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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

WRITE YOUR NOVEL

Get Your Guide to the Ultimate Novel Brainstorm!

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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Want More?

Sign up for my newsletter to get FREE worksheets to help on your writing journey!

Your Guide to the Ultimate Novel Brainstorm to expand ideas and spark inspiration (check out a video on how I use it HERE!)
Bullet Journal Spread Ideas to spark inspiration and motivation (see more about bullet journaling HERE!)

YES! I WANT INSIDER RESOURCES!

See the latest on Instagram @meganriannwrites

🎉 I’m an agented author!! 🎉

After…
9 years writing novels
7(or so) finished books
50+ query rejections…

I signed with Paige Wheeler at @cma_lit!! From our call, I could tell Paige understood my story and saw a vision for my career. I’m so honored to be working with such an incredible team!

If you’re not familiar, agents are the middlemen between authors and publishers. They help polish your work, submit it to editors, negotiate contracts, and SO much more. They’re a key part of traditional publishing.

Needless to say, I am very excited.

Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me. Your support makes these milestones all the better. 🫶

P. S. If you’re curious about how I got my agent or want to know how to get your own, my latest blog post has all the details + tips!

🎉 I’m an agented author!! 🎉

After…
9 years writing novels
7(or so) finished books
50+ query rejections…

I signed with Paige Wheeler at @cma_lit!! From our call, I could tell Paige understood my story and saw a vision for my career. I’m so honored to be working with such an incredible team!

If you’re not familiar, agents are the middlemen between authors and publishers. They help polish your work, submit it to editors, negotiate contracts, and SO much more. They’re a key part of traditional publishing.

Needless to say, I am very excited.

Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me. Your support makes these milestones all the better. 🫶

P. S. If you’re curious about how I got my agent or want to know how to get your own, my latest blog post has all the details + tips!

Two truths and a lie 👇🏽

1. I teared up when I saw Michaelangelo’s David.
2. I danced flamenco on stage in Spain.
3. I was in Rome the day they elected the new Pope.

Check the comments for the answer 😉

Anyways, hiiii I’m back from Spain and Italy!! It was a whirlwind trip with one of my best friends where we hit Alicante, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, and Naples. 🤸‍♀️

The photos don’t do the art, history, or scale justice. It’s a little clearer in my Traveling highlight!

I also had to drop a photo of my vacation read: I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by @annliangwrites. A hilarious, romantic, and emotional 5-star book for a 5-star vacay. ☺️

Two truths and a lie 👇🏽

1. I teared up when I saw Michaelangelo’s David.
2. I danced flamenco on stage in Spain.
3. I was in Rome the day they elected the new Pope.

Check the comments for the answer 😉

Anyways, hiiii I’m back from Spain and Italy!! It was a whirlwind trip with one of my best friends where we hit Alicante, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, and Naples. 🤸‍♀️

The photos don’t do the art, history, or scale justice. It’s a little clearer in my Traveling highlight!

I also had to drop a photo of my vacation read: I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by @annliangwrites. A hilarious, romantic, and emotional 5-star book for a 5-star vacay. ☺️

The actual snap I sent after reading the email 😭🥹

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a YA author who loves talking with bookish people and sharing writing behind-the-scenes.

I wrote a breakdown of how I got my literary agent + how you can get one too! 🔗 in bío or comment AGENT and I’ll DM it to you.

#booktok #writertok #writingislife #writersoninstagram #amwriting #authorlife #authorofinstagram #howtowrite #amwritingya #yaauthor

The actual snap I sent after reading the email 😭🥹

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a YA author who loves talking with bookish people and sharing writing behind-the-scenes.

I wrote a breakdown of how I got my literary agent + how you can get one too! 🔗 in bío or comment AGENT and I’ll DM it to you.

#booktok #writertok #writingislife #writersoninstagram #amwriting #authorlife #authorofinstagram #howtowrite #amwritingya #yaauthor

Which is your favorite? 😌

Hi, I’m Megan! An author and bookish nerd who has spent a TON of time improving her craft. (Read: I swear I’m better than this now and I can prove it.) Nice to meet ya! 😅🫶

#writersofig #writingcommunity #booktok #writertok #authorlife #keepwriting #writinginspo #writingtips

Which is your favorite? 😌

Hi, I’m Megan! An author and bookish nerd who has spent a TON of time improving her craft. (Read: I swear I’m better than this now and I can prove it.) Nice to meet ya! 😅🫶

#writersofig #writingcommunity #booktok #writertok #authorlife #keepwriting #writinginspo #writingtips

It’s always 3/4 of the way through the book.

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m an author currently working on a YA contemporary romance novel with the vibes above 🤭 Nice to meet ya!

#romance #booktok #romancebook #bookstagram #romancereadersofinstagram #yaromance #yaromancebooks #booktokbooks #readerofinstagram #yareads

It’s always 3/4 of the way through the book.

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m an author currently working on a YA contemporary romance novel with the vibes above 🤭 Nice to meet ya!

#romance #booktok #romancebook #bookstagram #romancereadersofinstagram #yaromance #yaromancebooks #booktokbooks #readerofinstagram #yareads

Are you ever going to make it? ✍️

“[He] was my favorite character but not for one second did I consider letting him live.” - @markuszusak

I collect many things in my writing journal (stray ideas, character names, plot hole workarounds, etc.) but the first pages hold something special.

Words from successful authors who looked me in the eye and made my dream feel real.

When I’m feeling meh or stuck, I flip back to these pages. Not only does it remind me of the fun author signing at @schulerbooks with Marissa Meyer and the crazy coincidental Markus Zusak visit while I was touring colleges, but it encourages me to keep going. Others have blazed the trail.

Others are rooting for us unpublished or growing writers.

I know I am. 🫶

So take heart! And if you need a reminder to keep going, my comments and DMs are always open.

“‘I really regret writing today.’ - said no writer ever.” - @marissameyerauthor

Are you ever going to make it? ✍️

“[He] was my favorite character but not for one second did I consider letting him live.” - @markuszusak

I collect many things in my writing journal (stray ideas, character names, plot hole workarounds, etc.) but the first pages hold something special.

Words from successful authors who looked me in the eye and made my dream feel real.

When I’m feeling meh or stuck, I flip back to these pages. Not only does it remind me of the fun author signing at @schulerbooks with Marissa Meyer and the crazy coincidental Markus Zusak visit while I was touring colleges, but it encourages me to keep going. Others have blazed the trail.

Others are rooting for us unpublished or growing writers.

I know I am. 🫶

So take heart! And if you need a reminder to keep going, my comments and DMs are always open.

“‘I really regret writing today.’ - said no writer ever.” - @marissameyerauthor

It’s part of my process

Please I can’t be the only one who does this

Exciting news tho!! I’m one step closer to this becoming a reality. Newsletter peeps are getting all the details 👀

#amwriting #debutauthor #writing #booktok #writertok #barnesandnoble #bookshelf #authorsofig

It’s part of my process

Please I can’t be the only one who does this

Exciting news tho!! I’m one step closer to this becoming a reality. Newsletter peeps are getting all the details 👀

#amwriting #debutauthor #writing #booktok #writertok #barnesandnoble #bookshelf #authorsofig

Visit your library this week! (And every week after!) 📖

I didn’t realize it was #nationallibraryweek until after I got home with my recent haul. I wanted something light and fun, which my physical TBR is short on.

💕 The Boy You Always Wanted by Michelle Quach

💕 Accomplished by Amanda Quain

I’m excited to dive in to these YAs! I recently moved, so I haven’t explored all my new library has to offer but you bet I’ve tried out their writing group and used their printers. 😆

Do you plan to celebrate National Library Week? 📖💕

Visit your library this week! (And every week after!) 📖

I didn’t realize it was #nationallibraryweek until after I got home with my recent haul. I wanted something light and fun, which my physical TBR is short on.

💕 The Boy You Always Wanted by Michelle Quach

💕 Accomplished by Amanda Quain

I’m excited to dive in to these YAs! I recently moved, so I haven’t explored all my new library has to offer but you bet I’ve tried out their writing group and used their printers. 😆

Do you plan to celebrate National Library Week? 📖💕

Resting writer face, anyone?

I was literally editing a scene where my main character was realizing how much she’s grown to care for the love interest. I swear the feeling translates into the romance 😅😂

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m YA author who loves talking books and writing. I will also rave about ATLA or The Hunger Games at a moment’s notice. Nice to meet ya :)

#writergram #amwriting #yaromance #youngadultromance #romance #booktok #bookstagram

Resting writer face, anyone?

I was literally editing a scene where my main character was realizing how much she’s grown to care for the love interest. I swear the feeling translates into the romance 😅😂

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m YA author who loves talking books and writing. I will also rave about ATLA or The Hunger Games at a moment’s notice. Nice to meet ya :)

#writergram #amwriting #yaromance #youngadultromance #romance #booktok #bookstagram

Anyone else finished reading? 😭🔥

Sunrise on the Reaping was the third midnight release I attended with @a.hufflepuff.reads at @barnesandnoble. (We missed you, @readingwithrem!!) A night of Hunger Games trivia and a district scavenger hunt got me pumped to read Haymitch’s story!

Even though you know how it has to end, Suzanne has you holding onto hope and throws several twists your way. I finished in less than three days. 😭

I’m hungry to talk about this book with others who have read 🫶

Anyone else finished reading? 😭🔥

Sunrise on the Reaping was the third midnight release I attended with @a.hufflepuff.reads at @barnesandnoble. (We missed you, @readingwithrem!!) A night of Hunger Games trivia and a district scavenger hunt got me pumped to read Haymitch’s story!

Even though you know how it has to end, Suzanne has you holding onto hope and throws several twists your way. I finished in less than three days. 😭

I’m hungry to talk about this book with others who have read 🫶

I’m staying in Ketterdam 🐦‍⬛⚔️♠️🐺

I jumped when I saw @owlcrate’s SIX OF CROWS and CROOKED KINGDOM special editions available again. @lbardugo created a world I love (that would k!ll me) filled with characters I admire (who would also k!ll me). If you’ve been living under a rock in the YA fantasy world, let me be the thousandth person to say, read SOC!!

Note: this isn’t sponsored! I genuinely love this series and bought these special editions for my collection
#unboxing #sixofcrows #grishaverse #specialedition #owlcrate #booktok #crookedkingdom #kazbrekker

I’m staying in Ketterdam 🐦‍⬛⚔️♠️🐺

I jumped when I saw @owlcrate’s SIX OF CROWS and CROOKED KINGDOM special editions available again. @lbardugo created a world I love (that would k!ll me) filled with characters I admire (who would also k!ll me). If you’ve been living under a rock in the YA fantasy world, let me be the thousandth person to say, read SOC!!

Note: this isn’t sponsored! I genuinely love this series and bought these special editions for my collection
#unboxing #sixofcrows #grishaverse #specialedition #owlcrate #booktok #crookedkingdom #kazbrekker

You think you’re a fan? 🤨 Did you host your own Hunger Games and betray your best friends to celebrate your thirteenth birthday?

True story: my friends and I ran around the woods in my parents’ backyard, searching for notecards labeled food, water, or shelter, and attacking each other via flag football bandanas. 🏃🏻‍♀️💨 🗡️🏃🏻‍♀️💨

Needless to say I am PUMPED for the new Hunger Games book next week!! 😂😆

I took years to read Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes bc I thought it would be a bland money grab. Boy, was I proven wrong. I am sat and ready for Ms. Collins to spit facts. She only writes a book when she’s got something to say.

I’m going to the midnight book release with friends at @barnesandnoble. Do you have plans to read Sunrise on the Reaping? ☀️

You think you’re a fan? 🤨 Did you host your own Hunger Games and betray your best friends to celebrate your thirteenth birthday?

True story: my friends and I ran around the woods in my parents’ backyard, searching for notecards labeled food, water, or shelter, and attacking each other via flag football bandanas. 🏃🏻‍♀️💨 🗡️🏃🏻‍♀️💨

Needless to say I am PUMPED for the new Hunger Games book next week!! 😂😆

I took years to read Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes bc I thought it would be a bland money grab. Boy, was I proven wrong. I am sat and ready for Ms. Collins to spit facts. She only writes a book when she’s got something to say.

I’m going to the midnight book release with friends at @barnesandnoble. Do you have plans to read Sunrise on the Reaping? ☀️

In this house, we read ✨variety✨

My first #TeamPRH goodie box! I’m a mood reader, so I chose a middle grade fantasy, a tell-all fictional drama, and an isolation thriller (to come!).

I’m halfway through THE FAVORITES and having a blast! 🤩⛸️ It’s told as a tell-all autobiography interspersed with excerpts from a documentary. The drama is high at all times!!

What’s the genre/age category of your last read?

In this house, we read ✨variety✨

My first #TeamPRH goodie box! I’m a mood reader, so I chose a middle grade fantasy, a tell-all fictional drama, and an isolation thriller (to come!).

I’m halfway through THE FAVORITES and having a blast! 🤩⛸️ It’s told as a tell-all autobiography interspersed with excerpts from a documentary. The drama is high at all times!!

What’s the genre/age category of your last read?

What readers don’t know about authors 🫢

NOTE: These are from a traditional publishing perspective, which is my experience. Indie publishing is a different beast!!

🧡 A book an author wrote in 2022 might release in 2026 while one from 2023 releases in 2024. This has to to do with how long it takes to sell a book to a publisher, that publisher’s schedule, the author’s strategic long-term plan, and other factors. I’ve heard that Axie Oh and Aiden Thomas have both had this!

🧡 I get to sit in on packaging meetings where the team sees comparative book covers, designer/artist options, mockups, cover options, etc. It’s SO cool! And while my imprint takes options to authors for their opinions, the editor/marketing/sales people have the final say. We also control which options authors see, so authors never see everything.

🧡 Editors and editorial assistants are an author’s home base at the publisher, but marketing, production, publicity, sales, managing editorial, art, design, special projects, publishing operations, and other depts. all have an active part in the process. There are way more of us than who ends up in a book’s acknowledgments!

🧡 Part of my job is updating metadata like on sale dates. These change a TON, especially if the book hasn’t been written yet. Changes happen because an author/illustrator needs more time, the publisher wants to hit a certain time of year for marketing purposes, there are capacity issues for the publisher or printer, or many other reasons.

What can I clarify or add to this? 🫶⬇️

#TeamPRH #traditionalpublishing #bookstagram #publishing #bookpublishing

What readers don’t know about authors 🫢

NOTE: These are from a traditional publishing perspective, which is my experience. Indie publishing is a different beast!!

🧡 A book an author wrote in 2022 might release in 2026 while one from 2023 releases in 2024. This has to to do with how long it takes to sell a book to a publisher, that publisher’s schedule, the author’s strategic long-term plan, and other factors. I’ve heard that Axie Oh and Aiden Thomas have both had this!

🧡 I get to sit in on packaging meetings where the team sees comparative book covers, designer/artist options, mockups, cover options, etc. It’s SO cool! And while my imprint takes options to authors for their opinions, the editor/marketing/sales people have the final say. We also control which options authors see, so authors never see everything.

🧡 Editors and editorial assistants are an author’s home base at the publisher, but marketing, production, publicity, sales, managing editorial, art, design, special projects, publishing operations, and other depts. all have an active part in the process. There are way more of us than who ends up in a book’s acknowledgments!

🧡 Part of my job is updating metadata like on sale dates. These change a TON, especially if the book hasn’t been written yet. Changes happen because an author/illustrator needs more time, the publisher wants to hit a certain time of year for marketing purposes, there are capacity issues for the publisher or printer, or many other reasons.

What can I clarify or add to this? 🫶⬇️

#TeamPRH #traditionalpublishing #bookstagram #publishing #bookpublishing

Hot take: Move on!

The thing about finishing one book* is that you have to start another.

Perhaps “get to” is a better phrase. 😉

Though some people find success laboring over a story for years and years, the best practice I’ve found is moving on! The next novel will be stronger because it’s built on what you’ve learned. You’ve got more ideas in you than you think. ✍️

I love being in the brainstorming and reworking sandbox, especially using the Save the Cat! method. It’s exciting—even if it means scrapping words and shifting ideas until I outline the next story I neeeeeed to finish. 👀

*Learn what I’m doing with my finished book in my last post!

Hot take: Move on!

The thing about finishing one book* is that you have to start another.

Perhaps “get to” is a better phrase. ��😉

Though some people find success laboring over a story for years and years, the best practice I’ve found is moving on! The next novel will be stronger because it’s built on what you’ve learned. You’ve got more ideas in you than you think. ✍️

I love being in the brainstorming and reworking sandbox, especially using the Save the Cat! method. It’s exciting—even if it means scrapping words and shifting ideas until I outline the next story I neeeeeed to finish. 👀

*Learn what I’m doing with my finished book in my last post!

“You’re going to love it!” I say knowing full well they will never be the same again after reading it.

Ft. The second and third book in @elliemarney’s None Shall Sleep sequence. They’re stunning thrillers I’m trying to get my friends to read so we can be damaged together 🤩

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a YA writer currently working on a couple of contemporary romances. Nice to meet ya! :)

#amreading #booktok #bookstagram #bookhumor #booktoker #booktoker

“You’re going to love it!” I say knowing full well they will never be the same again after reading it.

Ft. The second and third book in @elliemarney’s None Shall Sleep sequence. They’re stunning thrillers I’m trying to get my friends to read so we can be damaged together 🤩

Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a YA writer currently working on a couple of contemporary romances. Nice to meet ya! :)

#amreading #booktok #bookstagram #bookhumor #booktoker #booktoker

Next step to publication! 😱

My YA Contemporary Romance is in (what I hope is) the middle of its revision life. I’ve polished it with the help of four amazing beta readers. I still tweak here and there, but now it’s in the hands of literary agents… 😆

That’s right! I’m querying!!

(Querying is where you pitch your book to agents, who act as the middle man between an author and a publisher. It’s a big first step to getting traditionally published! Drop a comment if you want to know more.)

Newsletter subs get the inside scoop on how my querying is going (hint: 😱😭🤩😬). I’m praying the right agent gets my work and will help me take it to the next revision stage! 📈

P. S. I often get asked about writing tips, and I would say The Emotional Thesaurus and Brandon Sanderson’s free lectures on YouTube are excellent revision tools!!

Next step to publication! 😱

My YA Contemporary Romance is in (what I hope is) the middle of its revision life. I’ve polished it with the help of four amazing beta readers. I still tweak here and there, but now it’s in the hands of literary agents… 😆

That’s right! I’m querying!!

(Querying is where you pitch your book to agents, who act as the middle man between an author and a publisher. It’s a big first step to getting traditionally published! Drop a comment if you want to know more.)

Newsletter subs get the inside scoop on how my querying is going (hint: 😱😭🤩😬). I’m praying the right agent gets my work and will help me take it to the next revision stage! 📈

P. S. I often get asked about writing tips, and I would say The Emotional Thesaurus and Brandon Sanderson’s free lectures on YouTube are excellent revision tools!!

What’s a book you’ve heard nothing but good things about?

I am over the “she’s the first girl to ever go to this school/training/etc!” trope. 😅 Which is why I was hesitant to pick up Blood Over Bright Haven.

But everyone I’ve spoken with that read it has loved it! Someone at my book club just recommended it again this weekend. ❤️

I knew I had to give it a good ‘ol #TeamPRH try. This is on my February TBR! Someone hold me to it 😂

What’s a book you’ve heard nothing but good things about?

I am over the “she’s the first girl to ever go to this school/training/etc!” trope. 😅 Which is why I was hesitant to pick up Blood Over Bright Haven.

But everyone I’ve spoken with that read it has loved it! Someone at my book club just recommended it again this weekend. ❤️

I knew I had to give it a good ‘ol #TeamPRH try. This is on my February TBR! Someone hold me to it 😂

I’m smiling for several reasons…

1. My 2025 reading is off to a great start! I’ve already got one 5-star read (see my last post to guess what it is) 📚⭐️

2. I’m joining #TeamPRH as an employee ambassador from now until June. 😱 I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up, but why not take an opportunity to talk more about new books?! More soon—including an unboxing! 👀

3. My February newsletter is going out in a few days and it’s very…vulnerable. I can’t wait to see what yall think 🫶

AH okay okay! What are YOU smiling about today? 😉

I’m smiling for several reasons…

1. My 2025 reading is off to a great start! I’ve already got one 5-star read (see my last post to guess what it is) 📚⭐️

2. I’m joining #TeamPRH as an employee ambassador from now until June. 😱 I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up, but why not take an opportunity to talk more about new books?! More soon—including an unboxing! 👀

3. My February newsletter is going out in a few days and it’s very…vulnerable. I can’t wait to see what yall think 🫶

AH okay okay! What are YOU smiling about today? 😉

What’s your fav part of your library? 📚

I moved twice last year and finally got the chance to visit the library down the street! They have a writers group every week that I am very excited (and nervous 😅) to attend. I’m crossing my fingers it’s a good experience!

Of course, I’m also happy about my first #libraryhaul of Give Me a Sign and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

⭐️ Give Me a Sign is my first 5-star read of 2025! The romance was adorable, the main character was relatable, and I loved the exploration of Deaf culture.

🪐 The other book is for my book club! I’m only 40 pages in, but it’s been a while since I’ve read a straight sci-fi.

Take this as your sign to visit your library!

What’s your fav part of your library? 📚

I moved twice last year and finally got the chance to visit the library down the street! They have a writers group every week that I am very excited (and nervous 😅) to attend. I’m crossing my fingers it’s a good experience!

Of course, I’m also happy about my first #libraryhaul of Give Me a Sign and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

⭐️ Give Me a Sign is my first 5-star read of 2025! The romance was adorable, the main character was relatable, and I loved the exploration of Deaf culture.

🪐 The other book is for my book club! I’m only 40 pages in, but it’s been a while since I’ve read a straight sci-fi.

Take this as your sign to visit your library!

Every book* I read in 2024 📚😱

*Every one I own a physical copy of that is. Excludes library books, Libby audiobooks, and physical books I’ve donated/sold 😉

Pulling them off my shelves (some from my to-get-rid-of shelf 🙊), gave me an unexpected sense of accomplishment. Though 2024 wasn’t my best reading year as I discussed in a previous post, I still accomplished my goal of narrowing down my physical TBR!

See any books you read or want to read? ⬇️

I’ll give my honest thoughts in the comments haha.

Every book* I read in 2024 📚😱

*Every one I own a physical copy of that is. Excludes library books, Libby audiobooks, and physical books I’ve donated/sold 😉

Pulling them off my shelves (some from my to-get-rid-of shelf 🙊), gave me an unexpected sense of accomplishment. Though 2024 wasn’t my best reading year as I discussed in a previous post, I still accomplished my goal of narrowing down my physical TBR!

See any books you read or want to read? ⬇️

I’ll give my honest thoughts in the comments haha.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, I think. While drafting, there’s a point when I overflow with dread. What I’ve written is garbage. Why did I bother at all?

It’s discouraging. Do you know the feeling? 😣

After some thought, I’ve identified where this feeling comes from and how to better manage it. It comes down to this:

I hate feeling like I’m writing ~useless~ words.

Though #firstdrafts are inescapably rough, I need to feel like my words matter. Like they’re a solid foundation. I can think “oh gosh, this is so info-dumpy” or “ugh, this scene’s pacing is way too fast” and keep going no problem. I can shrug it onto Future Megan’s plate.

If, however, I’m bogged down by thoughts like “I have no idea what this character’s motivation is” or “the world’s politics feel so flat,” I freeze. I put off writing. The draft gathers cobwebs in the graveyard of unrealized wips.

For me, writing through the rough of a draft means that the developmental stuff has to feel spic and span. Note: it doesn’t have to BE spic and span. That’s for Future Megan to decide. I just need to ~feel~ like the bricks I’m laying aren’t going to go straight into the landfill.

I hope this helps, or at least gets you thinking. Did any of this resonate with you? ✍️

Bonus question: Where in your draft does this happen? For me (as I recently told @josbooknotes), it’s around 30k words in. 😅

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, I think. While drafting, there’s a point when I overflow with dread. What I’ve written is garbage. Why did I bother at all?

It’s discouraging. Do you know the feeling? 😣

After some thought, I’ve identified where this feeling comes from and how to better manage it. It comes down to this:

I hate feeling like I’m writing ~useless~ words.

Though #firstdrafts are inescapably rough, I need to feel like my words matter. Like they’re a solid foundation. I can think “oh gosh, this is so info-dumpy” or “ugh, this scene’s pacing is way too fast” and keep going no problem. I can shrug it onto Future Megan’s plate.

If, however, I’m bogged down by thoughts like “I have no idea what this character’s motivation is” or “the world’s politics feel so flat,” I freeze. I put off writing. The draft gathers cobwebs in the graveyard of unrealized wips.

For me, writing through the rough of a draft means that the developmental stuff has to feel spic and span. Note: it doesn’t have to BE spic and span. That’s for Future Megan to decide. I just need to ~feel~ like the bricks I’m laying aren’t going to go straight into the landfill.

I hope this helps, or at least gets you thinking. Did any of this resonate with you? ✍️

Bonus question: Where in your draft does this happen? For me (as I recently told @josbooknotes), it’s around 30k words in. 😅

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!

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