Category: Writing

What Multi-Genre Author Really Means

~ Mariella Hunt ~ Leave a comment

Of course, I knew that writing all different kinds of romance stories wasn’t recommended for a new author, because it’s much harder to find a readership when the type of story you write is always different. But, I’ve never been the kind of writer who could force myself to write one thing or another.

3 Things Kindle Vella Taught Me

~ Mariella Hunt ~ 2 Comments

Serial fiction is not for everyone--writing it or reading it. When I joined Kindle Vella with my first story, The Sea Rose, I only did so because I already had a draft written and planned to tweak it into smaller episodes. The Sea Rose did end, though, and since the characters were not finished telling … Continue reading 3 Things Kindle Vella Taught Me

Telling the Whole Story

~ Mariella Hunt ~ 1 Comment

(15lbs left to go for my weight goal. Each lost pound is hard earned!) “Don’t write through a migraine.” I find myself thinking this, even as a hundred new ideas barrel into me for the two pieces I’ll be focusing on come November: Sandcastles, and a novella that I sense will be about a ghost … Continue reading Telling the Whole Story

#2 – Roses & Sewing

~ Mariella Hunt ~ Leave a comment

Elle trudges the battered sidewalks surrounding the market. She carries with firm hands a basket of colored threads for sewing. “Thread,” she calls out, “clean thread for dresses, drapes, mending…” Where people are forced to make their own clothing, deprived of the convenience of shopping, there is demand for things such as thread. Boredom is … Continue reading #2 – Roses & Sewing

#1 – A Child’s Disbelief

~ Mariella Hunt ~ 5 Comments

“There is no such thing as magic.” Young Elle’s words cause her grandmother, Ama, to flinch. “It pains me,” she answers, “to hear you say such things.” Elle is defiant. “How can there be magic?” she demands. “If such a thing existed, we would not be trapped here with housefires every night.” Ama considers her … Continue reading #1 – A Child’s Disbelief

On the Solitary Writer

~ Mariella Hunt ~ 2 Comments

After 70 episodes of my serial, I find myself contemplating it—wondering how it got to 70 episodes—and marveling at how great a difference it can make to have readers. Writing is by nature a very isolated activity. I now wonder how much of that isolation is self-imposed. Why does every writer have to brood over … Continue reading On the Solitary Writer

Guest Post: Author Emma Smith

~ Mariella Hunt ~ Leave a comment

Hi! I'm Emma Smith, the author of young adult novel 'Guided'. I self-published it at nineteen, and I'm so proud of my story and everything it represents.  'Guided' is about Macey Collins, a seventeen-year-old girl who is just navigating the world of being a teenager. But when she helps out at a camp one night … Continue reading Guest Post: Author Emma Smith

Joy in Editing

~ Mariella Hunt ~ 2 Comments

I had forgotten that editing can be fun. Once I've moved past the stinking mess that is a first draft, edits & rewrites become puzzles--very personalized puzzles. When adding new scenes, I'm figuring out what the story lacks; I'm filling gaps for character development, making conversations meaningful, using words to increase tension. When adding/removing words … Continue reading Joy in Editing

What Goes, Goes

~ Mariella Hunt ~ 2 Comments

“The trees have begun to let go.” There is no immediate response, as tea is being set. I watch as Grandmother arranges plates, cups, spoons on the old dining table. She has left the window ajar; through it drift scents of rest, of nature preparing to slumber. Drops of dew from occasional rain. Pinecones gathering … Continue reading What Goes, Goes