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
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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
Happy New Year!
2012 was a really rough year for our family. After finally paying off the bills from the 2011 financial medical and dental fiasco, 2012 seemed to be going fine... until June 6th hit. My grandson tripped over a downed power line near their house and was electrocuted. After nearly a month in the Continue Reading
Christmas in Jackalopany…
In the silly world of not-so-fairy tale-like princesses, there are silly names like Rednecky, Froggilandria, Jackalopany, and Kaiandra. And in that world, live three very lovely young ladies. I got this picture in my inbox this week from a lovely family in the South. The mother said, " We Continue Reading
Another Everard Sneak Peek…
Craig is being so generous! Look at this. Can you imagine how AMAZING!???!!!???!!! I am so stinkin' EXCITED! Continue Reading
Sneak Peek of the Map for Everard…
Craig has been working hard. This man is amazing. I'm always blown away by what he comes up with. He sent a sneak peek of the map to share and I'm SO glad he did. Want to see? LOOK!!! This is just the KEY for the map. Look at the detail he puts into every single piece. I mean, come on! Continue Reading
Question Du Jour: How Do You…
Write so fast!!! I get an email at least once or twice a day from someone asking how I possibly write so fast. "You publish a new book every other day!" Ok, so no one has said that exactly, but the implication is there: how do I manage to pound out 90,000 words every other week. Today I give Continue Reading
Why Do Your Characters Do What They Do?
People ask me often, "Do your characters hold the same convictions and preferences that you do?" The answer: No. Not even close. My characters do things I heartily disagree with, don't have the guts to do, are exactly what I'd like to do if my thoughts and preferences were all that mattered Continue Reading
