The Chopping Blog

Can Creative Writing Be Taught?

April 18, 2019

I would go so far as to say talent is an overrated component. If I was a gambler, I’d put my money on an average writer who knows how to work hard over someone who is supposedly talented but doesn’t know how to apply the AOC rule (Ass On Chair).

On the craft

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Book Broker – An interview with BJ Robbins

April 15, 2019

BJ Robbins established her Los Angeles-based agency in 1992 after a multi-faceted career in book publishing in NY, first in publicity at Simon & Schuster and later as marketing director and then senior editor at Harcourt.

Agent interviews

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Questions to ask yourself – Part 1: World building

April 11, 2019

Fleshing out a new narrative? Fine tuning the physical and cultural landscape of your setting? Use this list of questions to firm up the scaffolding behind your story—a great exercise for writers of speculative and historical fiction.

On the craft

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Book Broker – An interview with Jennifer March Soloway

April 02, 2019

It's not so much the query letter as the opening pages. I see potential in almost every submission, but most projects I receive are at too early a stage for me to offer representation.

Agent interviews

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Our next contest is live: The First Page Challenge

March 12, 2019

The First Page Challenge is a contest for writers who are shoulder-deep in a new manuscript. Hook us in a single page for a chance to win a growing prize pool, plus publication on the Chopping Blog.

Contest updates

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Weed, by S P Robin

March 09, 2019

English is S P Robin's fifth and last-acquired language. An avid story collector, she now uses English in storytelling. A teen from Czechoslovakia, Robin is an adult Australian who thus hopes to entertain, and perhaps even move, the willing.

Contest updates

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Tiny Little Mirrors, by Chad V. Broughman

March 09, 2019

Congratulations to Chad Broughman whose story Tiny Little Mirrors came in second place in the 2019 Axe to Grind flash-fiction contest!

Contest updates

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The results are in...

March 07, 2019

What an honour it was to judge the Darling Axe’s first-ever fiction contest. Thanks to everyone who entered and crafted such wonderful stories. Deciding on the top three was agonizing.

Contest updates

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Book Broker – An interview with Ella Marie Shupe

March 07, 2019

A good submission stands out when the author has a good command of the genre they are writing. It speaks volumes if an author notes the genre, compiles a concise 250-word synopsis, and includes comparable titles. A great first page with a compelling voice and sufficient atmosphere always stands out.

Agent interviews

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From Idea to Book: the story of The House of One Thousand Eyes

March 06, 2019

With a good editor, the editorial process is like a mini-MFA. I always come away having learned something important, not only about my own work but about the craft in general. There were a few important things happening off-stage in the novel that needed to have their own scenes. And I had to cut several gems—lines I was in love with that unfortunately weren’t appropriate in tone for the scenes they were in. Was this hard? Yes. Did I argue with my editor? Yes.

On the craft

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Book Broker – An interview with Sharon Belcastro

March 05, 2019

We are currently open to submissions. I am looking for all genres in young adult, anything strongly character driven that doesn’t pull any punches. Nova Ren Suma, Rin Chupeco, Mindy McGinnis, April Genevieve Tucholke, Courtney Summers, Laini Taylor, and Frances Hardinge are a few my favorite YA authors. Although I do enjoy my YA romcom as well.

Agent interviews

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An Axe to Grind – Now closed to submissions

March 01, 2019

Thanks so much to everyone who submitted!! I will be screening the last of the entries this weekend and sending the shortlist to Michelle. Participants will be notified once judging is complet

Contest updates

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