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 …
5 Challenges to Guest Blogging
I’ve followed author, editor, and writing coach, C.S. Lakin for years. I’ve matured as a writer from her critiques, classes, and books. She loves helping writers at all levels. When I emailed her on a personal matter, she responded with sweet understanding, then shocked the heck out of me. “Why don’t you write me a …
What’s Happening?
Is your story idea good enough to become a book? Find out on my vlog. https://youtu.be/7St5HklxTUQ
Time to Write
How strong is your desire to write? In a 1964 interview, Harper Lee said, "Writing is a process of self-discipline you must learn before you can call yourself a writer. There are people who write, but I think they're quite different from people who must write." I've added this topic on my vlog. https://youtu.be/uVWkd4WohYc
Observations from an Introverted Novelist
Patty Wiseman: Where it All Started
This month’s guest blog post is from Award Winning Patty Wiseman who writes stories of strong women overcoming insurmountable odds. From historical to contemporary these romantic and suspenseful tales carry the message of survival by extraordinary women. Find Patty on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Amazon. WHERE IT ALL STARTED I was that kid with the …
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 …
Life is Messy…
Some days, you just have to spread everything across the floor and sort it out. My work in progress is a YA Historical Adventure, requiring abundant research notes, maps, and an accurate timeline for the plot. My head was about to explode. It reminds me of laundry day when my three, close in age, young …
Writing SlumpÂ
Chocolate makes it all better 🙂
The Downside of Critiques
There is a downside to receiving critiques from multiple writers/readers. For example, ten people will have ten different opinions on grammar and views of the story which, although helpful to catch minor issues, also adds discouraging doubts into the mix. I end up revising the story and characters so much I hear my main character screaming, "Leave me alone." …
Phyllis A. Still 