For those budding writers out there, here is a deal you absolutely should NOT miss. I’ve been letting you know about freebies offered on Amazon for Kindle readers, and this is one of the best. Writing coach Randy Ingermanson (a.k.a. the “Snowflake Guy”) has put together some of his best writing tips in the book Writing … Read More
Don’t Miss The Amazon Freebies!
How many of you have made the leap into the digital world with your reading? I still haven’t decided whether to buy a Kindle, iPad or Nook, but I have discovered that I enjoy reading books on my Droid smartphone. With a free downloadable app, you can read Kindle e-books on your computer, iPad, iPhone, Droid, Blackberry … Read More
Mood Skin and Sparkles
We often use colors to describe ourselves: red with anger, feeling blue, a golden glow, green with envy. Aren’t you glad that we don’t actually turn colors with our moods? We wouldn’t even have to ask, “How are you?” And we couldn’t get away with a simple, “fine, thanks.” Everyone would know if you were lying. I wonder … Read More
Friday Book Pick: A Friend in the Storm by Cheryl Ricker
Friday is here again and this week I have a very special Friday Book Pick recommendation, Cheryl Ricker’s A Friend in the Storm. If you have you ever had a friend who is suffering so badly that you struggle to find any words to say, this is the book for you. When author Cheryl Ricker discovered that her … Read More
We ‘Otter’ Be Friends
I spent last week at an amazing writers retreat (hosted by Books&Such Literary Agency) in beautiful Monterey, California. It was exciting to sit around with other authors and discuss publishing, publicity, social networking and how to connect with your readers. As a still-yet-unpublished writer, I found this a bit overwhelming, but also a fantastic glimpse of what is … Read More
The Dangerous Creative Life
The tiny wooden mallets (or “hammers”) trembled, slipping around in my grasp. I adjusted the dulcimer on its wooden stand and glanced around the room. People were filing out, talking and laughing together at the end of the first Christmas service. Another service would begin soon. “It’s only fifteen minutes,” I murmured to myself. “Fifteen minutes of music between services and then you’re … Read More
Fading Fairy Dust
After receiving a good-night hug from my daughter last night, I noticed a tiny fleck of glitter on my arm. I couldn’t bring myself to brush it away. My husband and I used to laugh whenever we found loose bits of glitter on ourselves. “You’ve been fairy-dusted!” There’s something about having a little girl that suddenly your house becomes a … Read More
Friday Book Pick: The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
October is upon us and with it comes the images of ghosts and ghouls in every store window. This Friday Book Pick is a story that echoes with the voices of accused witches. Susan Meissner’s The Shape of Mercy is a hauntingly beautiful novel that should not be missed. Lauren, a young college student seeking independence from her wealthy family, answers an … Read More
Self-portrait in Words
Yesterday was a tough writing day. I wrote less than 50 words. Several times. You see, I’ve been asked to craft an “author’s bio.” Why is it so hard to describe ourselves? It’s odd how I can pump out1000 words in a few hours if I’m writing fiction, but if you ask me to write … Read More
Friday Book Pick: Tempting Titles for Teens
I’m a little late getting my Friday Book Pick posted for the week, but I am still excited to get it out for those of you looking for good books for the weekend. It’s still Friday on the West Coast, anyway. This week I’m highlighting some great new young adult titles. For suspense lovers: Brandilyn Collins is … Read More