On Writing
The Big Idea: The Weight We Carry
Many authors practice literary citizenship in one way or another. Some lead a class for their local library, others, like me, run author interviews. John Scalzi, acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author of a plethora of books, runs a post called The Big Idea on his website (Whatever Scalzi) for guest bloggers. There, authors give…
Read MoreDear Audiobook Narrator
Dear Audiobook Narrator, I’ve recently begun to listen to audiobooks, almost exclusively. My eyes have gotten tired from so many hours on the computer, and I also have a cataract developing in each eye (to be dealt with later this summer). Listening to audiobooks allows my eyes the rest they need and deserve. More importantly,…
Read More25 Authors and Their Best Advice for Young Authors
I was thrilled to participate in Hasty Book List’s celebration of Young Writer Day on April 10. Ashley Hasty has curated the advice of 25 authors—including me! What did I have to say? Something I would have liked to hear when I was a kid: Read everything and anything you can. Take your favorite books…
Read MoreHappy 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…
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