Author Heather McCorkle

Well I didn't reach page 189 on my editing because I found myself writing yet another new chapter! That makes four new chapters total, and in random places throughout my manuscript. *sigh* I can't complain though, it is deepening both the characters and the plot and making the entire novel better overall. That alone is worth the extra time it is taking me. I have until January when I plan to send it off to my editor so there is no rush, which is always a good way to revise. Rushing never leads to anything good! My new goal for the week is to get this final new chapter done (oh please let it be the last new one!) and reach 200 pages on editing by next Wednesday. It's a lofty goal I know, but I have a lot of ground to make up. And with the Tour Of Secrets ending today I should have a bit of free time on my hands. Speaking of which, today is the last day to enter the massive giveaway for the Tour Of Secrets. Drop in on the last stop of the tour at the fantastic Readergirls ...

Today's post is a two parter. Tonight I'll be over at the fabulous YA Bound blog doing a live chat all about the Tour Of Secrets. That means you can ask about myself, my writing, my novels, just about anything! And there will be a swag bag with a signed copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll given away to one chatter during the chat so don't miss it! It starts tonight at 6pm PT. You don't need an account of any kind, you can just sign in using your name, nice and easy. Click here to join in. And now for Twitter Tuesday! This first one is from Chuck Sambuchino about pitching to new agents: ChuckSambuchino  My first post as a Writer Unboxed contributor: Should You Pitch (and Sign With) a New Agent? The Pros and Cons: bit.ly/qP9Efu Don't miss agent Sara Megibow's chat on Thursday! SaraMegibow In honor of my son going back to school (finally, right?) - I'll run an #askagent here on Facebook on Thursday.... fb.me/1eNxpS5J7 Author Melissa Garrett spreads t...

Though this is a rooftop in Rome, not Colorado, it inspired me for last week's new chapter that is going in my revision of Book 2. It shared enough of the elements and inspired the right mood for me. In this chapter my character comes face to face with one of her greatest fears. This chapter flowed onto the pages as fast as my pencil could write. I love it when that happens! Yesterday I finished reading Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank and today I'm singing it's praises all over the internet with glowing reviews. This is a must read, and that's something I don't say very often. I laughed, I cried, I laughed so hard I cried. If you enjoy compelling characters, a good mystery, romance, and a touch of paranormal then you have to read this. It is one of the best books I have read so far this year, seriously. I'm already buying copies as gifts! Next up is Born To Be A Dragon by Eisley Jacobs, the first middle grade novel I've read in a ...

Today I'm visiting Australia~well virtually at least~to stop by my good writer friend Amie Kaufman's blog . Amie writes sci-fi, fantasy, and is represented by Tracey Adams. On top of that she's incredibly sweet and supportive, and has a killer blog. Today she asks me to a reveal a secret about something I did that I wish I hadn't. Hope to see you there!

Today's stop on the Tour Of Secrets is at my writer bud Erica Chapman's blog . She is a sweet and supportive lady that I'm happy to call a friend. And she asked a fun secret about my main character that you won't want to miss! I hope you'll stop by her blog to find out what it is and say hi!

If you've been around the blogosphere you may have heard about writer Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform Building Campaign. If not then you're in for a treat that involves not only a great opportunity to build your platform, but a fabulous lady. The Campaign is all about bringing writers together across the blogosphere to get to know and support one another. This is Rachael's third year conducting the campaign and bringing writers together to fight back the stigma that writing is a lonely profession. In my book that kind of makes her a bit of a hero. Don't be mistaken, this isn't just about building a platform and promoting one's self. This is about meeting like minded people, bonding, and building lasting friendships to help shield us and prepare us to take on the industry. Writers from all over are coming together in Rachael's campaign to meet and support one another. There are genre groups, regional groups, there will be contests, and writing ...

Start stretching, it was a good week on Twitter! This first one is from agent Vickie Motter about query letters:  @Vickie_Motter #queries If you are going to personalize your query, add details. We both love the same books (such as?) You love my blog (fav post?) Writer Lisa Green brings us this great tweet about writer Angela Ackerman's post on blog tips:   @lisagailgreen AWESOME blogging tips! via @angelaackerman The Bookshelf Muse: Blogging Tip: 3 Fast Fixes   thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/ 2011/08/bloggi …   If you write YA and are looking for a good competition check this tweet from writer Julie Musil out:   @juliemusil Writer's Digest YA competition  bit.ly/qUQqdJ   #amwriting  #YA    Writer Monica B.W. brings us a tweet about an agent judged contest:  @Monica_BW Looky here, Pitch Contest with agent Mandy Hubbard!  we-do-write.blogspot.com/2011/ 08/pitch- … on @DorothyDreyer 's blog!   Editor Martha Miha...