What it Actually Takes To Land An Agent: An interview with Shaina A. Cordas

This week, we're highlighting a rising name in the literary world: Shaina A. Cordas. A "middle grade and young adult fantasy author dedicated to whimsy and adventure." 

Abigail had the pleasure of interviewing Cordas, to learn about her journey as a professional writer: From muses, to manuscripts, favorite snacks and more, get comfy  and enjoy a behind the scenes look at how to turn storytelling into a successful career.

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Abigail: "What’s the first story or piece you remember writing that made you think: “I want to do this seriously?"

Shaina: "It was actually someone else’s work that made me want to write—Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard!" "I remember reading it back in 2019 and, for the first time, seeing the pieces of the story and how they fit together. It was a lightbulb moment where I thought that if I could see the pieces, maybe I could figure out how to make my own."

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How To Get Inspired to Write

 People often ask me, “Hey, nyx!! Where do you get your inspiration from?” as if I’m going to say something poetic like, “Oh, I was walking through a lavender field at dawn when a phoenix flew by and whispered a plot twist in my ear.”

No. Absolutely not.

Let me take you on a wild, honest, slightly embarrassing journey of how I actually get inspired to write. Spoiler: It involves spiraling, snacks, and a suspicious number of dramatic inner monologues.

1. The Ritual of Avoidance

Inspiration usually begins with me not writing. I do everything except writing:

• Rearranging my desk (again).

• Googling “how to write a novel in 10 minutes.”

• Making a snack that suddenly takes two hours and includes a homemade sauce.

• Watching a YouTube video titled “Why You’ll Never Be a Good Writer” just to feel something.

At this point, I tell myself I'm "gathering energy" or "letting the story simmer." In reality, I’m just avoiding writing like it owes me money.

2. The Sacred Scrolls (a.k.a. Notes App)

Suddenly, at the most inconvenient time—shower, traffic, 3:47 a.m.—a line, a scene, or a feral dialogue exchange appears in my brain. I whisper, “Wait...that’s good,” like I’ve just invented the wheel.

I reach for my Notes app like it's a lifeline and type something that, hours later, makes absolutely no sense:

“she’s not a villain, she’s the explosion before the apology. Also: ducks????”

Brilliant.

3. Conversations With Fictional People

Nothing gets the creativity flowing like me arguing with my own characters in the shower.

Me: “Why would you betray her? She trusted you!”
Character: “I never asked to be born.”

I’m pacing. I’m acting out scenes like I’m auditioning for a soap opera. My shampoo bottle knows too much. But hey, if I cry in the mirror because of a fake breakup between imaginary people—guess what? That scene’s going in the book.

4. The Pinterest Spiral

I tell myself I’ll just open Pinterest for “inspiration.” An hour later, I have:

• 47 pictures of moody castles

• 12 enemies-to-lovers quotes

• An entire board titled “Vibes✨”

• And zero new words written

But I feel inspired. That counts for something, right?

5. Reading Something Amazing and Getting Jealous

There is no greater motivator than reading someone else's beautiful, heartbreaking, soul-punching writing and screaming internally, “Why can’t I write like this???”

So I open a blank document, fueled by a weird cocktail of envy, admiration, and pure spite.

The result? 3,000 words of chaotic brilliance or an outline that looks like a grocery list. Either way, I’m back in the game, babe.

6. Music That Ruins My Life (In a Good Way)

A single lyric can send me spiraling into an entire story arc. I’ll be completely normal and then BAM—some singer croons something like “She loved me in war, but forgot me in peace,” and I’m sobbing, crafting a seven-book series.

Thanks to playlists, I now associate emotional breakdowns with Spotify Premium. No regrets.

7. Sheer Emotional Breakdown

Inspiration also comes from crying at 1 a.m. about literally anything:

• I miss a person who doesn’t exist.

• I imagined a beautiful love that lives only in chapter 14.

• My character just made a life-altering decision, and I am not okay.

People ask if I’m emotionally stable. No. But I am productive.

8. That One Quote That Haunts You

You know the one. You read it and something inside you snaps.

“You don't need a blade. I would bleed if only you asked.”

Next thing I know, I’m sitting cross-legged on the floor, writing like I’ve been possessed by a Victorian poet with abandonment issues.

9. Deadlines, Panic, and the Threat of Disappointment

Finally, if all else fails, nothing inspires quite like panic. A looming deadline. A promise you made to yourself. That one friend who keeps asking “How’s the book coming along?” with innocent eyes and evil intentions.

Cue the coffee, the playlist, the two-day writing binge, and the temporary belief that you are, in fact, a literary genius.

Until you reread it the next morning.

Final Thoughts (and Snacks)

Inspiration isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it’s a whispered thought at midnight. Sometimes it’s envy, chaos, or a mental breakdown dressed as productivity.

But you know what? That’s okay.

If it makes you write—even if it starts with ducks in the Notes app, it counts.

So next time someone asks me, “Where do you get your inspiration from?” I’ll smile mysteriously and say, “From living.”

(But we both know it’s 60% panic, 30% Pinterest, and 10% emotional instability.)

Soo keep writing, no matter how messy or chaotic it is, because in the end it's what makes those words YOU.

By-Nyx❤

Writing Motivation #1

 In honour of one of our bloggers turning 15, here are 15 motivational quotes to start your day off sprinting (writing sprints).

1. "You do not have to be fire to burn. You only need to be awake." - Unknown

2. "Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most." - Attributed to Abraham Lincoln, and Psychotherapist Augusta F. Kantra.

3. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it's the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

4. "Everyone has a story, a writer is the only one brave enough to tell it." - Abigail

5. "You have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life?" - Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Poetry

Words are like water. They can be anything, mean anything—and yet they shape everything. They are all around us. 

Poetry, like any other style of writing, is the gathering of words onto a page, into a breath. Yet unlike an essay, or a story, poetry is formless, limitless. Poetry, at the very least, will make you blink; a powerful poem will make you want to cry, or laugh. Poetry is life changing, thought-provoking, and -–perhaps most importantly—beautiful, and unique. 

Why should you read poetry? It can be quiet. A breath of peace in a loud, busy world; a small moment of magic in the everyday. It can also be loud, an intriguing wake-up call, a cry for action, something that needs to be heard. Poetry is inspiring. And it can be healing—not just to read, but to write.

Why should you write poetry? Because words are magical. Because in writing, you discover parts of yourself you never knew existed. Because in the act of creation, you find release, understanding, and connection. Sometimes poetry is a truth just for you, and sometimes the world needs it. It is the expression of life, a way to make sense of the world.

Poetry isn’t just a bunch of rhyming words. There are ever so many ways to write poetry, outside of the rhyme schemes and stanzas we learn about in school. Of course, formal poems like this can be incredible, but there’s more to life than perfect, conformed writing. Free verse is the poetry that has no rules or form—for some, like breathing, or journaling, it can be a way of expressing themselves. It is not conformed in any way, as it doesn't rhyme, and the lines and stanzas can be of any length. Other, more structured styles of poetry include sonnets, limericks, and traditional or cultural poems such as haikus.   

I hope that to those of you who understand poetry this was a reminder to connect, again, with a poem or two; and for those of you who are newer here, I hope that this has opened your eyes to a new way of reading and writing poetry. Whoever you are, may poetry guide you through the darkest—and the brightest—parts of your life.

Beta reading #2: How to have a successful beta-reader/writer relationship: Building bridges

Preface: 

Before I get into this weeks content, the StoryBridge team wants to congratulate you all for being here!

Why? Because it's no easy task to trust others with your creativity or be tactful and truthful in your reviews. 

Yet you've decided to try, and that's half the battle. Which is why I've decided to make a simple, step-by-step guide on getting the most of your beta-reader/writer pairing. The analogy I'll be using is inspired by our namesake, hence: "Building bridges."

Step 1: Know your foundation

"The whole point of a beta reader is to get into the nitty-gritty subjects—deeper than just "what did you like and what didn't you like?" 

Writes Abigail in part 1 of this series: 
https://storybridgeteens.blogspot.com/2025/05/beta-reading-as-teenager-1.html

The reason many beta-readers struggle getting past this basic question is because they don't have an answer. 

It sounds silly, but it's near impossible to deeply engage with literature without self-awareness. 

So, while your waiting to receive your pairing, ask yourself these questions:

What do I value in stories?

    Outside perspective is one of the most valuable things beta-readers can offer. Which is why it's key to recognize the biases you bring to a WIP, and learn how to communicate accordingly. Think about the books that have stayed with you long after finishing them. Was it because of how relatable the characters were? Or that the world was so immersive you forget your own troubles for a while? No matter what it is, the young author you are working with is aiming to make the same lasting effect, and it's your job to help steer them.

What kind of reader am I? (Analytical, emotional, etc)

    Are you the kind of person who always notices plot holes? Or do you focus on vibes? Do you have story "turn offs?"  For example, a certain trope you dislike, pacing technique or description style? Whatever your reading process and 'icks' looks like, understanding them will help to avoid being offensive or seen as "lack luster" in your reviews.

Bonus tip: If you're feeling extra reflective, ask yourself: “Am I open to reading stories that don’t match my usual taste?”

Growth as a beta-reader means learning when to lean into your preferences—and when to step outside them. Not every WIP will feel like your dream read, but practicing curiosity and care anyway builds your feedback muscles like nothing else.

Here is a fun breakdown of more types of readers if your interested: https://arapahoelibraries.org/blogs/post/what-type-of-reader-are-you/

Step 2: Create your dream team

Once you've completed your self-reflection and been paired with a writer, it's time to start working.

"But how do two strangers who might have totally different personalities learn how to collaborate online?" 

I'm glad you asked! While showing respect is a no brainer, establishing rapport with someone takes more than manners. 

It requires: 

• Time

    You're probably not going to click with someone after your first discussion.

It's okay to feel shy or hesitant, and verbalizing those feelings might even help writers relate to you. So be patient and remember great partnerships don't grow overnight.

• Genuine enthusiasm

Think about a time where you had to share something personal. Maybe it was a reflective group project, therapy session, or school talent show. No matter the scenario, I'm sure encouragement, and friendly faces would have made you more comfortable.

• Clear Feedback

While communicating with a young writer, remember that they are sharing something very personal that is often shunned in todays society: Imagination, and  creativity. So find something positive to share about their work every time you communicate. Now, there's no need to lie about something, but sometimes it can be hard to express how a piece of literature makes you feel. So here are some "plug in" phrases to use when your stuck on giving compliments.

1. "Your use of (figurative language device) during (conversation/scene) really elevates this chapter."
2. "I like how instead of (trope/cliché) you bring your own spin to (genre/archetype)"
3.     2.  This (stand-out line/dialogue) - stuck out to me because of (uniqueness, voice, foreshadowing etc.)
4.     3. (Character name) adds lots of (humor, contrasting perspective, relatability) to the story.

• Making mistakes

Online communication can be tricky due to a lack of verbal and body language cues. And this factor doubles when communicating with someone new. 

With that said, know that mistakes are not only human, but necessary. 

None of us likes accidentally offending or being offended, but once we have those moments. we can work on digging deeper into our relationships. Understanding the other person's boundaries and sensitivities is key to a positive relationship. 

As the cartoon teacher Ms. Frizzle says: "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!"

Step 3: Design a blueprint

It's almost time to get into the reason were all here: supporting the next generation of authors! 

But just like construction workers, if you and your partner aren't in agreement on how your partnership (bridge) should look, it will crumble.

To avoid this, one of your first conversations should be making a game plan. Some things you'll need to discuss are:

• How many minutes/hours a week your willing to put toward collaborating. Are you planning to check in once a week? Send edits chapter-by-chapter? Do you both want deadlines, or are you keeping things flexible? Even a casual partnership works best with clear expectations.

• Ask: “What pace works for your schedule right now?” or “Would it help if I reminded you about your goals midweek?”

• What platforms for editing and communicating you will use. (On the sign up form you have the option to let StoryBridge set this up for you.)

• Talk about the tone you’re both comfortable with when giving/receiving feedback. Some writers love blunt critique. Others need a bit of cushion first. There’s no right or wrong—it’s just about clarity.
• You might ask: “Would you like detailed edits or general impressions first?” or “How do you like feedback phrased?”

• Any objectives/goals. Is most of your time together dedicated to: Finalizing a draft, Revising a  specific scene, Encouragement to meet daily word count, Plot brainstorming, Proofreading, etc.

• Discuss any sensitive subjects. The StoryBridge team will do their best to make sure beta-readers/writers are content compatible, but we make mistakes. Having this conversation will ensure if either party is uncomfortable with certain topics or discussions we can quickly make new matches.

Step 4: Always bring your hard hat

Even with all the planning and good intentions in the world, bumps in the bridge are bound to happen.

That’s why it’s essential to approach beta reading with a growth mindset. For yourself and for the writer you’re working with.

So, what does this look like?

• Be honest, not harsh. Constructive criticism should build, not break. Even tough feedback can come from a place of kindness.

• Don’t assume the worst. If your partner forgets a deadline or a message comes off wrong, pause before reacting. Most misunderstandings come from miscommunication, not malice.

• Ask questions, don’t just give answers. Sometimes the best feedback comes from curiosity. Try:
  “What’s your vision for this scene?”
  “Would you be open to trying ____ instead?”
  “What emotion are you hoping readers feel here?”

• Set boundaries, and respect theirs. Burnout doesn’t help anyone. Life happens. Communicate honestly if you're overwhelmed or need a break, and encourage your partner to do the same.

Bridges built strong can still flex with the wind. Don’t be afraid of challenges—they’re part of what makes the bond real.

Step 5: Celebrate the view

By this point, you've done a lot of work. Self-reflection, interpersonal communication, new collaborations, and maybe even cried over a chapter or two. That’s worth celebrating.

So before you start the next round of edits or tackle the next section of a story, take a moment to appreciate what you and your partner have created: A relationship built on shared creativity and mutual growth.

Some ways to “celebrate the view”:

• Send a quick note of encouragement after a tough draft.

• Share a favorite line or scene back to the writer, like a mirror.

• Ask to beta for future projects.

• Thank your partner. It matters more than you think.

Beta reading isn’t just about helping a story shine. It’s about lifting each other up in the process.

Thanks for reading!

Here at StoryBridge, we believe stories change the world. But not just the ones on the page. The story between you and your fellow young writer matters just as much.

You’ve taken the leap, decided to help someone shape their voice, and maybe even learned more about your own in the process. 

So whether you're a first-time beta or a seasoned feedback wizard, know this:

You’re not just crossing a bridge, you’re helping build one.

Keep creating. Keep connecting. Keep showing up.

If there's something I missed that you'd like to see explored in another part, leave a comment below.

Until next time, shalom!

- Nadia

Everything you need to know about Character Profiles as a teen writer

 Before we take a deep dive into today's topic I would like to congratulate you for taking the first big step in writing your dream book. Planning. If you haven't seen the first part of this series go check it out here.

What are character profiles?

I think of character profiles as IDs or Passports that grants your chosen character permission into your writing world. Without it they are simply trespassers that are taking up brain space. I know it is fun  daydreaming about the handsome siren that will appear in book two, but sometimes your creativity is needed for your present project.

Character Mistakes You’re Probably Making as a Teen Writer

Besides the actual writing and plot of your book, the characters are arguably the most important part. And yet, it’s often the part that most teens (and beginner writers) get wrong. But the flaws in the characters themselves don’t begin with the writing — they start when the characters are still just ideas.

Mistake 1: Too Much Tragedy

Also known as the tragic backstory.

Thanks to BookTok and Bookstagram, there’s been a rise in characters with abusive pasts or dark, traumatic histories. And as heart-wrenching as these are, your book should not feel like an episode of America’s Got Talent. The “winners” — the reader’s favorite characters — shouldn’t be shaped by something so heavy if it doesn’t truly belong to them.

The average background for the average character. This is some people's unfortuanate reality so don't just have it as a trope

As a teen, I get the appeal of these characters.
Morrigan Crow, Keefe Sencen... the list goes on and on.

What they all have in common is this:

• Their pasts genuinely shape who they are, and that directly affects the plot.

• Their backstories follow one of the hardest rules for teen writers — the dreaded “show, don’t tell.”

Take Keefe. His emotional abuse by his father is shown through small moments — a line here, an interaction there. It builds slowly, making the later twists hurt even more.

Or Morrigan. We see how her family treats her. It’s woven through the story, and we understand the impact it has as the series progresses.

These things aren’t just explained in a few flashbacks or tossed in for drama. They’re not costumes that can be put on or taken off. These characters carry their tragedies like tattoos — permanent, defining, and real.

And — most importantly — not every character in their world is like this. Usually (with some exceptions), only a small handful have these painful backstories.

So please, I beg you, teen writer to teen writer:
Don’t give every one of your creations a sob story.
Because eventually, your readers’ tear ducts will dry up. And when that happens, you’ll have nothing left to give.

So now that we’ve (hopefully) toned down the tragedy, let’s move on to the second point.

Youtubers you need to watch when writing a book as a teenager

Hey all!
Welcome to Post #2 in the Writing a Book as a Teenager series. Today, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite authors on YouTube who really helped me while writing — and can help you too!

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1. Brandon Sanderson

Yes, the icon is on YouTube! Go check out his video:
👉 5 Tips For Writing Your First Novel

It’s the perfect place to start, especially if you’re a lover of fantasy and his novels. There are also a few videos aimed specifically at teenagers, so be sure to check them out.

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2. Abbie Emmons

If you want to learn all about structuring and outlining your novel, this is your first stop. Abbie has many videos walking you through the process step-by-step. Although her content is mostly aimed at an older audience, you’re never too young to follow her advice.

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3. Jed Herne

If you’re writing a sci-fi or fantasy novel and want advice from someone who went through the process of writing a book in high school, this is your guy. Not only does he understand the struggle of being a teen writer, but a lot of his advice applies specifically to you.

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4. Alyssa Matesic

Your publishing guardian angel. She was part of one of the most successful and well-known publishing houses, and now she’s a professional editor posting videos to help you. I found her content incredibly informative — especially if you're hoping to publish one day. Thanks to her do’s and don’ts, I finally have a novel I can be proud of (even if it’s not the next Harry Potter).

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5. Ana Neu

Lastly, Ana Neu — your new writing bestie. She regularly shares her struggles with writing and trying to get published, which makes being a teen writer feel a lot less lonely. Her relatable content and podcast keep you engaged, renewing your motivation often.

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And then there’s me.
I might not be a YouTuber, but I was (and still am) a teenager who went through the exact same thing. Now, I can proudly say I wrote a book — published or not — after years bent over the computer. If you ever need motivation, just pop a comment down below or check out my other posts to give yourself a new spark of energy. ✨

Outlining a novel: Specifically for teenagers

 So, you want to write a book? But you have no idea how. Well, you have come to the right place!

Hi, I am Abigail, your new writing bestie and today we will be looking at how to outline your novel.

Why should we outline a novel?

Be the Change: One letter at a time

People said, "Don't do volunteering for the wrong reasons." 
I didn't listen. 
And that ended up changing my life forever. What started as an extracurricular activity to impress colleges ended up becoming a school wide campaign that I run as part of my role of being a Junior City Councillor.

So here is what I did and what you can do to make a difference. #BeTheChange

15 Daily Literacy Examples

In one of my last posts, I talked about the importance of literacy. So here are 15 everyday tasks that require reading and writing:

1. Reading a text or email

1. Checking bank statements

2. Reading the menu at a café

3. Following a recipe

4. Reading subtitles while watching a movie (we've all done it)

5. Writing notes to study for a test (We should be doing this one)

Beta reading as a teenager? #1

Hi, all!
After starting StoryBridge, I have been getting a lot of questions on what beta reading even is. So buckle up, because this is going to be a long ride.

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What is Beta Reading?

Before we dive into the do's and don'ts of beta reading, it is best to start with the simple act of grasping the concept.

Beta reading is the act of others reading your works—specifically potential books—before it is published. However, a beta reader isn't just a friend saying they like the work. The whole point of a beta reader is to get into the nitty-gritty subjects—deeper than just "what did you like and what didn't you like?" Beta readers actively try to spot mistakes and come up with ways for the author to resolve them without overstepping their reading boundaries.

Beta readers usually look at the following:

The Importance of Literacy

Think about what brought you here today—to this post, this page.
You probably opened a search engine, typed in a few words, and clicked a title that caught your eye.

But let’s go a little deeper.
To type those words, you needed to know them. To choose this post, you needed to read the title. And to get this far, you’ve needed to read every line.

You needed to read.

Reading has been embedded in human life for centuries. Today, over 4,000 languages exist in written form. But writing isn’t just a modern development—ancient civilizations also created scripts to communicate, preserve, and innovate.

• The Ancient Egyptians developed hieroglyphics around 3100 BCE.

• The Indus Valley Civilization developed the Indus script around 2600 BCE.

• The Chinese Civilization introduced the Oracle Bone Script by 1200 BCE.

These are just a few examples. Many of these scripts evolved over time—for instance, the Oracle Bone Script influenced the Chinese characters still used today.

Written language often emerged out of necessity. Classical Latin, primarily a written form, was used in Roman literature, law, and oratory. Meanwhile, Vulgar Latin—the everyday spoken version—eventually evolved into the Romance languages we know today: Spanish, French, Italian, and more.

This shows how deeply literacy has shaped civilizations.
So why would that change now, 2000+ years later?
Why should we stop caring about literacy today?

There’s no reason.

Reading and writing have become so normalized in our world that we often forget how powerful they truly are. But as action-education.org points out, 773 million adults cannot read. To put that into perspective: there are around 5.26 billion adults in the world. That means 14% of adults today are illiterate.

Now, think back to how you got here. How much reading did that require?

To make use of education, you need to study. And to study, you need to read.

Most jobs require reading and writing just to apply. Many require degrees—which in turn require years of schooling. How can someone get a degree if they couldn’t finish school because they couldn’t read in the first place? And even if they could, how would they afford it?

So the cycle continues.

Literacy affects the poverty cycle.
Literacy affects employment.
Literacy affects the world.

Literacy is more than just words on a page. Literacy is power.

So the next time you ask why you have to learn a language at school, when you complain about that essay you need to write, or when you're told to read a book for class—
remember this:

Literacy is a gift that 14% of people in the world don’t have.

How to plan a book as a teenager

So, you want to write a book? Yet, you have no clue how to do it or even where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place! If you’re new here: Hi, I’m Abigail. I’ve had my fair share of teenage experiences, one of which is writing a book. So here’s my advice to you:

1. Idea:

The premise of the book is the most important part. After all, this is the part that has to hook literary agents (if you want to go the traditional publishing route). But how does one determine if the idea is good?

Put the idea in the most simple terms possible. If the idea sounds familiar or uninteresting, it might not be the best decision to continue. It might come across as too plain or too surface-level. If the idea offers the opportunity for a deeper dive, you have something to work with.

This is not the case for all ideas, however. Some, like Harry Potter, follow the hero's journey structure religiously and are still successful. It’s just a common rule of thumb to avoid losing readers' interest.