Mindee Arnett
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How to Write a Killer Query Letter

Hello Friends,

Today on Write With Intent, I’m sharing all the tips and tricks I know about writing a killer query letter. This is a longer video, and as such I decided to forgo my usual movie clips. I share my original query letter for The Nightmare Affair that garnered me representation with my current agent. You can read it here.

But as an added bonus, I also share a query letter pitch for my upcoming novel Riven. It comes up at the end of the video, but if you’d rather have a sneak peek, here you go:

On the island of Riven, magic is a luxury of the rich, provided for by the poor souls born with the ability to use it. By age sixteen, every citizen of Riven is tested for magic and those discovered with the talent enslaved for it. Only the wealthy can afford to pay off the testers to spare their offspring. Born with the ability, Mars Darksvane escapes this fate thanks to his wealthy benefactor, Una Almadòttra, mistress of a den of mercenaries. With his secret talent, Mars soon becomes the best of Una’s mercs, a fate akin to the slavery he would’ve faced.

Now at nineteen, Mars is desperate for freedom. The chance to escape Una’s clutches arrives when he takes a high-priced contract to protect the wealthy heiress Fura Torvald. Never mind that she’s the daughter of a man Mars had previously been paid to assassinate. All he has to do is complete the job, get, paid, and get out. But it’s easier said than done, for he soon discovers that Fura is harboring a dangerous secret, one that if revealed could shatter the political structure of Riven—ending centuries of unjust slavery for people born with magic. Now Mars must decide between his own freedom and the freedom for the rest of Riven.

Needless to say, I’m so excited for this book. Hope you enjoy the video.

Musingly Yours,

Mindee

Tips for Fantasy Writers: Mounted Archery Edition

Hello friends,

Today on the vlog, I’m diverging from the normal format to give you some live action for a change. This one is specifically for anyone who wants to write fantasy. Often novels set in a fantasy world involve horses, and often writers without real world experience with horses get many of the details wrong. Well, I’m here to help. In the first edition of this series, I’m diving into what it’s like to fire a bow from atop a horse (hint: it’s not nearly as easy as it seems). Hope you enjoy.

Musingly Yours,

Mindee

5 Key Story Structure Elements

Hello Friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of Write With Intent. I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who’s stayed with me so far. This whole process has been a giant leap of faith, and I could use every ounce of encouragement.

Today I breakdown the 5 key story structure elements that are crucial when writing your story. I’ve posted a preview of the slides below, but tune into the video for the details. Oh, and while there, please like and subscribe and maybe forward the link to a friend.

Musingly Yours,

Mindee

Overcoming a Crisis of Confidence

Hello my friends,

Welcome back to another edition of Write With Intent. Today I’m talking about that most vile and awful condition known as a crisis of confidence. It’s a condition that not only plagues writers, but all creative types. It’s also an inevitable occurrence when you’re in this business. But there is hope. In the video I discuss ways of tackling this awful event. Even if you’re not pursuing a writing career, you might find it useful.

In the meantime, remember to live with intent.

Musingly Yours,

Mindee

Writing Scenes that Don’t Suck

Hello friends,

Today on Write With Intent, I’m sharing my favorite and most powerful writing tool in my toolbox—how to turn a scene. This is technique I learned from Story by Robert McKee. And I’ve found that it is the key to writing scenes and chapters that keep the story moving forward and the reader engaged. If you’re stuck in the soggy middle or are getting feedback about your story being slow, this one’s for you.

Musingly Yours,

Mindee

Getting to THE END

Hello Friends,

Today on the vlog I discuss ways of going from the beginning of your novel to THE END. You can find it here or just do a search for on Youtube. Oh, and while you’re there, please like and subscribe. I also wanted to give big shout out of thanks to everyone who’s been watching. I hope you find the content useful. I’m keeping things really short today because I’m heading out for vacation in a remote area full of wifi deadzones. Yep, that’s right, Im going off the grid. If you don’t hear from me for a few days, don’t worry. As Arnold might say, “I’ll be back.”

Musingly Yours,

Mindee