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 As a still-yet-unpublished writer, I found this a bit overwhelming, but also a fantastic glimpse of what is … Read More
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
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
Happy Friday! I hope you are looking for a good weekend read, because I am very excited to let everyone know about Sarah Sundin‘s newest book, A Memory Between Us. Her first novel, A Distant Melody, has been my favorite book of this past year (see Book Pick from April 8, 2010). I couldn’t wait to get … Read More
As we get into the long, lazy days of summer… Um, what happened to those? Are YOU experiencing lazy days? Right now, I’m juggling day camps, dance classes, play dates and trips to the pool. This summer has been anything but lazy. Oh, help… I’m turning into one of THOSE parents (the whiny, overscheduled ones). Well, … Read More
Now that the heat of summer is upon us, it’s time to either retreat into the air conditioning or stretch out in the sunshine — your choice — with a great book. If you need a little excitement to spice up your summer, try out this new title by firefighter/paramedic/author Shawn Grady, Tomorrow We Die. … Read More
Last night I went to our public library without my kids. (Gasp!) The public library (in any town) has always been my “happy place.” I love the smell, the quiet, the possibilities. I love to run my hand down the spines of all the books, knowing that I could never possibly read them all. It is simply … Read More
Today I will continue my series on Common Writing Mistakes Made by New Writers (Like me) with “Beginning with Chapter One.” If you want to catch up on the other posts (in no particular order), read Back Up the Dump Truck, Battling Backstory, Talking to Yourself, and Couch Potato Characters. Today’s common writing mistake is … Read More
Friday is here! Finally — right? Are you looking for a great way to relax this weekend? Try Mona Hodgson‘s new book, Two Brides Too Many. It’s a fun read about two Eastern girls who answer ads for mail order brides and arrive in Colorado only to find their expected husbands are missing. Finding their … Read More
Welcome back to my series: Common Mistakes Made By New Writers (Like Me). This is part four: Couch Potato Characters or Characters Who Never Move. Feel free to read back through previous posts to read about information dumps, battling backstory and characters who talk to themselves. It’s not necessary to read these posts in any particular … Read More