Happy Holidays!
From my house to yours, Happy Holidays!
Read MoreWhy DO Writers Write?
I’m not saying I have the answer – I’m hoping you writers will answer in the comments. But I do know the answer for me. What an amazing, complex life we lead, populated with people unlike us and experiences we couldn’t imagine, much less foresee. I’m fascinated by the kaleidoscope of change, and how other…
Read MoreWhere Has the Boredom Gone?
I’ll try not to go off on a ‘good ol’ days’, Boomer rant. Because I love the instantaneous accessibility to every bit of information, the myriad of entertainment selections – the ease of our modern day world. But you have to admit, with everything gained, things have been lost too (turns out, you really can’t…
Read MoreThe Bottom Block of the Writer’s Pyramid
You need many abilities to be a writer: Storytelling, voice, a grasp of grammar, be able to evoke emotions, plot…I could go on. And on. But these are skills. They can be learned, or at least improved upon. This is a tough gig. It can take decades of work to create a worthy work of…
Read MoreThe Illusion of Control
This one isn’t just for authors. I learned very early in the school of hard knocks that I had very little control in life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Midwest girl, so if it’s something I DO have control of, I work hard to shape the outcome. But sadly, there seems to be so…
Read MoreBand Aids on the Past
I’m not a mental health professional – all my observations are from my life and what I see of others around me. Many of us grew up in war zones, with distracted parents. They say every child needs one person who thinks they’re ‘all that’, who is their advocate and supporter, no matter what. Some…
Read MoreWhere I’m From
If you like this, you can make your own! You can find a template for how to do it, HERE. Where I’m From I’m from Johnson Baby Oil, lemon juice hair bleach, and swimming pool perfume. From standing on towels to protect bare feet from hot asphalt, waiting to pay Smitty the Ice Cream Man.…
Read MoreIntriguing 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?…
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