Issabelle's Posts

Update with My Writings: How Things Are Going, What I’m Currently Working On, and Future Plans w/ a Cover Reveal

Hello to you, too!!!

WoooooooooW!!!!!!!!!! We’ve been having a TON of posts going on here lately. Also, so we’re all clear, I’m counting all of these extra posts as TWN’s Christmas gift to ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, think about ALL of the ones we have going on. We have three posts on Allie Andersen’s blog, three collabs with some ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BLOGGERS (two I’m doing, one Alana’s doing), and a SUPER TOP SECRET GUEST POST ON TWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *gasp* ALL IN ONE MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I’d say all of you had a REALLY good Christmas this year, wouldn’t you agree. XD But seriously, that is TWN’s Christmas gift to all of you. 🙂 Also, for the SUPER TOP SECRET GUEST POST ON TWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *gasp*,  I’m not giving the details on who’s guest posting and what she is going to guest post, but just know it will be TWN’s FIRST EVER GUEST POST ON OUR SITE and this is a REALLY awesome girl that I’m soooooooo honored to have on our site for this post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So you don’t wanna miss the SUPER TOP SECRET GUEST POST ON TWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *gasp*. Yes, that is the FULL title. Don’t forget the *gasp* XD So, what’s next on TWN? Well, Katherine’s gonna be guest posting on Allie Andersen’s blog this Monday and I’ve got my first EVER collab Tuesday! Also, brief note, as you will see below I’ve been heavy with some writing, so there’s NOT gonna be chapter three of What Lay Beyond the Woods this Sunday. Soooooooooooooo Sorry. :,( Instead, though, Katherine’s got up a 500-word short story she wrote, “A Second Chance,” so be sure to check that out. I’ll try to get chapter three up soon. Maybe even before next Sunday. 

Soooo I have COMPLETED the second draft of Into the Lamp. *throwing out party streamers*

And Colin has ABSOLUTELY DROVE ME INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Though, we should give him some credit for being a character in my story that actually got a COMPLETED novel. (I’ve only ever completed three novels in my entire writing career.) Honestly, Colin’s been a VERY different character, and I think that makes him pretty cool. He’s DEFINITELY not the guy you’d think should be leading the story. 

Anyway, I finished at 69,284 words/265 pages. Not quite as much as I had thought, but this is still the longest story I’ve ever written. I’m kind of sad and happy and nervous and excited and a BUNCH of other things all at the same time. I believe this is the part where normal, mentally-okay people take a little break, right? 😉 Just gonna be honest, I might take a few days off, but as you’ll see later in this post, breaking isn’t something I’m planning on doing. We’ve got Christmas break coming up, that means there’s sooo much valuable writing time around the corner. 

Alright, here’s what we’ve ALL been waiting for. THE LAST LINE in Into the Lamp. I’m not giving it all to you, ’cause I don’t wanna be a spoiler, but here’s the first half of that last sentence: “And I had got-” Hehehe…..So much you guys don’t know about Colin. 

Also, to celebrate, I’ll give you another snippet!!!!!!!!!!!! This one’s actually VERY close to the end.

Krew and Rora’s combined knowledge didn’t tell half of all I’d been through. I bet I could fill a whole book with everything that had happened after Dolf first showed up at Greene’s Burgers. But it’d be ridiculous, and no one would believe half of it anyway. I mean, I lived in a town not on any map. If people didn’t believe that, how were they to believe in a world beyond this one? In genies and magic?

YES!!! That’s ALL I’m leaving you with. *evil laughing heard in the distance* XD So, I’ve submitted to one agent already, and I’ll keep you guys informed as what happens in moving forward. Probably most of my submitting will happen AFTER the holidays. This is pretty exciting for me…and scary. And, honestly, part of me is questioning why I’m doing this again. Like, wouldn’t it be easier to put away my pencil and never pen another story down again? Yes, but maybe I don’t want the easy path. (??????) Those are just some things I’ve been thinking. I mean doubts are gonna come, I’ve just gotta not listen to them. Right? Well, we’ll see what happens with Into the Lamp. Anyway, I’ve got other stuff to talk about, so let’s move on…

I’ve got some short stories I’m working on, which I’m getting ready to talk about. Anyone have any good ideas on how to make an AWESOME short story?

Yeah, I wasn’t talking to you, Dude in the GIF. You just keep your crazy ideas on writing to yourself, thank you. 

Okay, I’m back from that. *pumps fist in the air*

So, something I never told y’all about was that I wrote a short story called “Checkmate” and submitted it for a writing contest in November. I’m still waiting to hear back on that. Really thinking I’m not gonna win, ’cause as I read over that short story, I just wanna cringe at it. Anyway, if I don’t win, I’ll definitely talk more about it later. I’ve also got a short story idea that I wanna call “One They Called Broken.” I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT I WANT THAT TO BE ABOUT SO IT WILL PROBABLY AMOUNT TO NOTHING. I just like the title. But I’ve got some contests coming up that I wanna submit something for, but my brain has suddenly been drained of all creativity. And now it’s easier to stare at a blank wall then actually write. Which I’m gonna say is why I didn’t write chapter three, though that’s not really true. Also, there’s this contest that I found out in the beginning of Nov. that I wanna submit a story for. The problem? I didn’t have a clue what to write until Wednesday (see how long it took me to get an idea) and am now trying to write a six thousand word short story in three weeks. THREE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll let you know if I make it out alive. 

Anyway, I guess I should give you the mock cover and title, right? Yes, the “cover reveal” mentioned in the titled was just the cover for this new short story. Not an ACTUAL book cover. But I just HAD to say it like that. WEEEEEELLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’ve gotta work for it the cover, everyone. That means just start scrolling. 

Yes, I find mindlessly typing dashes actually pretty fun. 

Well, enough of that. Here is is

Okay, NOW here it is. XD

Fine. NOW here it is.

For real this time.

Yeah. I don’t know what else to type. XD

THE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This one turned out REALLY good.

Edited to add: You found it, scavenger hunters!!!!! Here’s the link to the next blog!

I got more inspiration from the cover for the story more than anything else. No questioning my mind. XD Also, anyone who correctly guesses what’s different with this cover from all the other ones I make in the comments, gets ALL the extra bonus chocolates. (I was gonna say points, but chocolates sounded tastier.) *nods head in approval* 

Any other new writing things? Well, I’ve started forming together what my next novel I’m gonna work on is, but more details on that can come later. And I’ve got a chapter three to start working on. Because I didn’t get it in like promised, I’ll just go ahead and show this thing I was saving for later.

Alright, I won’t make you go through this AGAIN. XD

Also, that WAS what I was gonna make my one sentence selling line, but now I’m changing it to be: Why would a thief be a hero? Don’t worry I plan to make a graphic with the NEW selling line soon. 

Also, brief note to all fans of The False Prince series: Jennifer A. Nielsen just confirmed today the titled of the fifth book. *screaming with anyone who is filling all excited about this* THE SHATTERED CASTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Read all about it here!! 

Sooooooooooooooooo in the comments: What do you think of my new cover (any guesses what’s different, think hard)? Totally let me know your thoughts on my writings!!!!!!! All of you guys support just mean MORE TO ME THAN WORDS CAN SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any Christmas song on repeat for all of you? Just something I was wondering. What’s the number one book you’re wanting for Christmas this year? Guys, I have no idea what questions to ask!!!!!! 

Help!!!!!!!!!!! 

Though I was still wanting to know this, too.

Also, just wondering if anyone’s getting the hints. Who’s all picking up on the love interest between two certain characters in What Lay Beyond the Woods? Not saying who, just wanna see y’all’s reactions. LET’S CHAT IN THE COMMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Issabelle Perry is a proud Jesus follower, an extroverted writer, and a homeschool graduate. When she's not writing, you can find her reading, jamming to Skillet, studying history, hunting for Narnia in wardrobes, or envisioning herself wielding a magnificent sword (but due to her clumsiness, let’s hope that never happens). This self-proclaimed exclamation mark enthusiast can be found hanging out at Teen Writers’ Nook, a community of teen authors Issabelle co-founded in 2020. She is the author of Don't Let Me Go (Sky's the Limit Press 2024), May We Make Them Proud (2023), and a co-editor for two anthologies. What she’s probably doing right now is fangirling about her favorite books to random people or scanning the pantries for chocolate.

62 Comments

  • Joy Caroline

    WOW, I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! I saw on your progress bar that you are finished with the second draft of Into the Lamp. So proud, girl! And it’s just incredible that already you’ve submitted to an agent. That really takes a lot of courage. I want to say, even if this agent doesn’t take it, there will be many more chances for you and your novel. If you’re passionate about getting this story published, there’s no doubt it can happen.
    And ALREADY you’re working on your next novel? RESPECT!
    Your word count sounds PERFECT for a young adult novel. I think a lot of agents see 70K as not too much and not too little. That’s good! My word count turned out to be 122,079 words – 401 pages. I definitely have some trimming and cutting to do. I’m a bit worried about my word count, too. It may be a bit too long. There are things to be edited out, so I’m not TOO worried right now. The book concept is quite weighty, and I have to remember not to cut out the things that need to be there just for a lower word count, because the story is really what matters. So if you’re a little worried about the story being shorter than you thought, don’t be! Just never add fluff 🙂
    Also, if it isn’t too much trouble, could you tell me a bit about your experience writing this second draft? Like, was it harder than the first, and do you have any tips? I’m feeling kind of drained, and yeah, kind of sad, after finishing my first draft. I’d appreciate anything you have to say if you don’t mind sharing!

    • Maggie

      AAAHHH, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH, GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, it’s nerve-racking and all. Oh, yes, TOTALLY agree. Actually, this might sound strange but this is one agent, I’m not really expecting a yes from. Probably, ’cause people rarely get a yes from the first person they send to. So, don’t really have a ton of hopes up. (Actually, I’ve got very few hopes up at the moment.) Aw, THANK YOU!!!! Though, I must say, you have waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more faith in me than I do.

      Well, I’m plotting a few things out and already have this AWESOME title. I’ve kind of had it turning around in my head since September, and since I don’t have a ton of schoolwork coming up, it seems like a great time to start working on it. I should add, I rarely make smart choices, so I’m might end up regretting this. XD

      I felt like it was a good range. My stories always seem to be too low, but there’s just soooo many things working out with Colin and Into the Lamp. Wow!! Honestly, ALL the cookies go to you for being able to write that many words!!!!!! Like MIND-BLOWN!!!!!!!!!! Oh, yes, ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!!! The story matters WAY MORE than the word count. You shouldn’t take out important scenes just to bring it down. THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I needed someone to tell me not to stress over that silly word count.

      IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT A PROBLEM!!!!!!! I’m actually seeing a good post about this, but I’m gonna give you the gist. With every writer it’s different, but for me, second drafts are actually easier, but they’re sometimes a bit boring. But that’s me. I know TONS of writers who actually prefer to write second drafts over first ones. I enjoy that thrill of writing something fresh and new, but with seconds you’re going through the whole story again. How I do it, I actually completely rewrite the thing from beginning to end, but when my mom does second drafts, she’ll just reread and edit. Personally, I find rewriting better for second drafts than rereading, for different reasons, but it’s really more about what works for you and your story. I hope this helps, and I’m DEFINITELY gonna look into doing a post on it. I feel like there’s more to be said then what I can put in a comment. But if you’d like a little more, TOTALLY let me know!!!!! And OF COURSE I DIDN’T MIND SHARING!!!!!!!! NEVER think I do!!!!!

      • Joy Caroline

        Keep those hopes up, gal! I KNOW there are great things in store for Into the Lamp. You’ve worked so hard! *dumping loads of syrup and sprinkles on your ice cream sundae
        YES! So happy for you about the new story idea! I am still very much in awe that you’re moving on so quickly with the next thing. Huge kudos to you! A much better idea than pacing back and forth waiting to hear from agents, which is what I would be doing, LOL. I REALLY admire you for submitting and actively pursuing your dream.
        Aww, thank you! It feels so strange to be finished with this first draft. It’s something I’ve been envisioning for months, but which I wondered whether it would actually happen. Strangely, though, I’m not feeling as thrilled as I thought I would. I’ve been hoping that’s not wrong, but the fears are creeping in. Like, is the story just cringeworthy? Did I not give it the life it deserves? What embarrassing mistakes am I gonna discover when I do the second draft? Oh, the life of a writer is sometimes so anxiety-inducing… sigh.
        I REALLY need some advice. That’s why I asked you – and thanks so much for being willing to give it! I take every word to heart. You are so helpful! I’m planning on putting my feet up and reading the whole thing through as quickly as possible, then editing. Ooh, that’s interesting. I love hearing about different processes! And, oh, YES, YES, YES, PLEASE. Make a post about this!! I would LOVE to hear more about your experience!
        Thanks so much for helping. I really needed the encouragement!

        • Maggie

          Aw, THANK YOU, JOY CAROLINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’M JUST BEAMING SOO HARD OVER HERE!!! Oooooh *happily taking the ice cream sundae* and YES to all the syrup and sprinkles.

          YAY!!! Yeah…I don’t really recommend it. As I said, I never really make smart choices. Actually, the last time I submitted to agents, that was more what I did. But then I read this post about how it’s good to start the next thing, and it just sounded A WHOLE LOT BETTER than pacing around all day to hear from agents. Aw, Girl, I’m SMILING SOO HARD RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!! I don’t really have much to admire, but THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!

          I TOTALLY get that feeling!!!! Aaahh, yes, I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THOSE FEELINGS!!!!!! I’m getting a lot of them right now, and will probably be getting more once I get heavy into the submitting. Though, I’m gonna be honest with you, those snippets you shared on your Know the Novel post were just MIND-BLOWING!!!!!! I was soooo impressed!!!!!!!!!! You’ve got some SERIOUS TALENT!!! And I just CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHERE THIS STORY GOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *reaching for the book ’cause I wanna read it SOOOOO BADLY*

          Aw, I’m sooo HAPPY I can be a girl you turn to advice for!!!!!! OF COURSE!!! I LOVE WHEN I CAN HELP!!!! Aw, GIRL, I JUST CAN’T WITH ALL OF THIS! YOU’RE TOO SWEET!!!!!!!!!! Oh, yes, that seems like a GREAT PLAN!!! TOTALLY keep me informed with everything!!!! YAY!!! I’m SOOOO doing a post on this!!! I’ll try to get to is ASAP!
          Aw, YOU’RE SO VERY WELCOME!!!!!! ANY TIME!!!! THANK YOU for all of your encouraging comments. I doubt I’d be as far as I am with Into the Lamp without you and all of TWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          • Joy Caroline

            Seriously, I meant it when I said I am IN AWE of you. Right now, submitting my manuscript to agents feels just out-of-this-world. It’s got so much editing to go through, it won’t be ready for quite some time! I’m probably gonna write a TON of drafts in my desperation to give it the greatest chance I can. Oh, boy… I hope I won’t get too neurotic.
            THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You have NO IDEA how much that means. I tried to pick the best snippets I could. Though I feel like even if they were good, maybe they’re the only parts that were good… cue stress. Goodness, you are TOO TOO KIND! I’M smiling so hard right now!! Glad to hear that beta reader offer will still be good!
            THANKS A TON! I’m already looking forward to that post. It’s just what I need right now. I CAN’T wait to buy your books when they hit shelves!

            • Maggie

              Aw, GIRL!! YOU’RE JUST TOO SWEET!!!!!!! <33 Hey, that's TOTALLY OKAY!! Don't submit until you feel you and your book is READY. The number of drafts doesn't matter. It's the words you put on the page! And I just know YOU HAVE SOOO GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't push yourself too hard, Girl.

              YOU'RE SOOO VERY WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!! THEY WERE AMAZING!!!!! And I'm sure the rest of your book is, too! 😃 Oh, yes, beta reader offer is TOTALLY still good!!!!!!!!
              YOU'RE WELCOME!!!!! YAY!! I've gotta get to is soon, then!!!!!! Aw, GIRL, THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!! That's still a long ways off, if ever, but I do hope one day it'll be available.

              • Joy Caroline

                I shall try not to stress too much. Thanks! I’m taking a break until next Sunday, but already it feels so strange not to be frantically working on my book every spare moment. I’ll try to enjoy the break though, LOL.
                Sooo glad to hear that! I need as many beta readers as I can get!
                Oh, and by the way, I asked for the Chronicles of Narnia book set for Christmas. It seems like everyone’s read them, and I feel lonely because I haven’t 🙁 I hear they have an awesome Christian message, and I love C.S. Lewis. I read his book Mere Christianity and it was so good!

                • Maggie

                  Yes! Don’t stress yourself! And enjoy your break! You TOTALLY deserve it!!!!! I KNOW RIGHT!!! I feel like I need to go sit down and write about Colin or something. 😉

                  Oh, yes, TOTALLY understand that!!!! I have a hard time getting beta readers myself. I’m just OVERLY HAPPY to be able to be apart of your story!!!!

                  OOoooh, COOL!!!!!! Ha! IKR! Don’t feel bad, though, I’ve only read #2 in that series. And that was years ago, that I don’t half remember what happened. XD

                • Katherine

                  That is so AWESOME that you finished your novel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🎉🎈🎉🎈🎉🎈 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t stress and enjoy your break. I would love to be a beta reader for you if you are ok with that.
                  Good book choice! I’ve only read The Magician’s Nephew and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so you’re not the only one. The movies were amazing though.

                  • Joy Caroline

                    Thanks! I’ll try. And I would LOVE if you were a beta reader for me. The more the merrier! (And the more helpful.)
                    I’m really excited to read Narnia. And I actually didn’t know there were movies. When I finish the books, I should check them out!

                    • Katherine

                      You’re welcome. 🙂 YAY!!!!!!! I can’t wait to read it!!!!!!! 🙂 So true!👍
                      The books I read were really good!!! The story was so amazing!!! The movies were awesome!!!! I definitely recommend them. Many years ago at my church when the children received Christ, the children’s pastor would do like a month long study on Sunday mornings before church using the Narnia movies to teach us about our new life in Christ. I remember how awesome that was. Narnia symbols a lot in the Bible.

  • Mary

    ‘SUPER TOP SECRET GUEST POST ON TWN *gasp*’ I officially love that title 😂 Also ahhh 69,284 words/265 pages, GOOD FOR YOU!!!
    Ahhhh oh my gosh, I love that cover!! I would totally pick up that book if I saw it 😱 *gasps* WHAT, I want chocolates!!! My guess is your name at the bottom?? (…do I get chocolates now? 😆)
    Ahh I love your collages!! Always so pretty!! Also your new one sentence selling line sounds EPIC!
    *cues screaming* THE SHATTERED CASTLE? I mean, I still have to read The Captive Kingdom, but AHHH!
    HMMM, #1 book for Christmas? No idea 😂 But if I get a gift card to Chapters I am seriously considering buying The False Prince series now!

    • Maggie

      I KNOW RIGHT!!!!! I THOUGHT THAT TITLE WAS ABSOLUTELY GENIUS, if I do say so myself!!!!!!!! XD 😂 Aw, THANK YOU, GIRL!!!!! <33

      THANK YOU LIKE A MILLION TIMES OVER!!!!!!! I just ADORE that cover, too, and have literally stared at it since I first made it. Aaaahhh, really? THAT'S SOO COOL!!!!!!!! *gasp* HOW DID YOU FIGURE IT OUT!!!!!?????? I thought for sure, I'd stump everyone. Oh, well!!! YES!! YOU DESERVE ALL THE CHOCOLATES!!!!!! *passing you as much chocolate as possible* 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

      Aw, THANK YOU, GIRL!!!! THIS COMMENT IS MAKING ME SOOO HAPPY!!!!!!! AAAHHH, THANK YOU AGAIN!!!! 😁 I'm totally pumped now that you think it's EPIC!!!!

      *screaming with you* AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! IKR! You've soooo gotta read The Captive Kingdom. THERE'S JUST SOOO MUCH AND....Well, as always, ton of spoilers, so I shall stop there. XD

      WHAT?! Tell me you've already got an idea what you want for Christmas!! It's like 13 days away. (I have a younger sister who's got the whole count down going.) YES!!! TOTALLY GET THEM!!!!!!! I'm actually considering buying the new covers in the series if I get any Christmas money. Ignore the fact that I already have three copies of The False Prince. 😆

      • Mary

        ABSOLUTE genius 😂

        You’re welcome!!!!! YESS. *gasps super loudly* WAIT I GOT IT RIGHT?? OKAY YAY FOR CHOCOLATE *grabs as much chocolate as I can hold and then some more*

        Ahh you’re welcome!!!!!

        *screams along with you* AAAAHHHHHHHHH I NEED TO READ IT! I have it on hold at my library but there’s 12 people ahead of me so I must wait 😔

        lol okay, well, I did figure a few things out for a Christmas list that I gave to me mom so that’s all good, but I don’t know if I could ever pick a favorite book I’d want to get…I asked for so many and as a bookwyrm I can’t help but want them all 😂 OKAY I THINK I WILL NOW! ONCE I’M NOT SO BROKE! (Haha just kidding…sorta 😆) LOL oh my goodness, that’d be so many copies! IT’D BE EPIC!

        • Maggie

          SOOO GENIUS!!! 🤣

          😃 YESSSS, YOU DID!!!!! YAY, MARY!!!!!! Hehehe…YES TO ALL THE CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!

          😃!!!!!!!!!!!

          *continuing the screaming forever* YOU NEED THIS BOOK SOOO BADLY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ooof, that’s a TON of people, in my opinion. Maybe they’ll be speed readers.

          Ooooooohhhh, that makes a TON of sense!!! Hey, Girl, you haven’t seen MY LIST of books, yet. I MUST HAVE ALL DA BOOKS!!!!!!! TOTALLY, FEEL YA, SISTER!!!!!! 😆😆 I KNOW RIGHT!!! IT’D BE THE EPICEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *pumps fist in the air*

  • Jane

    *dose happy dance around room* CONGRATS ON FINISHING ‘IN TO THE LAMP’!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant put in to words how excited I am for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant wait to read the guest posts and the SUPER TOP SECRET GUEST POST!!!!!!!!!!

    How could you only give us ONE snippet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????? Just kidding…..Okay, wait, no I’m not, I really hope that book comes out because I cant possibly live with not knowing what happen to Colin and Genie!!!!!!!XD
    Hmm.. so for your book cover I noticed one thing that was different, Your name at the bottom of it is Issabelle P. instead of Maggie.
    *Screams into pillow* AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cant wait to read The Shattered Castle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am shaking with happiness right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I wouldn’t say I’ve been listening to this on repeat but I have been listening to ‘Mary did you know’ by Pentatonix a lot.
    I’m really hoping I get ‘Go Teen Writers: write your novel’ for Christmas.

    For short story ideas, you could have an evil author and librarian who’s a spy (If you think about it, us authors would make great villains with all the evil plots we come up with) and somehow the author’s are passing messages through their books and the spy finds one of the messages.
    But since it has to be a short story you could have it be a guide for a new librarian, like they find a story of an old librarian and they’er reading that through the story while they go through training and it the story ends with ‘it was time for my first mission’ or something like that…sorry is that doesn’t make sense.

    Anyway, I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I haven’t read much of ‘In To The Lamp’ but from what I have read it sounds like it’s going to be FANTABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so proud of you!!!!!!! (dose that sound weird since we haven’t actually met?) <333333

    Oh, wait, did you say your not going to get the third chapter out tomorrow? My time machine must have a screw lose or something. XD

    • Maggie

      *does happy dance with you* THANK YOU LIKE A MILLION TIMES OVER!!!!!!!!!! Aw, Girl, you’re just TOO SWEET!!!!!! YAY!! I CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO READ IT!!!!!!!!! I THINK YOU’LL REALLY ENJOY THEM!!!!!!!! Well, I mean I HOPE you will!!!!!!

      AAAAHHHH, I DON’T KNOW!!!!!!!!! I’m so mean. XD YES!!! I SOO HOPE THIS BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED ONE DAY!!!!! YES, THERE’S SOOOOOO MUCH ABOUT COLIN AND GENIE THAT YOU DON’T KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ding, ding, ding!!!! WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!! *passing you ALL the chocolate* 🍫🍫🍫 Seriously, though, HOW DID YOU KNOW???????

      *screams into my own pillow* I KNOW RIGHT!! THIS IS JUST SUPER EXCITING!!!!!!! Ooooh, that’s a REALLY good song!!!!! I used to listen to it ALL THE TIME!! I’ve actually started listening to Danny Gokey’s version of Mary Did You Know, it’s REALLY good, too. TOTALLY RECOMMEND IT!! YES!! I hope you get it, too!!!! 😉 I bet that books gonna be SOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!

      OH MY GOODNESS, JANE THIS IDEA IS GENIUS!!!!!!!!!! SPIES AND AUTHORS AND JUST *faints* XD BRILLIANT, BRILLIANT, BrIlLiAnT!!!!!!!!!! You know I’m a sucker for a good spy story!!!! In fact, my brain’s wheels are already turning. THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Aw, THANK YOU, JANE!!!!!!! Oh, I SOOOO HOPE IT’LL BE FANTABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!! Aww, Girl, YOU’RE JUST WAAAAAY TOO SWEET!!!!!! MUCH LOVE! 💕💕💕 (Oh, no that TOTALLY DOES NOT sound weird. In fact, it just makes me EVEN MORE HAPPY. Also, if you wanna get technical, we met through the internet. Maybe not face to face, but we’re not getting specific. XD) <33 <33

      XD It was probably more like you did see me getting chapter three up, but wasn't aware that the date wasn't this Sunday. Going into the future can be confusing. XD <33

  • Lily

    NOOO!!! Only the first half of the last line?! (okay, that sounded a little weird when said out loud XD)

    Yay for finishing the second draft!!! Wow! Over 69,000 words! That’s more than my WIP; Great job Maggie!!

    And hey, don’t worry about the third chapter of What Lay Beyond the Woods. It’s totally understandable (you just do what ya gotta do!)

    Hmm. Ideas on how to make an awesome short story…. If it helps, sometimes finding a unique picture on Pinterest can help jump start a story idea (I love playing the ‘what if’ game). Or find potential conflict in the photo (for one picture, I saw a black and white photo of a man using his umbrella to shield his cello from the rain; totally feel free to use that, btw.) Do you like plotting? Or partial plotting? (is that called plantsing…? I can’t remember… *heelp*!) I hope that helps 🙂

    Anyway, good luck with your short stories *crosses fingers and hopes you make it out alive*.

    P.s. I noticed you used the name Isabella. Is that going to be your pen name? (and is that what’s different about this cover?)

    • Maggie

      I KNOW RIGHT!!!!! HOW CAN I BE SOOOOOOO MEAN??!! Oh, wait, I’m an author. THAT explains a LOT! XD 😉 (Hehehe…no that didn’t sound weird. At least, not to me, but maybe that’s cause I AM weird.)

      AWWW, THANK YOU, GIRL!!!!!!!! Keep at it!!!! YOU’VE TOTALLY GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

      THANK YOU for understanding!! I’m still hoping to get it up sometime this week, but we’ll see how things work out. I just focused a lot on Into the Lamp, but now that that’s done, I can dedicate more time to Robyn Hood.

      Oooooh, those are some ABSOLUTELY AWESOME IDEAS. THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!!!!!!! Oooh, YES!! The what if game is just a TON OF FUN!! (YES!! THAT PHOTO JUST SOUNDS SUPER COOL!!!!!) Yeah, it’s plantsing, but personally, I like the sound of partial plotting better. We should TOTALLY start that as a trend. Maybe other writers will catch on. XD 🙂 I’m lean more on the plantsing side, as long as I have a general idea where my story’s headed. What about you? Oh, yes TOTALLY HELPS!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!

      THANK YOU AGAIN, LILY!!!!!!!!!!! *crossing fingers, too* XD If I do make it out alive, I shall be sharing my whole survival story with all of you! XD

      YAY!! YOU GUESSED CORRECTLY!!!!!!! *passing you ALL the chocolate* 🍫🍫🍫 Actually, Issabelle is my real name. Shocker! I KNOW RIGHT!!!! That’s what I wanna publish under, and I’m probably gonna have to end up switching my name. (Though, I’m TOTALLY opened to still being called Maggie. I’ve always just ADORED THAT NAME!!!)

      • Lily

        OOoo, thanks for the chocolates 🙂 I think Issabelle is a great name (and Maggie too!)

        And I’m all for starting a trend. I’ve found that I enjoy plotting (however, not to the extreme, like every single scene in a story. I think my mind would explode lol.) But for school, I’ve taken an outline for a story and broke it down into an informal chapter by chapter outline. I like it a lot. (You should’ve seen one story that I just flat out pants…. yeah, it wasn’t pretty XD. My characters basically revolted and threw the story and themselves out the window!)

        So, here’s to the ‘Partial Plotters’! Good luck with your novel submission too! 🙂

        • Maggie

          You’re welcome!!!!! XD Aw, THANKS, GIRL!!!!!!!!!

          YES!! WE ARE TOTALLY STARTING THAT TREND!!!!!!!! 😉 Ooooh, That’s SUPER COOL!!!!! What Lay Beyond the Woods is probably gonna end up being totally pants, so it’ll be exciting to see how that one turns out. XD LOL! Characters are sometimes tricky and enjoy taking over when they can. 😉

          YES!!! HERE, HERE!!! To the Partial Plotters!!!!!!! THANK YOU, LILY!!!!!!! 🙂

  • Lily

    Oh yeah, and please excuse me as I make a mad dash to Ms. Nielsen’s blog and gush over the new title with my equally excited sister!!!

  • Ally M.J.

    MAGGIEMAGGIEMAGGIE!
    YOU GO, GIRL! Well done and congrats on finishing your second draft! I barely ever even finish first drafts, so you are very impressive. *passes you trophies and medals and bars of chocolate and a bunny named Stella* Hats off to you.
    OH WOW THATS AN AMAZING COVER! I love it UwU I would totally grab that in a bookstore. “One They Call Broken” AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
    Me and my family did our annual cookie-making day, and I consumed an unhealthy amount of sugar. That’s why I’m so hyper.
    Number one book for Christmas: Either the new Teen Writers Book or 15, because I STILL haven’t read that one yet. *sad 8-Bit noises*
    Also, on a completely unrelated topic, it’s my favorite video games 2nd anniversary! *dances in 1s and 0s*

    • Maggie

      ALLYALLYALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      Aw, THANK YOU LIKE A MILLION TIMES OVER, GIRL!!!!!! I TOTALLY understand that! Finishing first drafts are just THE HARDEST! As stated, I’ve only ever completed three novels. Aw, GIRL YOU’RE JUST TOO SWEET!!!! I’m BEAMING SOOO HARD RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! Ooooh! YESYESYES!!! *totally taking all the trophies and medals and chocolate and I’m TOTALLY keeping that bunny* *pats bunny’s head* SHE’S SOO CUTE!!!!! XD THANK YOU! <33

      AW, GIRL THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're just making my day!!!! IKR! That title is GENIUS! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
      WOW!! SOUNDS EXCITING!!! *pouting* Did you not make me any cookies? XD THAT'S EXACTLY HOW I AM WHEN I HAVE WAAAY TOO MUCH SUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!!
      GREAT BOOKS!!!!!!! Yes, I just wanna read both of them, too, SOOOO BADLY! TOTALLY feel ya pain, girl! XD
      WHAT?? THAT'S JUST THE COOLEST!!!!!!!!!!! *throwing out party streamers* What video game is it?

      • Ally M.J.

        *quickly pushes you a plate of mallowmelt cookies* Here you go!
        The game is Brawl Stars, made by Supercell. It’s really fun, and there are different maps and characters you can play. Also it has amazing in-game lore, which is very fun and creepy and terrifying and I used it to start a Brawl Stars story a while back, because it’s actually scary. *shudders*
        I’m glad you like the bunny XD

        • Maggie

          YUM!!!! *happily eating the mallowmelt cookies* DELICIOUS!!!!!
          Ooooh, that’s COOL!!!! I’ve never heard of it before, but it sounds like it’d be LOADS OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!! I hope that story was at least a little bit of fun, even though it sounds scary.
          Oh, YES!!! ABSOLUTELY ADORE Li’l Stella!!!!!! SHE’S ADORABLE!!!!!!!!! XD

  • Victoria

    WELL HELLO THERE TOO!!!! XD

    *Gasps* You finished your second draft?!?!?!?!?! YAAAAAAAAAY!!!! I’m so happy for you!!! I really, really, really hope you get an agent! *crosses fingers* Ooooooooh!!!!! Did you say writing contest???? Don’t worry, girl, you’ve got this! I wrote a short story for a contest a few years ago (which I forgot about until now) and it was TOTALLY cringe-worthy. I still can’t read it without wanting to wish it out of existence. XD BUT it still won third place! Crazy, right??? So, seeing how AWESOME of a writer you are, I’m 100% sure you’ll win a place in a contest soon!

    Ahhh! Okay, um, the book I want most for Christmas (it’s actually a series) is the Out of Time trilogy by Nadine Brandes. She’s the same person who wrote Fawkes, and seeing how incredible THAT read was (along with her other book Romanov), I had no hesitation asking for it! Have you ever read that series before?

    HEHEHEHEHE. I am ABSOLUTELY seeing a love interest in What Lay Beyond the Woods!!!! (I actually think I know who it might be between, but we’ll see!) 😉

    Also, to both you and Katherine, be on the look out for chapter one of Between the Lines popping up in your inboxes soon! I honestly hate it, buuut *dons Valor voice* I gave you my word that I would share it, dear ladies, thus I aim to do so! Hmmm. Not sure that actually sounded like him. XD But still. Chapter one wasn’t as fun to write (I honestly don’t know why), so your feedback will definitely be helpful there (if you still want to give it of course)! 😉

    • Maggie

      HEEEEEEELLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      *gasp with you* I KNOW RIGHT!!!!!!!! Aw, THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH, GIRL!!!!!! Me, too! *fingers cross, too* Yeah, it’s a pretty big deal kind of writing contest for teens. Aw, THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!! Wow!!! Well, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! THAT’S SUPER COOL! I’m sure it’s a WHOLE LOT better than you think!! No, not really. You’re an AWESOME WRITER!!!!! AW, GIRL!!! You’re just TOO SWEET!!!! <33 <33 THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!! I hope you're right!!

      AAAAHHHH, THAT'S SUCH AN AWESOME BOOK SERIES!!!!!!!!!! No, I've actually not read it, but I've seen it and would REALLY like to!!!! I hope you get it!! Fawkes is my number one book, and I'm REALLY HOPING I get it!!!!!!!!!! I'm DYING TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!

      YAY!!! Actually, which is the two you're thinking it's between. 'Cause I've got two different ideas going on. 😉

      YAY!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT!!!!! I'm sure it's gonna be AMAZING!!!!!! HA! That sounded a little bit like Valor!!!! OF COURSE!! I JUST AM BURSTING WITH EXCITEMENT TO READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THINKING OF ME!!!!!!!!!!

    • Katherine

      Hi, Victoria!!! Ooh, that was awesome that you won third place in a contest once!!!!!
      Great!!!!!👍 Thank you so much!!!!!!! 🙂 I’ll keep an eye out for it. I can’t wait to read it and of course I’ll give you feedback as best I can. XD I LOVE Valor!!!!!!! His voice is GREAT!!!!!!!!!

      • Victoria

        Awww, thanks!!! Yeah, I was NOT expecting it! 😂
        YAY!!! YOU’RE WELCOME!!!!! *Grins* Thanks!!! 😄 I love him too! ❤️❤️❤️

        • Katherine

          You’re welcome! 🙂 That is what makes it better is when we are not expecting it!!!😂
          😀 WE LOVE VALOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️ He’s AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Victoria

    YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY WELCOME!!!!!!

    Whoa, really??? What contest is it? (If you don’t mind sharing.) AWWWW, thank you!!! Eheheh, maybe. I think I was 11 when I wrote it, so in my opinion it’s SUPER cliché and cheesy, but that’s just me. Everyone else seems to like it so I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought. *shrugs* XD

    AAAAHHHHH!!!! YEESSSSSS!!! I am SO hoping someone gets it for you too! Let me know if they do, and I’ll let you know if someone gets me the Out of Time trilogy! 😉

    I’m kinda thinking it’s going to be between Robyn and Calvin (which sounds obvious), but who knows? Maybe you’ll pull a plot twist and surprise us all!!! XD I can’t wait for chapter 3 to be posted! (Whenever you can, of course. No pressure!) 😀

    AWWWW!!!! I hope it is! Oh, goodie!!! I’ll send it to you sometime this week then!!!!!!!! You’re so welcome! THANK YOU for reading it!!! <333

    • Maggie

      😃😃😃

      It’s One Teen Story’s writing contest. The good news is that they have three different age groups, and you submit under yours. The bad news is that most people my age have been writing a WHOLE LOT LONGER than I have with a lot more experience than me. And then the short story I’m planning on slapping together in three weeks (’cause I wasn’t sure which one you were talking about 😉 ) is a submission for a teen anthology Teen Author Boot Camp does every year in partnership with a small publishing company. WOW!!!! COOL! When I was 11, I wasn’t really much of a writer, so that’s SUPER COOL!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m sure it’s good!!!!!

      AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, YES, I’ll TOTALLY let you know if I get it!!!!!! YAY!! 🙂

      Oooooooh, I’m gonna keep my lips shut, though. Hehehe…it’s SO hard to keep things quiet! Oh, YES, I’m hoping to pull a TON of plot twists!!! YAY!!!!! YOU’RE EXCITEMENT MAKES ME SOOOO MUCH MORE EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope to get to it ASAP. 😃

      I’m SURE it is!!!!!!! YAY!!! CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!! *dramatically bows* XD <33 <33 <33 <33

  • Trixie

    Hello!! I really like your new cover!!! I am really excited for chapter three, I don’t really mind about the wait, I need more things to look forward to. I REALLY WANT TO READ INTO THE LAMP LIKE A LOT IT SOUNDS SO GOOD!!!!! I really hope it gets published!! For Christmas I asked for a couple of Rick Riordan’s series, although it’s not a first time read, I just wanted the series as my own not the library’s. Ok well I am gonna go check out Katherine’s short story.

    • Maggie

      Hi, Trixie! Aw, THANK YOU, GIRL!!!!!!!!! YAY!!! I’m happy you’re EXCITED!!!!! Phew, glad to hear!!! Oooh, YES! I LOVE when I’ve got things to look forward to!! And I’m just SUPER HAPPY that my story is something you enjoy reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHH, GIRL YOU’VE JUST MADE ME SUPER HAPPY AND JUST AAAHHHHHH THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <33 <33 <33 I REALLY hope it gets published, too! Ooooh, I've heard of Rick Riordan and actually have some friends who like them, sooooo I HOPE you get them!!!!!!! Ah, yes, I TOTALLY understand the wanting to have your own copies. THAT IS SOOO ME!!!!!!!!!! LIKE WITH EVER BOOK THE I ENJOY READING!!!!!!!!!! Hence, why my bookshelves can't really take anymore books. YAY!! Though, I don't think she has it up, yet. But she should be getting it up soon.

  • Katherine

    CONGRATULATIONS MAGGIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎈🎈🎈 Good luck on your next writing projects!!!🍀

    Oh, and “A Second Chance” is now up on Critique Corner.

  • Em Elizabeth

    Oooooh! High five for finishing the second draft! Wishing you all the luck with your agent submissions. Congrats on taking that big step!

    Also, I love that part in the snippet of your book, where it says “I bet I could fill a whole book with everything that had happened…” That’s what I call a “tap at the fourth wall”, and those are always fun!

    • Maggie

      THANK YOU A TON, EM ELIZABETH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aw, THANK YOU SO, SO, SOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH, GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!! <33 This comment is just making me SOOOO HAPPY!!!!!!!

      <33 THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!! I think this entire comment is gonna be filled with thank yous and hearts. XD Yes, I ALWAYS enjoy doing things like that. They really are a BUNCH OF FUN!!!!! Well, I know I've already said this, but I wanna say, THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!! <33 <33

  • Addie H

    CoNgRaTuLaTiOnS Issa, on finishing your second draft!!!!!! *throws party streamers* That’s SOOO exciting!!
    And wowowowow, I LOVEE your cover!!!! I love the title as well!!!! I’m so happy and excited for youuuu!!!

    I’m also SUPER excited to do the collab post!!! I’m going to head over to the Doc right now and get some questions answered!! XD

    -Addie xx-

    • Maggie

      THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH, ADDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *dances around in party streamers* I KNOW RIGHT!!! I’m just BURSTING with excitement over here!!!

      Aw, THANK YOU, GIRL, JUST A MILLION TIMES OVER!!!!!!!!! It took me FOREVER to get that title, but I think it turned out pretty good. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!! <33 <33 <33

      I KNOW RIGHT!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S TOMORROW!!! I JUST CANNOT WAIT!!! IT'S GONNA BE A BLAST!!!!!! Okey-dokey! I'm gonna try to work on it in the afternoon today, if school chooses to play nicely. XD Oh, YEA!!! Let's answer some questions!!

      ~Issa <33

  • Grace

    Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! I don’t really know why I just did all those y’s but it was fun! So yeah. I am so excited for all the post coming up and I absolutely love the title SUPER TOP SECRET GUEST POST *gasp* I can’t wait to read it and find out who is writing it!!!!!! I love guest posts! Also Congrats on that word count, girl. You are so amazing. I don’t think I could ever do that!

    Hmm, the number one book? That is so hard! Really Maggie, couldn’t you have said top two? or three? or ten? (i just skipped an enormous amount of numbers!=) I’ve been wanting so many books, but that is kind of me like my whole life so….

    Well, I think this was like only my second or third comment, soooo I am trying to build up my reputation, but I don’t think it’s working. That was a total joke. Idk if it was funny or not, because I only snorted, I don’t think that counts as a real laugh, but idk. Anyway, I am just talking nonsense, so I should go before you’re like, “She’s officially weird.” Even though I am, so that shouldn’t be a problem. Okay, I’m really going now. Bye!

    • Maggie

      HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! Hehehe…YES!! All the Ys are SUPER fun!!! YES!!! I’m SOOO EXCITED for all these posts coming up and DEFINITELY the SUPER TOP SECRET GUEST POST *gasp*!!!! Yes, the gal writing it is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and I just KNOW you’ll love her!!!!!! 😉 YAY! Me, too! They’re a BLAST! Aw, THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!! I’m CERTAIN that’s NOT true. Me, last year, NEVER would’ve imagined she’d ever COMPLETE this book.

      AAAAHHH, I’m soo sorry. 😉 Ha! You should’ve seen MY list of books to get. *glaring at the long list* THERE’S JUST TOO MANY BOOKS I WANNA READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD SAME! Books are basically just my entire life….XD

      This is your third comment, which is actually SOO AWESOME!!!! I, honestly, never thought you’d ever comment on this site, so I’m just SOOO HAPPY TO HAVE YOU A PART OF TWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’re AWESOME!!!! XD Don’t worry, though, you’re building up an AWESOME reputation!!! Girl, snorting ALWAYS counts as laughing!!! And, yes, it was funny! Especially, ’cause at first, I thought you were being serious! Trust me, I DON’T THINK I could EVER think you’re weird. It’s me who’s the real nut! XD 😂 Anyways, I always ramble, so TOTALLY not judging. Okey-dokey!!! BYYYYEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *waving dramatically as you leave*

  • LittleNovelist36

    AWESOME!!!! Second drafting takes courage and determination. Writing does in general. I know. I’m halfway through a second draft myself. XD XD

    • Maggie

      THANK YOU SOOO MUCH, GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’ve got that right!!! TOTALLY! Writing isn’t easy, but LOADS of fun!! WHAT??!!! THAT’S JUST INCREDIBLE!!!!!! YOU GO!!!! *waving pom poms* DEFINITELY tell me how everything works out with that!!!!! <33

  • Ribbon Ash

    Love this update! Enjoyed reading all of the writing details!!!! As always, awesome snippet and a bit from Into the Lamp! Also, I am immediately interested in this new short story. I love the mock cover and the title. Also, that collage is amazing and I am deeply eager to read Beyond the Woods so much right now. Hopefully, I’ll find the time to read it (this is assuming that I can read all chapters. I don’t know how reading this story works. I haven’t properly explored your site)!
    Another book in the False Prince series???!!! *Dies from excitement and sadness cause THIS SOUL STILL HASN’T READ THE LAST TWO BOOKS BEFORE THIS NEW ONE!!!!!)

    • Maggie

      THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER, GAL!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!! I’m just BEYOND HAPPY!!!!!! This comment is just making me SOOO HAPPY!!!!!! Really? YAY!! THANK YOU!!!!! I thought the mock cover and title came out pretty good, if I do say so myself. XD Aw, GIRL, THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! <33 <33 YESSSSS!!!!!!!! I only have the first two chapters up. If you go to the page titled "Critique Corner" you'll find a link to chapter one and the current story (chapter two). I don't think they're very long, but YESS!! I TOTALLY hope you get the time to read What Lay Beyond the Woods. I can't say how good it is, but I still hope you'll enjoy it!!!!!!!!! YES!!! I'm soooo excited for it to come out! *gasp* GIRL!! HOW DO YOU SURVIVE???? Though, I already knew all this, but still?????!!!!!!!!!! THOSE BOOKS ARE JUST PURELY GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!

  • Allison @ The Bookworm Who Reads

    I may or may not have read all of your posts containing information about your WIP and I would so totally read this! I can’t wait until you publish this! The mock cover is great!
    I have only read book one in the cruel prince series, but I really need to pick it up again!

    • Maggie

      *gasp* REALLY?? OH MY GOODNESS, GIRL, THAT’S JUST AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! You’ve just MADE MY DAY!!!!!!!! <33 YES!!! I'm just BURSTING WITH EXCITEMENT THAT YOU'D WANNA READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH JUST A BILLION TIMES OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!! I hope I can publish it, soooooooooooo badly! Aw, you think so? THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! I'm just SOOO HAPPY YOU LIKED IT!!!!!!!!!!!

      Cool!!!! Is the Cruel Prince series that one by Holly Black? I think I've heard of it.

  • Jen

    YOU FINISHED THE SECOND DRAFT!!!!! *sets off fireworks and tosses celebration chocolate* And you already sent it to an agent? Wow! You go, girl! ^_^

    EEEE!!! LOVED the snippet!!! <3

    Oh! You're writing short stories for contests? Awesome! I usually have these ideas that I think will make great short stories… and then they turn into novels, if I'm lucky, a full blown series if I'm not. ;p (I'm joking, I actually like all my series' ideas. XD) My story ideas tend to grow much, much further than I intended. XD I hope your short stories go well!!! "One They Called Broken" is an awesome title! 😀

    :O DAT COVER! So pretty, Issabelle! (See? I noticed! ;D *rakes in ALL the bonus chocolate like the chocoholic I am* XD) I can't wait to learn more about this story!

    Ooooh! You're already working on your next novel? Cool! I'm excited to hear more about it when you're ready to share! 😀

    That graphic is really good!!! And both tag lines are GREAT! I saw Chapter 3 is up now, hopefully I can get to it and Katherine's story very soon!

    I'm listening to Christmas music on my local Christian radio (they play a wide variety come the holidays) so I don't have a single one on repeat, I love whenever a Casting Crowns Christmas song comes on. And I've been jamming to my Phineas and Ferb Christmas Special soundtrack. A book I want for Christmas would be a series called Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight. I've heard so many good things about this series and want to read it so bad!

    I'm thinking Calvin and Robyn used to be sweethearts. Amiright? 😉 Or is it supposed to be Robyn and Little John? (Just spitballing that last one because I didn't really pick up on that but, eh, worth a guess. ;p)

    • Maggie

      YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! I’ve been SUPER excited about that!!!!!!!!! *watches fireworks in awe and gobbles down all the chocolate* XD Yep!! THANK YOU, JEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *dramatically bows*

      Aw, THANK YOU LIKE A BILLION TIMES OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <33

      A few. It's not going anywhere, though, but has still be lots of fun! I'm like in reverse! I have ideas I want to make novels but I never end up having enough to make it a whole novel so it becomes a short story. But, YES, I can see how that'd be a problem. SERIES ARE SOOO MUCH FUN TO WRITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!! Me, too! THANK YOU!!!!! I LOVED the title! Now it just needs an actual plot...🤔

      THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YESSSS!!!!! YOU NOTICED!!!! *gives you ALL the extra chocolate* YOU TOTALLY DESERVE IT!!!!! XDD

      Yep! Mostly the brief plotting stage. Basically meaning, I'm trying to figure out what in the world these characters want me to put in that story. XD I'm actually planning to do a post about it soon.

      THANK YOU!!!!!!!! Aw, THANKS AGAIN!!!!! <33 Oh, YES! Though, don't stress yourself. I'm serious. Our little blog isn't that important, girl. I just don't want you stressing yourself for us!! You just take your time, 'kay? *hugs*

      AWESOME!!!!!!!! SAME HERE!!!!!! (*gasp* So, does the Christian station I listen to. *high-fives*) Those are some AMAZING Christmas songs!!!! Casting Crowns is one of my FAVORITE bands and I LOVE Phineas and Ferb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES! I've heard TONS of awesome things about that series!!! I hope you get it and enjoy it!!!!! Actually, if you do like it let me know 'cause I've been considering reading them for a while now.

      Hehehe...I can't say, but I LOVE hearing everyone's thoughts on it!!!!!!!!!!! That's why I had asked! Hopefully, we'll all find out soon. 😉

    • Katherine

      Don’t stress yourself, Jen. It’s alright. *gives you a hug* My story will still be here for when you have the time.

      Cool!!! I love Phineas and Ferb too!!!!!! (Though, I think I already told you that on your site.🤔)

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