New video: On Book Proposals–and how I got my nonfiction agent

Posted on 06/01/2013 by Julie Sondra

Here’s me discussing how I got my nonfiction agent, with some explanations of what went into my book proposal and how nonfiction is different from fiction in this regard!

I didn’t really want to go all out on making a “how to write book proposals” video because I don’t really feel like I’m qualified to do that. I understood fiction querying very well but I haven’t had much training (or time put in) on book proposals so what worked for me probably won’t transfer easily to anyone else’s project unless they just follow the outline really vaguely and build upon it.

New Video: On Mary Sues

Posted on 04/30/2013 by Julie Sondra

Here’s me on Mary Sues.

This video discusses the “Mary Sue” character—defines what it is, discusses how the term is sometimes misused, and teaches you how to write extraordinary characters without making them Sues.

New Video: On Taking Criticism

Posted on 03/16/2013 by Julie Sondra

Here’s me on taking criticism.

This video on taking criticism teaches new authors the importance of criticism, how to solicit it, and how to get the most mileage out of feedback they receive.

Many writers—especially newer authors—have a tendency to feel insulted by criticism or prefer to defend their material instead of trying to figure out how to use the feedback. Readers can be wrong, but sometimes you can even take your test audience’s misconceptions and poor reading comprehension into account to make your work better.

New Video: On Originality

Posted on 03/10/2013 by Julie Sondra

Here’s me on originality.

This video covers why it’s so important to be original in your writing, even if you’re heavily influenced by one of the greats. Some basic philosophy on why lifting others’ plot elements, character ideas, and settings will not result in a good story for you, why “there are no new ideas!” is not a good excuse to copy, and a couple hints on how to teach yourself to use influence without being a rip-off artist.

New YouTube channel for writing videos

Posted on 03/05/2013 by Julie Sondra

I’ve decided to start video-blogging about writing-related things. Sometimes I will post how-tos on things I know how to do in the writing world, and sometimes I will post personal perspectives. You can subscribe to my new YouTube channel at Channel JulieSondra.

Here is my video on writing query letters:

And here is my video on how I got my agent:

Feel free to let me know in the comments of this blog post or the comments of the YouTube videos whether you’d like me to do a video on any particular topic. It should be noted that optional captions are always installed in my videos for anyone who needs/wants them.