The Author Life A to Z

If you’re here, you’re probably an author and wondering what all this A to Z stuff is about. Well, I’ll tell you. We’re going back to basics. That’s right, friends, the alphabet. Now, now, don’t roll your eyes. When we were little kids, learning the alphabet was the first step on our journeys to becoming…

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My Third Anthology Publication – UnCensored Ink by Wild Ink Publishing

Demi holding her copy of UnCensored Ink and wearing her Wild Ink hoodie

Today, I received a Halloween treat. My copy of UnCensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology came from Amazon. This is my third anthology publication and second with Wild Ink Publishing. The anthology is available everywhere books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 50 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the…

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My Second Anthology Publication – GORE 4 by Poe Boy Publishing

Spooky season is officially here because I received my author copy of GORE 4 (Demons): A Halloween Anthology by Poe Boy Publishing today. My young adult gothic horror story, “Revenge At Ravenwood,” is featured in this anthology. You can get a copy as either a paperback or e-book through Amazon. I’m excited to draw back…

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My First Publication – Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time by Wild Ink Publishing

I’m officially a published author! I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence, but it’s true. My middle grade fantasy short story, “The Scribe from the Lost City,” is out today in Clio’s Curious Dash Through Time by Wild Ink Publishing. This is the third book in the Magical Muse Library series. This is my…

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Winning NaNoWriMo for the Second Year in a Row

This November, I took the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) challenge for the second year in a row. I’m over the moon to share that I reached my goal of writing the entire first draft of my new young adult fantasy. After typing away for thirty days straight, I finished my draft at 72,766 words.…

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How I Got My Agent

Demi Michelle Schwartz Author Graphic Young Adult Fantasy and Thriller Author Represented by Michelle Jackson at LCS Literary

Well, Butterflies, my literary dreams are starting to come true. I’m now an agented author! My journey to literary representation was a trip to the depths of Tartarus to say the least, but I’m so lucky to have survived the query trenches. Was the adventure worth it? In hindsight, yes. That doesn’t erase the struggles,…

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My Experience from the Story Academy with Bethany Hensel

As an author, I fully believe there’s always room to learn and grow. I graduated from my MFA in Writing Popular Fiction program a year ago, but I’m still finding ways to further my education. I’ve attended conferences, workshops, and courses, and the Story Academy with editor Bethany Hensel was my favorite writing investment since…

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National Novel Writing Month – My NaNoWriMo 2022 Journey

Demi with her NaNoWriMo cake

This November, I did the NaNoWriMo challenge for the first time. It was hands down one of the most wild experiences of my life. NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, occurs in November every year, and writers from all around the world take the challenge to write 50,000 words during the month.  Of course, because…

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The Magic of Researching for a New Novel

I love when I get new novel ideas. As a writer, a bunch of ideas bounce around in my head all the time, but when a golden thread presents itself, I grab hold and won’t let go.  I’ve decided to participate in NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, in November. Since I got a golden…

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My Kansas City Writing Workshop Experience

I’ve always wanted to attend a writing conference, and I got to do just that over the weekend. The virtual Kansas City Writing Workshop exceeded all of my expectations, and it was the best first conference experience. I had such a blast, so I wanted to share the highlights and some of my favorite moments…

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