My Publisher Died Now What?
Transitions
Transitions don’t just lead into the next thing; they make an impact. My mom spent the last several months in the hospital—not improving—not able to care for herself at home anymore. I went to the hospital to see her before Christmas. I brought her a red Poinsettia—her favorite color to brighten her gloomy room. But …
Writers Need Help
Introduction For My Vlog
Character History: Research and Organizational Tips
A writer discovers characters by inspiration or by accident. Their stories are so incredible or inspirational they must be shared. The blessing of imagination allows characters to share their personal histories with the writer who becomes the ghostwriter. As a writer of historical fiction, my research requires discovering descriptions, timelines, and eye-witness accounts of real-life …
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Review Options for Indy Authors
The excitement of having books published these days wanes as a certain entity no longer allows family and friends to post reviews. For authors who publish with small press or self-publish, family and friends are the first readers. They desire to post honest reviews. Unfortunately, unethical authors have ruined this venue for everyone. I understand …
There Really Are Reindeer
We lived in Phoenix Arizona in 1968. This event really happen! I wanted to keep the proof in a baggie, in the freezer, but my momma said, "No!"  There Really Are Reindeer One Christmas morning, back in my youth—I remember it well My brother told me a most wonderful tale. It seems, Santa doesn’t …
Self-doubt: An Authors Worst Enemy
Authors are plagued with self-doubt and worry over silly things. Harper Lee, for one, threw her whole manuscript for To Kill a Mockingbird out her NYC window while editing. Fortunately, her publisher made her retrieve and finish the book. See, Fling Manuscript From the Window. Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter, Rose, stated in a diary entry the …
C. S. Lakin: Professional Help
While in the process of writing my first novel, I followed an agent’s blog who warned those wishing to query her not to, unless the manuscript had been professionally edited. She offered a list of recommended copy editors. From this list, I chose C. S. Lakin. From her website, Live, Write, Thrive, Lakin offers a …
My Group Therapy
Joining a critique group brings an end to the arrogant delusion of, "I have written a great story." In fact, I'm discovering some hard, and down right scary, things about myself. Scary fact one: My main character lacks emotional responses to events and family members. Should I be in intense therapy? Why is this so …
Antagonists: Mr. Punch is Not Nice
I watched my first Punch and Judy puppet show on YouTube—the gritty, not for children, version. And I have to say, some days I wish I had a slap stick, which would make me someone's antagonist, but there are people in this world who need a good whack. Mr. Punch lost favor with parents through the …
Phyllis A. Still 