Writers – Phyllis A. Still

Character History: Research and Organizational Tips

December 14, 2018

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 … More Character History: Research and Organizational Tips

Interview With Story Circle Network

August 19, 2018

So proud to share my interview with Story Circle Network’s, Pat Bean. Learn more about me and Story Circle Network here:

Review Options for Indy Authors

January 28, 2018

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 … More Review Options for Indy Authors

There Really Are Reindeer

December 16, 2017

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 … More There Really Are Reindeer

Self-doubt: An Authors Worst Enemy

December 12, 2017

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 … More Self-doubt: An Authors Worst Enemy

C. S. Lakin: Professional Help

September 26, 2016

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 … More C. S. Lakin: Professional Help

My Group Therapy

May 27, 2015

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.

Antagonists: Mr. Punch is Not Nice

April 23, 2015

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.

Scrivener Brain Version?

April 13, 2015

Scrivener stores, organizes, compiles, and so much more. I use the Windows version and love it. Now, if only there were a brain version. I can dream… In the mean time, I’m enjoying the tutorial YouTube videos by Karen Prince. Happy writing!

Lay/Laid and Lie/Lain

April 9, 2015

I made up this dialogue quip to keep them straight. “Lay the object down now.” “I laid the object down yesterday.” “I have laid the object down every day.” “Don’t lie.” “I’m going to lie down now.” “I lay down last night.” “I have lain many times.” Even though fictional stories are most often written in … More Lay/Laid and Lie/Lain