So, I’m super-excited/mildly panicked about attending the UTOPIA Conference in Nashville June 22-26. I’m looking forward to reacquainting myself with my reader/writer/blogger friends that I’ve met over the last three years. I’m nervous because like most bookish people, I’m an introvert. How does an introvert survive a hotel teaming with hundreds of book-loving people who tend to favor tackle hugs? Allow … Read More
My Canva Addiction
Have you discovered Canva? It’s a site that allows you to create teasers or facebook posts or a banner for your twitter site. Canva supplies you with backgrounds, text, and illustrations to use in your creations which are free and also offers some that will cost you a dollar or two. After you make your creation you can download from the site … Read More
Good Morning, Sunshine
It’s a beautiful day in Southern Illinois. It’s about seventy degrees. The sun is shining. I’m sitting on my back deck in fur-covered yoga pants and a brightly patterned shirt that I purchased at Kohls for $4.00 from the clearance rack (because that is how I roll). My three dogs are also enjoying the sunshine. It’s amazing how wonderful a little heat and glow can … Read More
Off to Las Vegas
I’m off to Las Vegas for a conference with my publisher. Most writers are introverts, meaning we are comfortable with smaller groups and quieter surroundings. Las Vegas is huge and loud and full of people so I may require a glass of wine while I’m there to deal with all the commotion, but I am looking forward to talking in … Read More
Make Me Laugh Wednesday: Grammar Edition
When you’re an author you spend a lot of time proofreading your own work which can turn you into a grammar nut. Here’s a little grammar humor to make you smile.
A little Coffee Humor
I thought I’d start 2016 with some Coffee humor. Hopefully these will make you smile.
What’s Your Favorite Trope?
Some of you are probably asking, “What the heck is a trope?” Tropes are common themes that run through stories. Tropes tell a reader what to expect. They give them a familiar story which they know will end in a happily ever after. For example, Blackmail Boyfriend is based on the marriage of convenience trope and the opposites attract trope. … Read More
Do You Watch Doctor Who?
For years my writer friends have talked about their love of Doctor Who. While I am a fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, and most other Science Fiction Fandoms I have never watched Doctor Who. Then Netflix came into my life and now I am hooked. My favorite Friday night activity is watching Doctor Who while I crochet and do laundry. … Read More
Accessories That Every Author Needs
What accessories does every author need? Okay, maybe need is an exaggeration, but I think every author would love this jewelry I found on Etsy.
To Kill A Character
I’ve been facing an authorly issue. While writing Trial By Fire, the third book in my shape-shifting dragon series, I accidentally killed off a character…a beloved character…a character I never meant any harm. After I finished typing the scene I just stared at my screen. How had this happened? What the heck was my brain doing? Would people hate me … Read More
Preparing for UtopYA.
UtopYA 2015 is just around the corner. Here’s a peek at what happens inside my head when I’m preparing to attend a conference. Fair warning: my head is a strange place. First thought: Woo Hoo! UtopYA is here. I get to hang out with Quirky Writer/Reader/Blogger Chicks who speak my language. But half the people I met last year aren’t … Read More
UtopYA2015 is Almost Here
What is UtopYA? According to the the official webpage it is: An uplifting, collaborative and educational conference for those who love supernatural and contemporary young adult and new adult fiction! Panels filled with writers and experts in the publishing and entertainment industries will share with established and aspiring authors and screenwriters their tips to improve craft and advance careers, as well as FUN panels … Read More
USB Drives With Style
Need a new USB drive to save your latest work in progress? Check out these fun options. I want one of the necklaces. Which would you prefer?
Editing Like A Psycho
Since I came home from work Friday evening, I have engaged in an authorly pursuit my husband refers to as Editing Like A Psycho. Before you are offended on my behalf, allow me to explain. I will go over a manuscript for ten hours in a row, taking breaks to drink coffee and eat while I try to add what … Read More
Swag Mistakes Not to Make
You’d think I would have learned my lesson after last years Swag debacle where I ordered postcards and bags featuring my book’s release date for UtopYA. And yet, I did it again. I am not a total newbie anymore. I know that all release dates are guesstimates and that the market fluctuates which means publication dates fluctuate and yet I still … Read More