On Writing
Happy Book Birthday, Breakfast with the Billionaire
The day has finally come! For a story that started way back in 2014, it’s been a long road to publication, but here we are, celebrating a release day for Breakfast with the Billionaire! So far, some of my favorite comments about the book go like this: “Hmm. That’s a pretty steamy book. This is…
Read MoreBreakfast with the Billionaire Cover Reveal
It’s cover reveal day for Breakfast with the Billionaire. So of course, I had to share! This project has been in the works for some time, and when it came time to figure out a cover, I had no idea what to do. But I knew that I needed professional help, someone who knew the…
Read MoreHow to Handle Self-Doubt
Disclaimer: Profanity ahead. All four of my children are good writers, but only the youngest enjoys it. Which is great for me, as she and I swap plot lines and brainstorm ideas and figure out how to up the stakes. She’s an excellent writing partner, though she can’t read all my work (she is only…
Read MoreYou Can Do It
Several days ago, I received a lovely email from a reader: Hello! My name is [Student Name] and I am a student in the Creative Writing MFA Program at [College Name]. I am nearing graduation and am beginning a class, which is designed to prepare us for life as writers! For a course assignment, we…
Read MoreLiterary Mama: A Life Transformed
In January 2014, the online literary journal Literary Mama took a chance on a mama writer and editor living in Ohio who had very little professional editing or writing experience. While I no longer have the cover letter I sent to the then editors, it included something along the lines of “what I lack in…
Read MoreThe Treat Yourself and Your Family Giveaway!
I’m thrilled to be partnering with seven other Black Rose Writing authors with this holiday giveaway! Why not treat yourself or a loved one this month to a new story or two? One lucky winner has the chance to win eight ebooks that span the genres. In fact, there’s something for everyone in this free…
Read MoreDo the Math!
October has always been a month of reflection for me. A time when the leaves fall, the days become cooler, and the moments in my head spin endlessly as I assess where I am in life and where I’m going and if what I’m doing is working for me. Part of that assessment this year included looking at my Author…
Read MoreAre You Out There?
Years ago in graduate school, I discovered the wonder of Dar Williams. All of her songs resonate with me on some level, but the lyrics from one song in particular have stayed in my head for years. That song? “Are You Out There?” In it, Dar questions if someone can hear her and mentions that…
Read MoreBringing Your Characters to Life!
A few weeks ago, a friend and I were talking about writing. “I love writing character sketches,” I said. “I’m not really sure why. Character-driven stories aren’t really my thing.” My friend’s eyes widened. “They’re not? Um, you totally write character-driven stories.” Until then, I had no idea. Truly. I mean, I knew I didn’t…
Read MoreCelebrating Women’s Fiction Day!
UPDATE! Sally S. and Jennifer S. are winners! I’ll contact them via email. Thanks for participating! Welcome to Women’s Fiction Day! In 2019, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) established the day “to celebrate the authors, stories, readers, bookstores, and fans of the women’s fiction genre.” I’m a grateful member of WFWA, and I am…
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