Welcome to Issue 2! This issue is packed with exciting content! In this issue, you’ll discover a feature on talented author Lanie Mores and popular bookstagrammer Ryan Jones, and a special spotlight on Writing with Snoopy. I’ve also included a few behind-the-scenes insights into my writing projects. Be sure to follow Lanie and Ryan on Instagram and check out their excellent books—you won’t be disappointed. Links to social and Amazon author pages can be found within their featured section.
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Writing With Snoopy: The Rejection Letter
The writing journey challenges every step of the way. Like many writers, I’ve ridden the rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and heartbreaking lows. Writer struggles are real—look at poor Snoopy, who experienced the thrill of acceptance and the sting of rejection within seconds.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve probably heard how publishers rejected J.K. Rowling—some say ten, others twelve, and some claim over forty agents and publishers turned her down.
Honestly, I’ve lost count. I’ve read so many articles that list different numbers, it’s hard to pin down the exact figure. But one thing stays consistent: even the most successful authors face rejection.
One thing I know for sure—I’ve racked up hundreds more rejections than J.K. Rowling. Getting rejection after rejection wears you down. It frustrates, demoralizes, and breeds self-doubt. Rejection sucks. It’s never easy.
Tips: Not Guarantees
If you’re submitting your work to a literary agent or publisher, you can take steps to improve your chances of standing out. Start by hiring a professional editor. Yes, it costs money, but their insights and corrections could mean the difference between landing a contract and getting passed over. Tools like Grammarly and feedback from friends or family help, but they can’t replace the sharp eye of an experienced editor.
After you polish your manuscript, hire a query letter expert. Yes, it adds to your expenses, but like editing, this step dramatically boosts your chances of standing out to literary agents or publishers. If you’re serious about publishing your work beyond indie/self, these steps can make a real difference. Please note that these suggestions will not guarantee acceptance, but from my experience, these two steps help.
Image Source: April Fools. (1974, April 1). Charles Schultz Museum. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://tinyurl.com/bdcpzbut
Featured Bookstagrammer: Ryan Jones
From DNFs to five-star reads, Ryan has been tackling all genres on Instagram for over a decade. Ryan’s passion for books shines through every post. It’s not just about posting to post—each post is about building a community, sharing authentic thoughts, and making reading feel magical again.
Ryan has mastered the art of staying on trend while still standing out with original content. Whether you’re new to Bookstagram or a seasoned pro, follow Ryan for the latest book releases and hidden gems you might’ve missed!
BookTube Spotlight: Christmas Town
People often ask me why I wrote a Christmas story, so I created a BookTube playlist to share my journey. While ‘BookTube’ might not be the perfect title, I want to discuss why I wrote my books and share insights into my writing process. Eventually, I plan to expand the playlist by interviewing other authors and exploring books beyond my own.
Featured Author: Lanie Mores
If you follow me on social media, you already know I have a love-hate relationship with it. Sometimes it frustrates me, but it has its perks. One of my best experiences on Instagram came when I connected with Lanie—an author who did something rare: she got me to read out loud.
As I dove into Father of Contention, I grew attached to Renner and caught myself saying things like, “Don’t blow it” and “You’re blowing it!” Father of Contention delivers a must-read, five-star story and kicks off an electrifying four-part series. Lanie also expanded the universe with an intriguing spin-off, Code of Reanimation, which adds even more depth to the world she created.
As I dove into Father of Contention, I grew attached to Renner and found myself saying, “Don’t blow it” and “You’re blowing it.” Father of Contention grabs you with its must-read, five-star story and kicks off an electrifying four-part series. The book also includes an intriguing spin-off, Code of Reanimation, which expands the universe even further.
Lanie’s storytelling shines in two volumes of Autumn Tales and the fourth volume of Horrorscope, proving her talent across multiple works. Whether she writes a short story or a full-length novel, her original and captivating narratives will keep you hooked. If you haven’t yet discovered Lanie’s work, now is the perfect time—she’s sure to become one of your favorite authors!
The Scientist, the Psychic, and a Dangerous Discovery ~ a synopsis for Father of Contention (book 1 in the series)
In 1972, German scientist Renner Scholz arrives in Barbora Bay, Washington, determined to advance his research in recombinant DNA technology. A firm believer in science and logic, Renner’s world turns upside down when he meets Milena Nowak—a gifted psychic whose abilities defy all scientific explanation.
What begins as a whirlwind romance soon evolves into an obsession. Renner grows desperate to uncover the source of Milena’s unexplainable powers. His search leads him to a secretive occult ritual that grants him access to the mysterious realm where psychic energy and supernatural forces originate. But the knowledge he gains comes at a devastating price.
Driven by his discoveries, Renner embarks on a groundbreaking yet perilous experiment: mapping the genetic blueprint for psychic abilities to create a new breed of superhumans. Unbeknownst to him, a sinister force manipulates his research— one with its own terrifying plan for humanity’s destruction.
Milena watches in horror as the man she loves begins to change. A darkness consumes him, making him stronger, more volatile, and dangerously unpredictable. As his transformation accelerates, she faces an impossible choice: can she save Renner from the evil that has taken hold of him, or will she become his next unwilling test subject?
A gripping blend of science, the supernatural, and a chilling descent into darkness—this is a story of love, power, and the terrifying consequences of unlocking secrets never meant to be known.
Saur Book Spotlight: Metal Like Me
Metal Like Me draws inspiration from my time as a teacher. Growing up, I saw schools enforce strict anti-bullying policies. But as a teacher, I noticed inconsistencies. In my third year, I watched a student get mocked for his speech.
After I filed a referral, the Assistant Principal called me into his office and told me the incident didn’t meet the definition of bullying. He explained the state’s criteria, which I later found mirrored policies in many other states. Today, society often brushes off what my generation clearly recognized as bullying, calling it “just boys being boys.” Most definitions of bullying require repeated behavior over time—so a one-time incident doesn’t count.
But how long does it take before something does count as bullying? Honestly, I still don’t know. That realization hit me hard during my third year of teaching. I reported incidents as they happened, but kids learn fast. They quickly figured out how to behave around adults who hold them accountable.
I wrote Metal Like Me to spark real conversations about bullying. My goal is to help teachers, parents, and students recognize the signs, understand what bullying looks like, and take meaningful action to support others—and themselves.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you connect with Ryan and Lanie, and if you’re an aspiring author, I hope Writing With Snoopy provided valuable insights. I’ll keep featuring spotlights and writing tips on the blog, so be sure to subscribe to discover incredible voices and follow my writing journey.
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Volume 1, Issue 2: April 2025
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