I’ve always thought it would be fun to post an excerpt from a book when it was a WIP, then post the published version of that same excerpt, just to show how much the first draft of a book can differ from what’s published. You learn so much about your characters and what’s happening to…
Subplots
There are tons of great mystery authors out there who write fantastic mysteries. Some of my favorites are: Lorna Barrett, Elizabeth Peters (Nobody beats the Emersons!!)/Barbara Michaels (as Barbara Michaels she’s also brilliant. Stitches in Time is one of my favorite books), Janet Evanovich, Juliet Blackwell, Charlaine Harris, Carolyn Hart, PD James, David Baldacci (I…
The Perfect, Inexpensive Date Night…according to a romance author
Movie Night I am an unrepentant and sappy romantic. I love all things that have to do with romance. That goes double for romantic dates, which probably isn’t surprising since I write romance. But there seems to be a disconnect somewhere between men and women. Women say they want romance and men see dollar signs….
That Wall Came Out of Nowhere
Long ago, on a word processor far, far away, I sat down at my computer and began to type my first novel. I was a novice at fiction so things like info dropping meant nothing to me. I also didn’t know anything about outlining a story before I began. I simply sat at my desk…
The Best Cookie Recipe Ever!
Taste of Home Winning Recipes Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies… Believe me when I say these cookies are amazing! The recipe isn’t mine, though. It comes from the, Taste of Home Winning Recipes cookbook. Click this link if you’d like to have your own cookbook. Hands down, it’s my favorite cookbook. Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, softened…
Plotting vs. Flying By The Seat of Your Pants writing
I used to think of myself as spontaneous, but upon closer inspection I’ve come to realize that there isn’t much about me that’s spontaneous. I weigh options before making a decision, I research a topic before taking a strong stance on either side; I like to plan and think through everything I do. So it’s…
I’m an introvert…but what does that mean?
Yes, I’m an introvert. No, I don’t think most people know what that means. Being an introvert doesn’t mean I’m shy, although some introverts are very shy. I’m not shy. Not at all. Not even a little. I love interacting with people. All people. New people, people I’ve known for a while, people I’ll only…
Art Where I Least Expect It
Saturday (yesterday) was my first time going to Bedford Centerfest. Centerfest is a community festival that takes place in Bedford, VA every year. The downtown shops of Bedford are open, and there are food vendors, crafts, live music, history, and craft beer. Essentially, it’s an opportunity for Bedford to show visitors why they should be…
Things I Learned at the Big Lick Comic-Con
I had so much fun at the Big Lick Comic-Con this past Saturday! On a side note, it was empowering to set off, on my own and spend the day around other creatives. In the past, I would only have done something like this if I had someone to go with. Now, there’s something wonderful…
How I use music to inspire my writing
Music is like magic. Put a song on and you’re transported back to where you were the first time you heard that song, or maybe you’re transported back to your first kiss. Or the first time you fell in love. Music is like magic. That’s why I use it to get me in the mood…to…
The Path to Authorpreneurship – Part 4
The Path to Authorpreneurship – Part 4 – Edits and Revisions! This is the fun part. Ha! I’m lying. At least partially. Edits are not fun. Revisions are, so let’s talk about revisions first. Revisions – A lot of new writers think that they’re supposed to sit down, crank out a book, and it’ll be…
How to Handle FAILURE!
This may come as a surprise, but everyone has failed. People who are at the top of their field, they all have failed. Singer/songwriter, Sade, was turned down by numerous record companies. One record company rep told her to get out of the music business because he didn’t think she had a voice! JK Rowling’s…
