaha, well I guess it was all meant to be!!! XD
You're soooo welcome!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! Oh, yes, I agree!!! Sometimes life just does things like that. Ooooh, YES, YES, YEEESSSS!!!!! I'll be keeping a check this Monday, and then if not, the next one. 🙂 Ooooh, blog housekeeping XD that's a pretty cool way to call it!!!!! 👍 Okey-dokey!!!!! XD
Katherine
Thank you, Jen!!!!!!<3<3<3 That makes me so HAPPY that you think my profile image is beautiful!!!!😀😊 Your profile image is beautiful too!!!!!!!!!❤️
Jen
Thank you so much, Katherine! <333
Katherine
You’re welcome, Jen!!! <3<3<3<3<3<3