A Couple of Recommendations
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I apologize for the font on this page. I only recently realized it’s gray and a little small. So I’m working on getting it fixed.
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Books first.
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I am reading a ton of YA right now because I’m judging a contest. I can’t say which one, but it’s keeping me busy. So all my other YA to-read books are temporarily shelved. However, I did manage to finish my first Ellen Hopkins book “Crank” (in one sitting). I have to say that woman is an absolute genius. (And she is super nice…I got to meet her last year at the SCBWI conference). I will read every book she’s ever written or will write. Very powerful stuff. Pick one up if you haven’t already. 
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I also finished “Lipstick Apology,” which I loved, mainly because it reminded me of the type of writing I do—contemporary romance, but with a unique hook. Nice reason to love it, huh? But really, I would suggest this debut author as well.
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Thoughts on Form Letters
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Last week I received a request for my full manuscript from an agent. The difference from all the others I’ve ever received, however, was that it was very personal. The agent took the time to be very specific in what she liked about my book. In the past, not only have I gotten form rejections, but I’ve gotten form “request for more” emails. Even if this agent doesn’t end up taking me on, her email made my day (and my week, and month, maybe year!).
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Since I teach hundreds of online students at any given time, I know the value of a form email. I understand from an agent’s perspective—who is getting hundreds of submissions a day—why a form response is necessary. And I would definitely rather receive a form response than no response at all.
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But I do notice a huge difference from my students when I use a personal response. They are grateful, and it seems to make a difference in their attitude. It’s during those times that I realize how valuable a personal response can be.
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Of course I get that this isn’t always realistic. For those of us whose jobs include dealing with mass quantities of individuals, giving personal responses to everyone would be a joke—we’d never get anything done.
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But I do think that once in a while we should consider that we are not robots nor are the individuals on the other side of the computer robots, and personal responses can make a world of difference in their lives. While it’s not always possible, we should strive to make it happen when our gut tells us we should.

Just some thoughts for you today :)
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Have a great week!