Alexa's Background: Manuscript for Murder was one of the first things I started to write. Those who know me well have often "suggested" that I might have literary ADD--the inability to keep my attention fixed on one work in progress at a time. It's one reason I have several dozen books in Continue Reading
All I Want For Christmas Is a Short Story?
(Merry Christmas from all of us at Just the Write Escape) A Mama for Christmas Toys filled the shelves—cars, robots, games, plush animals, and dolls. Two full aisles of dolls, to be precise. Dolls that looked like little girls of eight, Barbies, mini dolls, baby dolls, dolls that wet, cried, Continue Reading
Lessons Learned in Argosy Junction
Background of Argosy Junction: Argosy Junction began as a NaNoWriMo challenge. In 2007, my NaNo challenge to myself was to write about a subject near and dear to my heart. Phariseeism and what happens when it grows into legalism. In Argosy Junction, a small group of like-minded families grows Continue Reading
The Californian’s Guide to the Eastern US- Part 2
It's my unprofessional opinion that those in the Southeastern US are GENIUSES. I mean, these folks are pretty much amazing. I am not being hyperbolic or sarcastic/facetious/snotty. I believe this with all my heart. Proof? Street signs. You see that sign to the left? That's supposedly one Continue Reading
The Californian’s Survival Guide to the Eastern US: Part 1
Or TCSGTTEUS (Looks like Betelgeuse's red-headed step-child's name, doesn't it?) This summer, I took two major trips. The first was to Minneapolis where our family rented a car (okay, a 12 passenger, gas-guzzling van the likes of which we haven't driven in five years!). So we all piled in said Continue Reading
Welcome to…
What have I been up to? Why do I feel like "I've arrived" once more? I'll tell you! See, last Wednesday, I flew to AsheVOLL (I'll explain that in another post) North Carolina. I spent Labor Day weekend laboring on Project Stephen and then began the long drive from Buladean, NC to Morgantown, WV Continue Reading
Lessons Learned in Past Forward
Background for Past Forward: Most of my books begin with a premise--a "what if" question of sorts. Past Forward is different in that I "discovered" Willow as a person first. I knew who she was, how she was different, how she was interesting. I just didn’t know her history until I thought about who Continue Reading
Lessons Learned: in Speak Now
"You're really good at authentic dialogue." I don't remember who said it, but I remember thanking her and going back to look at my work. I agreed. Most of it was rather realistic. But I noticed something. Most of my scenes were very dialogue-driven. And that got me thinking... What would Continue Reading
Lessons Learned: in Prairie
I decided that I wanted to do a series of blog posts chronicling the things I've learned as I wrote different books. When I'm writing a book, I often come away with something from that book--either a character (or characters) or a theme that really impacted me in some way. I decided to start this Continue Reading
Attention Carol R:
I received an email from Carol R------. She's looking for Episode 11. I would love to email her volume 3 (which includes episodes 10-14) but I can't. The email she provided is bouncing. I think it's valid, because it's the same one she used for the newsletter, but my email says no. So, I'm Continue Reading
Noble Pursuits: Re-edited!
Thirteen years ago, with my newborn son sleeping in his Moses basket beside me and my other children doing schoolwork, playing, or otherwise engaged in doing kid stuff. I'd been working on my first book--Aggie's Inheritance (Now Ready or Not)--and had a new idea. I'd read something once. I think Continue Reading
Ready or Not! Here 2013 Comes!
We're getting close on so many projects! It's unreal! I'm absolutely amazed at how much is coming in such a short time! What's with the exclamation points! I feel like I'm in Jr. High! All I need to do is italicize everything and man!!!! ;) This week Deceptive Appearances got a new title. Continue Reading
