I used to think all that would have to happen for me to write like crazy was for the world to fall away, leaving me alone to focus on my stories and characters. Well, you know what they say: be careful what you wish for. I am fortunate. I have my job. My family is...

I’ve probably mentioned before how much I love brainstorming. My creative streak is like a bouncy ball – give it a little push in any direction and it will fly. I’ve been neck-deep in work the last few weeks and the creativity has taken a hit. The creative voice,...

I tend to talk about the mechanics of writing. Honestly, it’s the part of writing that I’m comfortable with. I can discuss characterization and plot and POV. It’s not that I think I know it all; I just have solid opinions based on experience that I’m happy to share....

Would the Wizard of Oz be the same if Dorothy was a shy people-pleaser unwilling to take chances? What if Harry Potter had a loving aunt and uncle who raised him as their son instead of the “boy beneath the stairs?” Is Starr Carter’s dual life necessary to endear her...

Editing is tough. Editing means looking at your work in heartless ways. Does this character work? Does that action make sense? Does this part of the plot fit the overall story? What’s tough for me is that each word is written with heart and soul. I agonize over the...

I read a hilarious meme a few weeks back. How true it is! I refuse to do that math on this because I remember 1980 all too well! But you know what this means? New year, new year’s resolutions. I prefer goals – things I’m going to accomplish rather than things I’m...

I have learned recently I am a NWL. A “nice white lady.” I cannot put in strong enough terms how much I hated that term when I first read it. You could practically hear the snarl in the universe’s voice. If you’ve paid any attention to RWA lately you know what’s going...

Most of us have a book hidden somewhere – complete, incomplete, an alien time travel set during the Russian Revolution someone said would never sell. So what do you do with such a book?  I could remind you of books like The Help (rejected 60 times), or Chicken Soup...

Along with a lot of craziness over the best present for great-aunt Winnifred or a suitable White Elephant gift to take the office holiday party, I think this time of year sparks a ton of reflection over past choices. In just two days we’ll start a “new” year and with...