Writing About Hope
I didn’t set out to write about hope, not consciously. Yet early reviewers of The Sunflower House call it a hopeful book. As it turns out, the reason why hits really close to home. (This one’s for you, mom. ❤️)
What’s Your Muse?
What’s your muse? For me, it’s always been music. Music is the most reliable way to tap into the emotions I need to write honestly.
Finding My Voice (Again)
When it comes to crafting voice, emotion is even more important than technique. You have to be in touch with your MC’s joy and pain.
Grateful for Every No
More than 200 rejections over 20 years? Yeppers! It’s been a long, wild, winding road to publication.
The Deep Dive: Research
Taking a deep dive into research always helps me craft an authentic voice for my characters, because it gives them the freedom to move through a world in full color.
So Many Reasons to Love Your Local Library
What do I love about my local library? Too many reasons to count, but here’s a starter list:
If you’re comfortable, you’re probably not growing
Rejection is often uncomfortable, but if you’re comfortable you’re probably not growing. Feedback, even when it feels brutal, is essential to improve.
So I Guess I’m a Plantser?
Are you a Plotter or a Pantser or somewhere in between? Turns out this devoted Pantser might actually be–gasp–a Plantser!
Finding Balance: When Life is Out of Control
How do you write when commitments are pulling you in a half dozen directions? That’s the question I have this week. Not the answer, mind you. Only the question.
Pitch Parties: Find Your Agent on Twitter
Today we’re tackling an exciting way to grab their attention: Twitter pitch parties.