Interviews

#carmelies! I`d swear this hair-raising, stunning story was impossible, except I know the author well and it’s all true! It pubs next Tuesday. Preorder and let’s read together, ya? 🫶 #carmelwritingretreat #Repost from @1010parkplace
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#MAYABLUE A Memoir of Survival will finally be here Tuesday, May 20th. It’s Working Girl meets Taken, and in the end, I’m the last one standing. A memoir that reads like a thriller. This morning my publicist @emibattagliapr emailed me to say NYT bestselling author @leewoodruff featured MAYA BLUE in her May #bookmarks newsletter! Thank you Lee! I’m honored.

MAYA BLUE comes from a deep, dark place of shame, fear, horror, abduction, drugs, and danger. Parts of myself I never thought I’d share beyond the circle of friends who were there when the fairytale turned into the nightmare. After men with automatic weapons pulled me out of a car and forced me to go with them.

I hope MAYA BLUE gives you the strength to share your truths. I hope it inspires you. I’m here to tell you that with the power of your voice and by not panicking and giving into your fears, you can survive almost anything. #XOXOXBrenda

#Kirkusstarredreview Nominated 2025 Kirkus Prize @shewritespress @simonandschuster
Brenda-coffee.com
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Tip 2: To bullet or not to bullet? BULLET! 😉 They’re a terrific tool for organizing information clearly and making your proposal easier to skim. But like any good seasoning, they’re best used with intention.

✅ Here are some points to keep in mind about when bullet points are helpful:

Chapter summaries – quick snapshots of what each chapter covers

Marketing plan – highlights of your platform, media experience, and outreach ideas

Audience – hits on who your readers are and where to find them

❌ When they don’t work:

When you rely too heavily on them. If your proposal is one big list, it will feel lazy or impersonal.

If they replace your voice. Agents and publishers want to hear you in your proposal—bullet points should support your narrative, not replace it.

PRO TIP 🏆:

Balance is key. Mix bullet points with narrative to keep your voice strong and your material entertaining and digestible. ✍️🫶

#DearBookMama #BeautifulWritersBook #WritersOfInstagram #BookProposalMagic #WritingLife ...