 ABOUT THE AGENT:
Courtney Donovan is a junior agent with Writers House. Writers House was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest full-service independent agencies in the world. Courtney began her career at the agency first as an intern and then as an assistant to Steven Malk, and she has worked closely with him and his wonderful list of authors and illustrators over the past six years. Courtney is now actively building her own list as a junior agent.  A guest column by Nour Sallam of Helm Literary.
Everything you need to know about pitch events: How to prepare for pitching literary agents in person and what to expect in a pitch session. If you’ve found yourself here, you’re thinking about signing up to pitch an agent in person (or you’ve already done so!). As a literary agent, I’m going to tell you how to prepare for pitching agents and what you need to know about how to use the time you have for your pitch effectively. Pitching in person (or virtually) can be daunting. I get that! I’m not here to tell you not to be nervous because I’m sure everyone in your life has already told you that. But what I will tell you is that I personally find that the best way to reduce my anxiety about something is to be very prepared for it. This post will act as your prep kit. It will cover what you need to know, what to expect and how to navigate your pitch.  In this Writing Day Workshops Q&A, author Andrea Knepper speaks with refreshing honesty about the emotional rollercoaster of the writing life.
From battling a ruthless inner critic and wrestling with imposter syndrome to finding healing on the page and learning to surrender, Andrea shares the raw, real struggles and hard-won truths she’s discovered while writing young adult fiction. Whether you’re a new writer questioning your identity or a seasoned author fighting burnout and self-doubt, Andrea's answers give encouragement, practical wisdom, and the reminder that you’re not alone.  ABOUT THE AGENT:
Ava Lauren Grayson is a literary agent based in Los Angeles who joined Lowenstein Associates in 2026. She was previously as an editor at Quill and Flame Publishing House for several years, following an internship supporting the literary department at Echo Lake Entertainment. Ava is a modern romantic with a taste for all things magical and dramatic. She is passionate about reading romantic yearning, empowering female heroines, and coming-of-age stories, and is actively building her list in the literary fiction, horror, romantasy, gothic, YA, genre-blends, romance, fantasy, and narrative nonfiction spaces. Ava reads widely and is willing to consider projects in any genre as long as the writing is compelling and immersive. She is seeking debut authors, own stories, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ stories. She is also an author and award-winning director with a background in theater, photography, and fashion. Recently awarded the Denis Diderot Grant for the Château d’Orquevaux Writers Residency, Ava has had short stories published with Azala Press, Dragon Bone Publishing, Havok Publishing, and more. Her debut YA space-fantasy duology THE STARGAZERS is to be published in 2026/2027 by Quill and Flame. Through hip librarian productions, Ava creates book trailers and other social media content for authors. When she’s not working, you can probably find Ava rewatching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, sitting at a French cafe, or reading a book with her cat. If you're feeling gung-ho and motivated, consider one of our 2026 writers conferences. We are planning many around the country and also online (where anyone can join from anywhere). See the graphic in this post for our official list of events for 2026. Our events have over 170 success stories of writers who signed with agents following meeting them at an event. That's the best proof we can offer. Go to writingdayworkshops.com to sign up now.   (A guest column by literary agent (and author) Mike Nappa of Nappaland Literary.)
You want to write professionally? Then study the craft of writing. Here are a few places to start:  I love pickleball! I love pickleball so much that I’ve started writing about it to celebrate that love. Let me share some of my books with you.
As of fall 2025, my new Pickleball books are out (and they make great gifts)! One is a picture book from Running Press Kids, the other a calendar from Sellers Publishing. Thank you for considering getting a copy for yourself or friends. Every sale and review truly helps. They make great holiday gifts. GOODNIGHT, PICKLEBALL got a buy from Target and is a USA Today best-selling book. Find GOODNIGHT, PICKLEBALL on Amazon here. Find GOODNIGHT, PICKLEBALL at Barnes & Noble here. You can buy it online from B&N, or use the “Find in Stores” button to see if it’s at a physical store around you. Find GOODNIGHT, PICKLEBALL at Target here. You can buy it online from Target, or click the “Pickup” button to investigate if it’s at a store around you. As of fall 2025, it’s in about 1/3 of Targets nationwide. Find GOODNIGHT, PICKLEBALL through Bookshop here (formerly called IndieBound) to support local independent bookstores, which is always an amazing thing to do. Writing Through the Real: Tricia Thomas on Shame, Struggle, and Finding Freedom as a Creative5/27/2026
 In the midst of messy first drafts, towering to-do lists, and the quiet ache of watching our WIPs sit untouched for weeks (or months), every writer eventually faces the same question: Am I falling behind? In this candid and heartfelt Q&A, Tricia Thomas opens up about the real challenges of a creative life.
From battling imposter syndrome and writer’s block to embracing criticism and releasing unhealthy comparison, Tricia shares the hard-won wisdom that has sustained her writing journey. Whether you’re wrestling with self-doubt, balancing family and creativity, or simply craving encouragement from someone who truly gets it, this conversation offers both honesty and hope for every writer in progress.  ABOUT THE AGENT:
Maureen Wise is a junior literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary Agency. Maureen writes mystery novels under the pen name Iris March and non-fiction under her own name. Maureen previously served as a literary agent assistant/ apprentice at Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency and has worked in the sustainability field her entire career. An Ohio native, Maureen enjoys running, hiking, and reading.  In this heartfelt Q&A, acclaimed author and certified Christian Life Coach Elizabeth Byler Younts opens up about the real challenges every writer faces—from stubborn writer’s block and flat characters to crushing self-doubt and the temptation to quit.
With wisdom drawn from her own journey of stepping away from publishing to care for her family, then boldly returning with renewed clarity and purpose, Elizabeth shares the mindset shifts, simple strategies, and deeper spiritual tools that have not only saved her manuscripts but strengthened her faith and longevity as a writer. Whether you’re wrestling with a stuck plot or wondering how to weave meaningful themes without sounding preachy, her honest reflections and hard-earned advice offer encouragement and hope for every season of the writing life. |