My editor reminded me that tension can only reach a peak if there are valleys to give context to that height. Basically, as an early writer I was very plot-driven to the point where my drafts had something drastic happening in every single scene. That's okay to an extent-- of course, every scene should move the story forward in some sense-- but I was glad she pointed this out to me because it's also so crucial to have moments and scenes that are less tense in order to let the reader breathe and also establish a more deliberate, straightforward sense of characterization and relationship development.

I like all these platforms for different reasons-- I think Twitter has just this enormous wealth of information and support within the publishing industry, but I really enjoy the way Instagram is set up. (Of course, I think it's important to keep in mind that all social media accounts are mostly tailored "highlight reels" and should be viewed as such!) I've been on Tumblr the longest (since my middle school days in 2012) and I get a lot out of the community aspect there. Having that network as both as aspiring writer and voracious reader during my middle and high school years meant so much to me, and I like that Tumblr users are more focused on a shared enthusiasm for stories; because of that, I think that generates a much more laidback, genuine use of social media. It's hard to choose a favorite among these three, but I have to admit I think I feel the most relaxed and organic when using Tumblr.

It's definitely not super easy, but surprisingly, I think it's benefited my time management skills. I don't really know why this is, but I've found that I'm far more productive with my writing when school is in session versus when I'm on a break. Having these big writing projects-- both before and after I was under contract-- motivated me to get through my assignments quickly but carefully so that I would have time to work on my books. It was way easier when I was a freshman compared to my daunting course-load as a junior, though. Thankfully, I've always had very supportive roommates and professors who offered encouragement along the way. Being an author and a full-time student has meant that I've unfortunately developed a slight caffeine dependency and sometimes have to stay up way later than everyone else, but I wouldn't sacrifice it for the world. Besides, I think it's the same situation so many writers are in. I'm beyond impressed by authors with full-time jobs or kids or both! In college, I just have to worry about myself-- nobody is dependent on me for support, financially or otherwise, which makes it easier for me to manage my time on my own terms.

I really had a wonderful time with Outrun the Wind by getting to make Atalanta my own. She was a figure from Greek mythology who felt so compelling, but also so distant and confusing, for such a long time. Getting into her head and putting my own spin on her stories was an incredible process that I enjoyed every step of the way, no matter how frustrating it got. With The Weight of a Soul, I loved writing Amal. I have such a soft spot for him, and feel so bad for all he had to go through during the story, haha!

Keep busy! I think this is something that applies to a lot of scenarios, whether you're waiting to hear back from an agent or editor, or from a job or school application. It's easy to make yourself sick with nerves by staring at your phone and refreshing your email. This might sound a bit defeatist, but when I hit 'send' on a query or application, I try to mentally forget that I even applied and start thinking about where else and who else I could reach out to. Keep your options open, and work on the next story idea you have while waiting to hear back about the one you're querying with. Query in batches, though. I'd say send maybe five, maybe ten max, per week, and see what happens. Do your research and cater your letter to the agent or house you're querying. Don't bother sending anything from mid-November to mid-January...publishing basically shuts down during that time frame, so plan accordingly. Above all, keep your eyes forward and don't fixate! Easier said than done, of course, but publishing is a long, slow game.

Maybe this is just because I was listening to the Wonder Woman (2017) score so often during the process of writing and revising Outrun the Wind, but I can see Atalanta wanting to dress up as Diana. From The Weight of a Soul, I think Lena, Fressa, and Amal might dress up as the main trio from Frozen-- Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff, respectively. There are some similar dynamics going on there, to an extent! Plus, they're all so close that I think they'd love the idea of doing a group costume whenever possible!

Lena from The Weight of a Soul absolutely aligns with the song "If I Say" by Mumford & Sons. I remember randomly listening to it during the drafting stage and just losing my mind at how closely the lyrics reflect what she's going through in the book.