Intriguing First Lines
I have a thing about first lines. I love reading them, love writing them. I’ve been pulled into a book by just a first line alone. There are many types of first lines: irony, catalyst, comparison, asking a question, dilemma, interesting character, high concept and humor. (if you want to know more about these, I…
Read MoreBalance and How to Get Better at it (not just for writers)
I was listening to a Creative Penn Podcast on my walk today, and Joanna Penn was interviewing Dan Holloway, author, runner and teacher of how to be more creative (something I need work on – I’m going to buy his book, Creative Doing on the subject.) But one thread of the fascinating conversation was about…
Read MoreThe Writer’s Life Still Surprises Me
I just looked it up – I started writing my first novel in 1997. Twenty-five years and 14 novels later, you’d think I’d have myself figured out by now. But every book, I discover new things about myself and this writing thing. Here’s a few examples: 1. I have to write. When did that happen?…
Read MoreIt’s Women’s Fiction Day!
EDITED FOR WINNERS! Andrea Smith & Nalria Gaddy, watch for an email from me (check spam filter if you don’t see it). Everyone else – I hope you’ll consider buying a copy! https://www.thestoryplant.com/the-road-to-me In honor of Women’s Fiction Day, I’m giving away two copies of The Road to Me! In case you’re not familiar,…
Read MoreThe Book Release Hangover
From the ‘thingstheynevertellyou’ file. After a looong time writing, even longer time editing, and interminable waiting, you finally have a new book coming out. The cover reveal is a blast, and you’ve gotten tons of wonderful comments! The unboxing of the books at your house was amazing, all captured for social media and spread liberally.…
Read MoreWeakness: Your Greatest Strength
I saw this meme on social media today, and it reminded me of a huge discovery I made that changed how I saw the world. See, I’ve been an outlier all my life. As a kid, I was a dreamer. My mother told me to get ready for school only to come back five minutes…
Read MoreTest Day
A quick piece of Flash Fiction I wrote this morning: TEST DAY I don’t know if we were born to the same family for each other, or if it was random. But I’ve heard you get closer to a fellow comrade during war—even if it’s a domestic one. It was okay that we both supported…
Read MoreBook Trailer – The Road to Me
In Honor of Domestic Abuse Month
When people ask me why I started writing, I lie. I tell them that I had an idea that wouldn’t let me go. And that’s true, as far as it goes. But it’s the reason it wouldn’t let me go that is the real story. I’m not going to bore you with all the backstory…
Read MorePreview!
Reading the first few pages of my March, 2022 release, The Road to Me:
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