Author Archives: Kelli McKinney

Book review: Sophie Murphy Does Not Exist, by T Blanchard

If you’re looking for your next clean middle grade read may I introduce you to this gem by T Blanchard and @chickenscratchbooks? Here’s the blurb:An important life is measured by one thing: Netopedia. When Sophie Murphy discovers that her father’s life wasn’t remarkable enough to warrant a listing, she makes a decision. Her life would be remarkable.Continue reading “Book review: Sophie Murphy Does Not Exist, by T Blanchard”

Buckle up, friends :)

Happy New Year! If I’m over-excited about 2022, it’s only because I’ve been looking forward to this year MY ENTIRE LIFE. Bear with me, y’all. I still get stunned and teary-eyed when I think that this is the year my little book launches head first into the world! I wanted to share a couple ofContinue reading “Buckle up, friends :)”

I did a thing.

To some, it may seem small. But to me, it’s the end result of decades of patience, learning, trying, failing, work, rework, nearly giving up, not giving up. So it’s enormous. I signed my first publishing contract last night, for my middle grade contemporary novel. It’s the second novel I’ve written but the first toContinue reading “I did a thing.”

How to be a rock star critique partner

Critique groups are lifelines for writers. Joining a new writing group can be kind of intimidating, especially when you’re new to an area or if you’re new to writing. But- when you find that right group? It’s game changing. For me, the right group is made up of consistent, candid, encouraging people. People who showContinue reading “How to be a rock star critique partner”

Mum’s the Word

I’m not a native Texan. This was stunningly obvious to a fellow Hobby Lobby shopper who spotted me as I blinked at the homecoming decoration display. She touched my shoulder, smiled empathetically, and said, “Aw. Honey. You’re not from here, are you?” This sweet stranger spent fifteen minutes talking me through how to make aContinue reading “Mum’s the Word”

Unpopular Opinion: Pumpkin Spice Isn’t That Great.

This time of year, people like me lurk in the shadows, stealth-sipping our cinnamon teas or our chai lattes. No more hiding. I’m speaking up. I love autumn as much as the next gal. Honest. I do. I love decorating the house for Thanksgiving. A good harvest theme never gets old. What does get old,Continue reading “Unpopular Opinion: Pumpkin Spice Isn’t That Great.”

Three Things I Learned at a Writing Workshop

Writer friends, I know you. Some of you are on the fence about investing anything other than your time and imagination in your writing future. I know this because that’s where I was. Full of doubt. Overflowing with insecurity. As long as I didn’t take this “writing thing” too seriously, I hadn’t risked embarrassment orContinue reading “Three Things I Learned at a Writing Workshop”

Adjectivery

I recently participated in my first-ever Instagram author’s challenge. You’d think that someone who’d been a marketing manager – as in, paid real money to develop and activate marketing strategies for a living – would be aaalll over the marketing for her own writing work. You’d think that, and you’d be right to snicker aContinue reading “Adjectivery”

Onomatopoeia a.k.a. Sounds Like

True story: I had to look up how to spell this word three times before I got it right. How often should we use this useful device in writing? Overdo it and you come off like you’re trying too hard. Don’t use it at all and you might be missing a spicy opportunity. Some ofContinue reading “Onomatopoeia a.k.a. Sounds Like”