Why isn’t my book like this?
You're reading a great book. The dialogue is snappy. The world building is deep. The characters are loveable. It flies off the page - like magic.
You're awed but also frustrated. Why isn't my book like this? You wonder.
Here's the good news: your favorite author didn't use magic to conjure that book from another world.
It took hard work. And, they didn't do it alone.
Neither should you.
Are you a YA writer who’s stuck?
Hi, I’m Sam.
I’m a book coach and YA fantasy author.
And I’ve been stuck too!
I know what it feels like to have a story that you are dying to tell and to get bogged down in the middle. I know what it is like to realize that the whole thing isn’t working, to blow it up, start again, and end up with a bigger mess.
It STINKS!
But from this experience, I have developed a gift. I know how to help writers figure out what they are really trying to say. I know how to help writers reimagine their story and finally get it onto the page. I know how to help writers who are truly and terribly stuck develop an actionable strategy and find their way out of the mud - at last!
Ready to get out of the mud and feel excited about your story again?
Guest Post: 4 Things Every YA Writer Should Know About Teens
Years ago, I had a student in my AP World History class, who, despite seeming interested in the class, never submitted any homework. It was tanking her grade. Hoping to solve this no-homework spiral, I pulled her aside and asked what she did after school most days.
“Most days, I get home from school and start reading a book. And then I can’t stop reading the book. I keep reading until I finish, and by then it’s the middle of the night, and I’m tired, so I go to bed.”
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Guest Post: How I learned to stop worrying and love my queer characters
A few months after my sixteenth birthday, I suddenly realized that I had never read any books with a gay protagonist. Instead of searching for such a book, I decided to write it myself. I tinkered with this project in secret. I knew that anyone who read the story would have questions about my sexual orientation and since I was (mostly) closeted, my characters had to stay in there with me.
Podcast Guest: Coaching KidLit
In this episode, Sharon and Christy are joined by fellow Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach Sam Cameron to discuss how to craft nuanced, authentic LGBTQ+ characters that avoid stereotypes. They provide advice on tropes to avoid, positive examples of LGBTQ+ representation in books, and resources for conducting respectful research.
Guest Post: Kids Need Queer Characters Too
Every year in June, there was a magical Sunday night when I got to stay up late to watch the Tony Awards. It was my family’s version of the Superbowl. The frisson of live musical numbers, the anticipation of summer vacation less than a week away – it was thrilling.
Podcast Guest: #AmWriting Podcast
You can hear me and a few other book coaches talk to NY Times bestselling author KJ Dell’Antonia discuss how to tackle revision strategically.
Podcast Guest: Story Magic
Today, Emily and Rachel talk about LGBTQ+ representation with guest host Sam Cameron.
What you’ll learn from this episode:
The balance between “getting it right” and perfectionism
Actionable steps you can take to include more diverse characters
Whether or not to stay in your lane