Thursday October 1 at 7 p.m. MDT, StoryClub will be hosting an author Q&A with Ayana Gray, New York Times-bestselling author of speculative fiction! Her works have been translated in more than a dozen languages across five continents and have received critical acclaim at the state and national level. Her books include I, MEDUSA; BEASTS OF PREY; and most recently HAWK AND SPARROW. Learn more about her writing on her website here. What questions do you have for Ayana? Comment them here and tune in next week for answers! And if you're planning on attending, like this post! Everyone who attends is entered into a giveaway contest for one of Ayana Gray's books 👀🎁📖

Hoping to successfully complete a 30k in 30 days challenge this time. Life was hectic this last two tries and writing got away from me. Life is still hectic but I have a plan and set time aside everyday to write. I'll keep you updated.

Guys, I sent out my first ever query letter this week! This is scary stuff 😬

I just went to FanX Salt Lake last week and sold 244 books!! Biggest success I've ever had at a convention! Here are some tips that will help toward event success. - Have something that draws people's attention. Ideally, something big and tall and curiosity-inciting. My big banner for my book "The Legend of Uh" is bright and colorful and weird enough to bring people in and make them ask questions. - Consider bundles. If you've got books in a series, consider giving people a discount if they buy the whole thing. I've been shocked at how quick people are to buy an entire series or trilogy at a convention (make sure to have bags on hand so they can carry them!). Having something you can point to and say "I'm only offering this discount at this event" is really motivating for customers. - Try to create a sense of "wow" with your booth! I'm still struggling with this, but I've seen other people create beautiful booths with lights, faux ivy, wooden frames, raised platforms, and more. Make it pretty! - When it comes to selling books, sometimes the best decorations are just big stacks of books. Seriously. Pack your booth with books. Put them on stands so the covers are tipped toward the customers. It gives them plenty to look at. - Have a folding wagon or folding dolly cart!! Seriously, these things will save your life. You can't be carrying books and book supplies by hand into a convention center. You'll wear yourself out before the event even begins. - Have calorie-dense rations on hand. Dried mangos, nuts, granola bars, protein bars—preferably things that don't get messy so you don't get anything on your merchandise. Convention food is EXPENSIVE so bringing your own snacks to nom on throughout the day will cut down on costs.

Hello from the other side of the planet!! 🌏 I moved to South Korea about a month ago and I have been struggling to find time to write. Part of it is the moving/new job and the other half is the excitement of everything. I'm hoping things will start to calm down so I don't have to go out every night and get basic essentials I've forgotten I don't have yet, but I will take any and all advice for finding a good writing time. I'm sure I just need to say "This is my writing time! I can't do anything else!" But maybe I need someone or something to help me be accountable? I do know the 30k in 30 days challenge really helped motivate me to get writing done. Any tips?