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Megan Riann

WRITE ON THE EXHALE

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AuthorMegan Riann

• Write on the Exhale •

Enthusiastically creating & connecting within the literary community.

Megan Riann is an author from West Michigan writing young adult novels about diverse characters trying their best. She loves talking books with fellow readers and nerding out with the writing community.

MORE ABOUT MEGAN

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My up-to-date list of recommended reads featuring a variety of genres and my all-time favorite stories!

My all-time favorite stories and recommended reads updated regularly!

My up-to-date list of recommended reads featuring a variety of genres and my all-time favorite stories!

Exclusive writing tips and links to my favorite resources.

My up-to-date list of recommended reads featuring a variety of genres and my all-time favorite stories!

Insider details on my current projects, book updates, and what to expect next!

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YES! I WANT INSIDER RESOURCES!

See the latest on Instagram @meganriannwrites

Idk how to feel about using tropes to talk about/market books

On one hand, tropes are beloved and recognizable for a reason! I will love a well-executed found family for the hundredth time as much as the first. Tropes give writers a way to convey the feeling of their novels and help readers understand if it’s what they’re in the mood for.

On the other hand, “This is an adult fantasy with enemies-to-lovers, sibling rivalries, and a corrupt monarchy!” tells me ~nothing~ about what makes the story unique. What are the stakes? Who are the characters? What’s the setting? Why should I care? Using solely tropes to describe a book is a disservice in a lot of ways.

Where do you land on this? Anything I’m missing? 🧐

Idk how to feel about using tropes to talk about/market books

On one hand, tropes are beloved and recognizable for a reason! I will love a well-executed found family for the hundredth time as much as the first. Tropes give writers a way to convey the feeling of their novels and help readers understand if it’s what they’re in the mood for.

On the other hand, “This is an adult fantasy with enemies-to-lovers, sibling rivalries, and a corrupt monarchy!” tells me ~nothing~ about what makes the story unique. What are the stakes? Who are the characters? What’s the setting? Why should I care? Using solely tropes to describe a book is a disservice in a lot of ways.

Where do you land on this? Anything I’m missing? 🧐

Romance, fantasy, contemporary��…idc they just have to be giving Odysseus/Penelope

Song and epic romance is from @jayherrans’s @epicthemusical based on the Odyssey. He was my top artist of 2024. Def recommend if you need a new musical to shake you to your core.

P. S. I’ve written a YA contemporary romance that you can learn more about in my highlights or on my website 👀

#booktok #romancebooks #romancereader #bookstagram

Romance, fantasy, contemporary…idc they just have to be giving Odysseus/Penelope

Song and epic romance is from @jayherrans’s @epicthemusical based on the Odyssey. He was my top artist of 2024. Def recommend if you need a new musical to shake you to your core.

P. S. I’ve written a YA contemporary romance that you can learn more about in my highlights or on my website 👀

#booktok #romancebooks #romancereader #bookstagram

How will you track your 2025 reading? 📚

I’m a big fan of @the.storygraph! I’m stats-motivated plus I like how it feels less social-media-esque than other platforms.

Of course I also track things in my bullet journal! Such as:

⭐️ Books I own and haven’t yet read
⭐️ Challenges like a self-made book bingo
⭐️ Books I’ve bought that year

I find tracking and journaling my reading motivates me to read more, helps me retain content better, and brings me a lot of joy. What about you? 📚☺️

How will you track your 2025 reading? 📚

I’m a big fan of @the.storygraph! I’m stats-motivated plus I like how it feels less social-media-esque than other platforms.

Of course I also track things in my bullet journal! Such as:

⭐️ Books I own and haven’t yet read
⭐️ Challenges like a self-made book bingo
⭐️ Books I’ve bought that year

I find tracking and journaling my reading motivates me to read more, helps me retain content better, and brings me a lot of joy. What about you? 📚☺️

Where were the 5-star books in 2024?? 🤨

My average rating of 4.0 ⭐️ was heavily skewed by my reread of the Lunar Chronicles and some smashing nonfiction (everyone go read Stolen Focus rn!!). It felt more like a 3.0 ⭐️ year.

Looking back, with the exception of a few in the photos above (None Shall Sleep!!), it feels like a pretty meh reading year. I still absorbed 58 stories and accounts tho, so nothing to be ashamed of! 🫡

What ⭐️ rating would you give your 2024 reading year?

Where were the 5-star books in 2024?? 🤨

My average rating of 4.0 ⭐️ was heavily skewed by my reread of the Lunar Chronicles and some smashing nonfiction (everyone go read Stolen Focus rn!!). It felt more like a 3.0 ⭐️ year.

Looking back, with the exception of a few in the photos above (None Shall Sleep!!), it feels like a pretty meh reading year. I still absorbed 58 stories and accounts tho, so nothing to be ashamed of! 🫡

What ⭐️ rating would you give your 2024 reading year?

What books do you want to finish this year? 📚

Cannot believe it’s almost 2025 😭 Though, looking back, 2024 feels like it lasted ages. So much has happened!

I’ve got an eclectic stack, pictured above, for December that I’m pretty confident in. Check back to see if my mood reader tendencies took over 😂

What titles do you have lined up? 🗓️

What books do you want to finish this year? 📚

Cannot believe it’s almost 2025 😭 Though, looking back, 2024 feels like it lasted ages. So much has happened!

I’ve got an eclectic stack, pictured above, for December that I’m pretty confident in. Check back to see if my mood reader tendencies took over 😂

What titles do you have lined up? 🗓️

If a friend recommends a book, how long until you read it? 😅

I’m finally diving into Tamora Pierce’s Kel series after years of knowing this is one of my sister’s favorites. Better late than never, right, Sarah? 🫣⚔️

I won’t apologize for being a mood reader but I *will* apologize for the fact that my book rec reading time is anywhere from 2 days to 6 years.

If you want recs from me, I have a whole list of favorites on my website. I won’t hold it against you if they sit pretty on your TBR for a while. 😉

And as always, I am accepting book recs from you but please note my processing time 😂

If a friend recommends a book, how long until you read it? 😅

I’m finally diving into Tamora Pierce’s Kel series after years of knowing this is one of my sister’s favorites. Better late than never, right, Sarah? 🫣⚔️

I won’t apologize for being a mood reader but I *will* apologize for the fact that my book rec reading time is anywhere from 2 days to 6 years.

If you want recs from me, I have a whole list of favorites on my website. I won’t hold it against you if they sit pretty on your TBR for a while. 😉

And as always, I am accepting book recs from you but please note my processing time 😂

I got hired at a Big 5 publishing house!! 😱🤗

The Big 5 are the largest publishers in the US, the “big dogs” in book world:
⭐️ Penguin Random House
⭐️ Macmillan
⭐️ Simon & Schuster
⭐️ Hachette
⭐️ HarperCollins

This is a HUGE step in my career—and a pinch-me moment. I’ll be working remotely in managing editorial (an oft misunderstood and unknown entity!), which is my dream department. 🫶

I work with both adult fiction and nonfiction. I am THRILLED to be in the trade space, especially since I’ll have my hands on books by such respected authors. For privacy’s sake, I won’t say more about the company/imprint I’m with, but know I am jumping with joy.

If you have any questions about working in publishing, feel free to drop a comment or DM me! 🥰🤩

I got hired at a Big 5 publishing house!! 😱🤗

The Big 5 are the largest publishers in the US, the “big dogs” in book world:
⭐️ Penguin Random House
⭐️ Macmillan
⭐️ Simon & Schuster
⭐️ Hachette
⭐️ HarperCollins

This is a HUGE step in my career—and a pinch-me moment. I’ll be working remotely in managing editorial (an oft misunderstood and unknown entity!), which is my dream department. 🫶

I work with both adult fiction and nonfiction. I am THRILLED to be in the trade space, especially since I’ll have my hands on books by such respected authors. For privacy’s sake, I won’t say more about the company/imprint I’m with, but know I am jumping with joy.

If you have any questions about working in publishing, feel free to drop a comment or DM me! 🥰🤩

“It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die…” 🌊

Over the years I’ve gotten seven people and counting that I know of to read The Scorpio Races by @maggie_stiefvater . Every soul I get to consume this gorgeous novel adds a year to my life.

I’m excited to re-read this November. I annotated the @owlcrate edition back in 2021 (see pic 3). I can’t wait to see what Past Megan thought and add Present Megan’s reactions. This book fills my chest with such empathy, righteousness, bittersweetness, cold, salt, and hope that I can’t help it overflowing on the pages.

If you haven’t read The Scorpio Races by @maggie_stiefvater yet, I am looking into your eyes and saying that it needs to be at the top of your TBR.

And if you are someone who’s already read it upon my rec or someone else’s happy Scorpio Races! 🌊

“It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die…” 🌊

Over the years I’ve gotten seven people and counting that I know of to read The Scorpio Races by @maggie_stiefvater . Every soul I get to consume this gorgeous novel adds a year to my life.

I’m excited to re-read this November. I annotated the @owlcrate edition back in 2021 (see pic 3). I can’t wait to see what Past Megan thought and add Present Megan’s reactions. This book fills my chest with such empathy, righteousness, bittersweetness, cold, salt, and hope that I can’t help it overflowing on the pages.

If you haven’t read The Scorpio Races by @maggie_stiefvater yet, I am looking into your eyes and saying that it needs to be at the top of your TBR.

And if you are someone who’s already read it upon my rec or someone else’s happy Scorpio Races! 🌊

This is exactly what I was going for actually

Hi, I’m Megan Riann! I’m an author writing a YA contemporary romance about a biracial aspiring linguist fake dating a television show star. It’s all about if love and ambition can coexist. 😉🕺

This is exactly what I was going for actually

Hi, I’m Megan Riann! I’m an author writing a YA contemporary romance about a biracial aspiring linguist fake dating a television show star. It’s all about if love and ambition can coexist. 😉🕺

Does 1/6 count as success? 😅

By this mood reader’s estimate, yes! When I set up my journal at the beginning of 2024, I printed out 6 covers of books I wanted to get to asap. 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

Fast forward and I’ve only read The Merciful Crow. Oops.

But I’ve significantly decreased my physical TBR this year and am currently reading two more on this list. Maybe they aren’t the books Past Megan planned, but I’m having a grand ol’ time. 😋

How far in advance do you plan out what you’re going to read? Where my day-by-day reader’s at? 😂

P. S. I have a very exciting newsletter going out tomorrow! Be sure to check out the 🔗 for deets!

Does 1/6 count as success? 😅

By this mood reader’s estimate, yes! When I set up my journal at the beginning of 2024, I printed out 6 covers of books I wanted to get to asap. 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

Fast forward and I’ve only read The Merciful Crow. Oops.

But I’ve significantly decreased my physical TBR this year and am currently reading two more on this list. Maybe they aren’t the books Past Megan planned, but I’m having a grand ol’ time. 😋

How far in advance do you plan out what you’re going to read? Where my day-by-day reader’s at? 😂

P. S. I have a very exciting newsletter going out tomorrow! Be sure to check out the 🔗 for deets!

Do you separate your read and unread books? 📚

Resounding yes!! from me 👏🏽

Keeping my unread books on a certain shelf—and now a certain cart—helps me actually see what I have. It makes it easier to pick what’s up next AND it keeps my book buying in check to see it all in one place.

I’m most excited to get to the Dance of Thieves duology, which was kindly gifted to me by a friend. (A friend who is now beta reading my YA contemporary romance 🫶)

What’s up next on your TBR list/shelf/cart/?? 👀

Do you separate your read and unread books? 📚

Resounding yes!! from me 👏🏽

Keeping my unread books on a certain shelf—and now a certain cart—helps me actually see what I have. It makes it easier to pick what’s up next AND it keeps my book buying in check to see it all in one place.

I’m most excited to get to the Dance of Thieves duology, which was kindly gifted to me by a friend. (A friend who is now beta reading my YA contemporary romance 🫶)

What’s up next on your TBR list/shelf/cart/?? 👀

Buying another bookshelf is actually the correct answer 🥰

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a reader and author who loves to connect with other literary people. I love Jesus, dark chocolate, and you can probably tell from my shelves my taste in books 😉📚

#amreading #bookshelf #bookworm #bookish #bookstagram #bookshelves #bookshelfstyling #keepreading #yaauthor #writersread #bookshelfie #booktok

Buying another bookshelf is actually the correct answer 🥰

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a reader and author who loves to connect with other literary people. I love Jesus, dark chocolate, and you can probably tell from my shelves my taste in books 😉📚

#amreading #bookshelf #bookworm #bookish #bookstagram #bookshelves #bookshelfstyling #keepreading #yaauthor #writersread #bookshelfie #booktok

“It sucks to move when you’re a book lover.” 😔🥵

Okay, but have you considered that you get to rearrange your books in a whole new place!!! 🤩🤸‍��♀️🤪

#amreading #readmorebooks #amreadingya #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookshelf #bookshelves #bookshelvesofinstagram

“It sucks to move when you’re a book lover.” 😔🥵

Okay, but have you considered that you get to rearrange your books in a whole new place!!! 🤩🤸‍♀️🤪

#amreading #readmorebooks #amreadingya #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookshelf #bookshelves #bookshelvesofinstagram

Who else is behind on their reading goal? 🙋🏻‍♀️😅

@the.storygraph tells me I’m 4 books behind—which is 5 more behind than usual! I like to live in the 1-book-ahead space.

Moving houses, getting a new job, and choosing to buddy read a 800+ page book have all put me back. But I’m confident I can pick it back up now that reading can be more of a priority. 📚

After a few years, I’ve accepted 60 books in a year is the perfect number for me. I don’t feel rushed but I make a dent in my TBR.

Have you found your perfect # of books per year? 📖

#thestorygraph #storygraph #amreading #writersofinstagram #readingtime📖 #yabooks #yawriter #bookstagram #bookstagramflatlay #flatlaystyle #bookstack

Who else is behind on their reading goal? 🙋🏻‍♀️😅

@the.storygraph tells me I’m 4 books behind—which is 5 more behind than usual! I like to live in the 1-book-ahead space.

Moving houses, getting a new job, and choosing to buddy read a 800+ page book have all put me back. But I’m confident I can pick it back up now that reading can be more of a priority. 📚

After a few years, I’ve accepted 60 books in a year is the perfect number for me. I don’t feel rushed but I make a dent in my TBR.

Have you found your perfect # of books per year? 📖

#thestorygraph #storygraph #amreading #writersofinstagram #readingtime📖 #yabooks #yawriter #bookstagram #bookstagramflatlay #flatlaystyle #bookstack

It’s been over 2 YEARS since I’ve been able to say I finished a draft! 😭👏🏽

This story spilled out of me. Maybe it’s because it’s a new genre or because so much is based in my experiences. Either way, I’m proud that this love story exists outside my head now. 🥰

Some of my favorite scenes in this celebrity romance include…

📸 the paparazzi crashing dates
🥘 cooking Filipino food
💋 almost kisses

Ahhh!! Are you excited yet? Two trusted beta readers are giving me feedback on the draft and then I’m booking it to Editing City. 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

BTW newsletter subs knew all about this and beta reading weeks ago. If you want the inside scoop on what betas are saying, check the 🔗 in my bio. 🫶

#amwriting #amdrafting #firstdraft #drafting #amwritingya #yacontemporaryromance #yacontemporary #yaromance #yawriter #romancebooks

It’s been over 2 YEARS since I’ve been able to say I finished a draft! 😭👏🏽

This story spilled out of me. Maybe it’s because it’s a new genre or because so much is based in my experiences. Either way, I’m proud that this love story exists outside my head now. 🥰

Some of my favorite scenes in this celebrity romance include…

📸 the paparazzi crashing dates
🥘 cooking Filipino food
💋 almost kisses

Ahhh!! Are you excited yet? Two trusted beta readers are giving me feedback on the draft and then I’m booking it to Editing City. 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

BTW newsletter subs knew all about this and beta reading weeks ago. If you want the inside scoop on what betas are saying, check the 🔗 in my bio. 🫶

#amwriting #amdrafting #firstdraft #drafting #amwritingya #yacontemporaryromance #yacontemporary #yaromance #yawriter #romancebooks

YA readers, I need help!🏃🏻‍♀️💨

As I announced in my last post, I’m writing my first ever YA Contemporary Romance! 💕

However, I haven’t actually read a ton in that genre. (See how I had to go for fantasy/sci-fi books with romance for the photo.) I want to read more in preparation for revisions!

This is where you come in.

An invitation to seriously add to my TBR: What’s your favorite YA contemporary romance novel? 💕👇🏽

#amreading #yaromance #cleanromance #contemporaryromance #yacontemporary #youngadultbooks #youngadultromance #romancebookstagram #yareads

YA readers, I need help!🏃🏻‍♀️💨

As I announced in my last post, I’m writing my first ever YA Contemporary Romance! 💕

However, I haven’t actually read a ton in that genre. (See how I had to go for fantasy/sci-fi books with romance for the photo.) I want to read more in preparation for revisions!

This is where you come in.

An invitation to seriously add to my TBR: What’s your favorite YA contemporary romance novel? 💕👇🏽

#amreading #yaromance #cleanromance #contemporaryromance #yacontemporary #youngadultbooks #youngadultromance #romancebookstagram #yareads

I’ve never read Lord of the Rings 😳🙈 Does this mean I lose my fantasy reader club membership?

My family is full of LOTR nerds. (My dad is in the middle of getting a sick LOTR tattoo half sleeve.) Yet somehow I’ve gotten by with only having seen the movies.

The extended editions of course if that buys back any of your respect. 🫡

I’m trying to change that tho! I’ve been reading The Fellowship on and off since…March? February? You can see by the second photo how far I’ve gotten.

It’s been slow going—partially bc the suspense is lost because I know the general plot—but it’s gotta be worth it in the end.

It IS worth it to keep reading, right?? 👀

#lordoftherings #amreading #currentreads #fantasyreads #fantasybooks #lotr #jrrtolkien #fantasyreader #amreadingfantasy

I’ve never read Lord of the Rings 😳🙈 Does this mean I lose my fantasy reader club membership?

My family is full of LOTR nerds. (My dad is in the middle of getting a sick LOTR tattoo half sleeve.) Yet somehow I’ve gotten by with only having seen the movies.

The extended editions of course if that buys back any of your respect. 🫡

I’m trying to change that tho! I’ve been reading The Fellowship on and off since…March? February? You can see by the second photo how far I’ve gotten.

It’s been slow going—partially bc the suspense is lost because I know the general plot—but it’s gotta be worth it in the end.

It IS worth it to keep reading, right?? 👀

#lordoftherings #amreading #currentreads #fantasyreads #fantasybooks #lotr #jrrtolkien #fantasyreader #amreadingfantasy

How often are you “book-wrapt”?

As coined by Reid Byers, “book-wrapt” describes the “exhilarating comfort of a well-stocked library.” It encompasses the feeling of enchantment and relaxation and breath that comes from a collection of books.

This word was new to me, but I understood it immediately. I feel it when I peruse my local library and when I stop by a bookstore while we’re out. I felt it in my friend’s fav indie, @literatibookstore, pictured above.

“Individually, they are frequently useful or delightful, but it is when books are displayed en masse that they really work wonders. Covering the walls of a room, piled up to the ceilings and exuding the breath of generations, they nourish the senses, slay boredom and relieve stress.”

That last bit resonates so deeply with me. I dream of cultivating a huge home library one day, but my current collection elevates my mood too. Ugh now I just want to go sit among books.

Does this resonate with you? Where do you feel “book-wrapt?” 📚📚📚

*All quotes and references are from the NYT’s article “How Many Books Does It Take to Make a Place Feel Like Home?” by Julie Lasky. Published December 24, 2021. I suggest giving it a read if you’re interested.

#bookstore #indiebookstore #booksbooksbooks #booklover #bookwrapt #writersread #amreading

How often are you “book-wrapt”?

As coined by Reid Byers, “book-wrapt” describes the “exhilarating comfort of a well-stocked library.” It encompasses the feeling of enchantment and relaxation and breath that comes from a collection of books.

This word was new to me, but I understood it immediately. I feel it when I peruse my local library and when I stop by a bookstore while we’re out. I felt it in my friend’s fav indie, @literatibookstore, pictured above.

“Individually, they are frequently useful or delightful, but it is when books are displayed en masse that they really work wonders. Covering the walls of a room, piled up to the ceilings and exuding the breath of generations, they nourish the senses, slay boredom and relieve stress.”

That last bit resonates so deeply with me. I dream of cultivating a huge home library one day, but my current collection elevates my mood too. Ugh now I just want to go sit among books.

Does this resonate with you? Where do you feel “book-wrapt?” 📚📚📚

*All quotes and references are from the NYT’s article “How Many Books Does It Take to Make a Place Feel Like Home?” by Julie Lasky. Published December 24, 2021. I suggest giving it a read if you’re interested.

#bookstore #indiebookstore #booksbooksbooks #booklover #bookwrapt #writersread #amreading

How do you feel about buddy reads? 📘🤝📘

I’m doing a reread with a friend of the Lunar Chronicles!! We don’t have to worry about spoilers and can discuss things in the context of the whole plot. I’m having so much fun, and I’m falling in love with Prince Kai all over again. 😉🛠️ Right now we’re on Cress!

This will be my first time since middle/high school reading the physical copies. It’s made even more special because they’re the @fairyloot editions with artwork from @frostbite.studios, and I had @marissameyerauthor sign them when I met her back in February. 🥰💙

I’m afraid this might set me off on a reread kick! Quick, someone remind me of all the unread books I own 🙈

#marissameyer #lunarchronicles #thelunarchronicles #reread #buddyread #buddyreads #favoritebooks #yabooks #bookstagram #amreadingya #currentreads

How do you feel about buddy reads? 📘🤝📘

I’m doing a reread with a friend of the Lunar Chronicles!! We don’t have to worry about spoilers and can discuss things in the context of the whole plot. I’m having so much fun, and I’m falling in love with Prince Kai all over again. 😉🛠️ Right now we’re on Cress!

This will be my first time since middle/high school reading the physical copies. It’s made even more special because they’re the @fairyloot editions with artwork from @frostbite.studios, and I had @marissameyerauthor sign them when I met her back in February. 🥰💙

I’m afraid this might set me off on a reread kick! Quick, someone remind me of all the unread books I own 🙈

#marissameyer #lunarchronicles #thelunarchronicles #reread #buddyread #buddyreads #favoritebooks #yabooks #bookstagram #amreadingya #currentreads

Ever wonder what a million books looks like?

A couple weekends ago I went to the largest bookstore in Michigan, @johnkingbooksdetroit! Four floors thick with the scent of books. Seriously, I swear that smell hung around me the whole day. 😆

I ended up with two DC comics and a First Edition of @marissameyerauthor‘s Winter with special endpapers!! Considering how much there was to look at, I’m happy I found these treats. 📚

Slide to the end also for the other reason I was on that side of the state: I’m officially graduated from university!! Yay!! I’m hoping to share more updates on what comes next soon. 😉

#bookstore #booksbooksbooks #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bookhaul #bookhauls #bookworm #yabooks #booklover #indiebookstore

Ever wonder what a million books looks like?

A couple weekends ago I went to the largest bookstore in Michigan, @johnkingbooksdetroit! Four floors thick with the scent of books. Seriously, I swear that smell hung around me the whole day. 😆

I ended up with two DC comics and a First Edition of @marissameyerauthor‘s Winter with special endpapers!! Considering how much there was to look at, I’m happy I found these treats. 📚

Slide to the end also for the other reason I was on that side of the state: I’m officially graduated from university!! Yay!! I’m hoping to share more updates on what comes next soon. 😉

#bookstore #booksbooksbooks #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bookhaul #bookhauls #bookworm #yabooks #booklover #indiebookstore

It’s a constant debate 😅

I get so excited, but ideas feel so fragile in the beginning…I also know a lot changes while writing/editing.

Anyway, my newest project is a Filipino-inspired YA fantasy with a sick magic system. A group of outcasts have a mission from the gods and Death himself is handing out the rewards.

Newsletter subs hear everything first 😉

#amwriting #writersofinstagram #writinghumor #writersofig #amwritingya #yawriter #newbook

Do you tell people about new ideas??

It’s a constant debate 😅

I get so excited, but ideas feel so fragile in the beginning…I also know a lot changes while writing/editing.

Anyway, my newest project is a Filipino-inspired YA fantasy with a sick magic system. A group of outcasts have a mission from the gods and Death himself is handing out the rewards.

Newsletter subs hear everything first 😉

#amwriting #writersofinstagram #writinghumor #writersofig #amwritingya #yawriter #newbook

Do you tell people about new ideas??

The duality of my last read vs my current read

From YA high fantasy (Crooked Kingdom) to art book (Wayfinder) to YA serial killer thriller (None Shall Sleep) to adult romance (Love & Other Words) 😮‍💨

And the best part is that all of them are hitting perfectly. If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to talk about them! (Shoutout to @author_mckenzieburns for indirectly getting me hype to read Christina Lauren!)

Do you hop between genres often? 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

#amreading #currentread #currentreads #bookstagram #christinalauren #elliemarney #gretlusky #readersofinstagram #bookstoread #moodreader #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #bookgenre

The duality of my last read vs my current read

From YA high fantasy (Crooked Kingdom) to art book (Wayfinder) to YA serial killer thriller (None Shall Sleep) to adult romance (Love & Other Words) 😮‍💨

And the best part is that all of them are hitting perfectly. If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to talk about them! (Shoutout to @author_mckenzieburns for indirectly getting me hype to read Christina Lauren!)

Do you hop between genres often? 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

#amreading #currentread #currentreads #bookstagram #christinalauren #elliemarney #gretlusky #readersofinstagram #bookstoread #moodreader #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #bookgenre

A few (maybe controversial??) thoughts after rereading the iconic SOC duology:

🐺 I apologize for any past Matthias slander. I love his POV chapters sm.

😌 I’m sorry but it’s pronounced Wylan as in Dylan. Leigh herself could tell me otherwise and I wouldn’t be able to change.

👑 Kaz is waaay more violent and mean than I remembered. Still love him. Fr love him. But I recognize that he would judge me and con me and make me cry.

💔 The worldbuilding is dense on the first read, so I loved jumping in already knowing it. I could focus on character, backstories, and interactions even more this time.

😭 The ending is actually happier than I thought. Did I tear up? Ofc. But the hope woven through the final pages just—

Anyway, you should read this duology if you haven’t already. It absolutely holds up 👏🏽

A few (maybe controversial??) thoughts after rereading the iconic SOC duology:

🐺 I apologize for any past Matthias slander. I love his POV chapters sm.

😌 I’m sorry but it’s pronounced Wylan as in Dylan. Leigh herself could tell me otherwise and I wouldn’t be able to change.

👑 Kaz is waaay more violent and mean than I remembered. Still love him. Fr love him. But I recognize that he would judge me and con me and make me cry.

💔 The worldbuilding is dense on the first read, so I loved jumping in already knowing it. I could focus on character, backstories, and interactions even more this time.

😭 The ending is actually happier than I thought. Did I tear up? Ofc. But the hope woven through the final pages just—

Anyway, you should read this duology if you haven’t already. It absolutely holds up 👏🏽

I don’t know what life post-May will look like…

I’m graduating university in May and am deep in the job application trenches. (Prayers are much appreciated! 🫶) I get SO excited when reading job descriptions that are right up my alley, and I know I’ll end up where I need to be. I just don’t know where that is yet.

I am lucky that I’ve got a few constants:
📚 Good books
✍️ My story & my writing community
❤️ Two adorable nieces for cuddles ;)

Maybe it’s the graduation blues, but I keep thinking how it’s crazy that this account has been with me since before I entered university. I’m so blessed with how it’s grown and connected me with you 🫶

If you’ve got any advice for a soon-to-be graduate, let me know! ❤️📚

I don’t know what life post-May will look like…

I’m graduating university in May and am deep in the job application trenches. (Prayers are much appreciated! 🫶) I get SO excited when reading job descriptions that are right up my alley, and I know I’ll end up where I need to be. I just don’t know where that is yet.

I am lucky that I’ve got a few constants:
📚 Good books
✍️ My story & my writing community
❤️ Two adorable nieces for cuddles ;)

Maybe it’s the graduation blues, but I keep thinking how it’s crazy that this account has been with me since before I entered university. I’m so blessed with how it’s grown and connected me with you 🫶

If you’ve got any advice for a soon-to-be graduate, let me know! ❤️📚

IMO…

It’s about a character being proactive. If an author shows me from page one that this character has a goals they’re working toward, I’m in.

It doesn’t have to be the big/main goal of the story (in fact, it usually isn’t), but I wanna see that our main character is making decisions. I don’t like to read about punching bags.

Some great examples include:

⭐️ I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by @wickedjamison

⭐️ Cinder by @marissameyerauthor

⭐️ The Marrow Thieves by @cherie.dimaline

⭐️ Little Thieves by @what_eats_owls

If we haven’t met before, I’m Megan, a YA author who loves connecting with other bookish people! I enjoy spending time with Jesus, watching heist movies, and snuggling with my kitty. Nice to meet ya 🤗

#amwriting #amreading #readmorebooks #bookstagram #keepreading #booktok #booktoker #authorsofinstagram #readersgonnaread #bookrecommendations #bookworm #bookreader #bookrecs #bookreels

IMO…

It’s about a character being proactive. If an author shows me from page one that this character has a goals they’re working toward, I’m in.

It doesn’t have to be the big/main goal of the story (in fact, it usually isn’t), but I wanna see that our main character is making decisions. I don’t like to read about punching bags.

Some great examples include:

⭐️ I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by @wickedjamison

⭐️ Cinder by @marissameyerauthor

⭐️ The Marrow Thieves by @cherie.dimaline

⭐️ Little Thieves by @what_eats_owls

If we haven’t met before, I’m Megan, a YA author who loves connecting with other bookish people! I enjoy spending time with Jesus, watching heist movies, and snuggling with my kitty. Nice to meet ya 🤗

#amwriting #amreading #readmorebooks #bookstagram #keepreading #booktok #booktoker #authorsofinstagram #readersgonnaread #bookrecommendations #bookworm #bookreader #bookrecs #bookreels

The BEST new journal

In my last post, I talked about meeting @marissameyerauthor and teased at my favorite part...

After getting my books signed, I got the idea to find a new writing journal since the one I’ve had for 6+ years was almost filled.

Then, I thought of how Marissa said she would sign “anything.” We hopped in the back of the signing line and took her up on it. Not only did she sign the notebook, but she also wrote the sweetest message. We love authors who encourage writers. 🥹💙

I’ve already started using it to take notes on Brandon Sanderson’s free online lectures and to brainstorm my new fantasy novel. It fills me with joy every time to see Marissa’s message. And I’ve left room to one day collect signatures from other authors I admire. 🤞🏽🥰

What’s the story behind your writing journal?

P.S. The stickers are from @gretlusky and @mevia_writes_and_reads ☺️

The BEST new journal

In my last post, I talked about meeting @marissameyerauthor and teased at my favorite part...

After getting my books signed, I got the idea to find a new writing journal since the one I’ve had for 6+ years was almost filled.

Then, I thought of how Marissa said she would sign “anything.” We hopped in the back of the signing line and took her up on it. Not only did she sign the notebook, but she also wrote the sweetest message. We love authors who encourage writers. 🥹💙

I’ve already started using it to take notes on Brandon Sanderson’s free online lectures and to brainstorm my new fantasy novel. It fills me with joy every time to see Marissa’s message. And I’ve left room to one day collect signatures from other authors I admire. 🤞🏽🥰

What’s the story behind your writing journal?

P.S. The stickers are from @gretlusky and @mevia_writes_and_reads ☺️

Some highlights bc I cannot get over how perfect this night was:

⭐️Marissa signed 7 of my books and personalized two of them

⭐️She answered two of my questions in the audience question portion (pic 2)

⭐️I won an adorable tote bag during Marissa Meyer trivia (pic 4)

⭐️I gave her my Cinder fan art (pic 5)

⭐️Talking with her at the signing table was so special—-she’s truly an encouraging and genuine person just like on @happywriterpodcast

It was an absolute DREAM to hear @marissameyerauthor in conversation with @lyssakayadams at @schulerbooks in Bloomfield, MI. The talk was casual, insightful, and full of heart. I would expect nothing less from queens of romance!

The BEST and most special thing was at the end of the night. I’m still so excited about it that I’m going to make another separate post. Stay tuned! 😆🥹

Have you met any authors before? Or do you have plans to? (Now that I’ve done it once, I don’t want to stop 👀)

P.S. My Lunar Chronicles shirt is from @v.viva_a . She’s amazing!

Some highlights bc I cannot get over how perfect this night was:

⭐️Marissa signed 7 of my books and personalized two of them

⭐️She answered two of my questions in the audience question portion (pic 2)

⭐️I won an adorable tote bag during Marissa Meyer trivia (pic 4)

⭐️I gave her my Cinder fan art (pic 5)

⭐️Talking with her at the signing table was so special—-she’s truly an encouraging and genuine person just like on @happywriterpodcast

It was an absolute DREAM to hear @marissameyerauthor in conversation with @lyssakayadams at @schulerbooks in Bloomfield, MI. The talk was casual, insightful, and full of heart. I would expect nothing less from queens of romance!

The BEST and most special thing was at the end of the night. I’m still so excited about it that I’m going to make another separate post. Stay tuned! 😆🥹

Have you met any authors before? Or do you have plans to? (Now that I’ve done it once, I don’t want to stop 👀)

P.S. My Lunar Chronicles shirt is from @v.viva_a . She’s amazing!

Brainstorming Worksheet + Video ⤵️

Where my other verbal processors at?

Listen, when I’m brainstorming and plotting a novel—especially fantasy—there are so many questions I need to talk through. I’m sorry to my loved ones if I sound crazy…

If you have a novel idea you want to flush out…

If you’re stuck in the middle of your first draft…

If you need inspiration to keep writing…

⭐️ Check out my FREE Brainstorming and Plotting Guide!!

It’s available on my website and contains tons of questions/tips to get your mind working. The 🔗 is in my bio or you can DM me. ✍️

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a young adult fantasy author who loves ATLA, heist movies, Jesus. I love sharing writing inspo and book recs. Cool to meet ya!

#amwriting #brainstorming #writingtips #howtowriteabook #howtowrite #writertok #booktok #writersofinstagram #writingtips #writingmemes #writingmeme

Brainstorming Worksheet + Video ⤵️

Where my other verbal processors at?

Listen, when I’m brainstorming and plotting a novel—especially fantasy—there are so many questions I need to talk through. I’m sorry to my loved ones if I sound crazy…

If you have a novel idea you want to flush out…

If you’re stuck in the middle of your first draft…

If you need inspiration to keep writing…

⭐️ Check out my FREE Brainstorming and Plotting Guide!!

It’s available on my website and contains tons of questions/tips to get your mind working. The 🔗 is in my bio or you can DM me. ✍️

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a young adult fantasy author who loves ATLA, heist movies, Jesus. I love sharing writing inspo and book recs. Cool to meet ya!

#amwriting #brainstorming #writingtips #howtowriteabook #howtowrite #writertok #booktok #writersofinstagram #writingtips #writingmemes #writingmeme

What is the point of a special edition if not to read it??

Yes, obviously I adore the beautiful artwork. But I want to read (and likely annotate!) my special editions so they become even more special. I understand wanting to protect books and be careful with them but to me it’s more important to enjoy their stories. 🥰

One of my 2024 reading goals is to (re)read the editions above of some of my favorite books. Swipe to see my bujo page! I’m starting off next week with a #sixofcrows buddy read with my bestie. 🗡️

Do you enjoy collecting special editions? ✨

What is the point of a special edition if not to read it??

Yes, obviously I adore the beautiful artwork. But I want to read (and likely annotate!) my special editions so they become even more special. I understand wanting to protect books and be careful with them but to me it’s more important to enjoy their stories. 🥰

One of my 2024 reading goals is to (re)read the editions above of some of my favorite books. Swipe to see my bujo page! I’m starting off next week with a #sixofcrows buddy read with my bestie. 🗡️

Do you enjoy collecting special editions? ✨

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