I get excited when writers I know decide to try their hand at writing middle-grade fiction. I know a few who are just beginning their first middle-grade novels (tween? the label escapes me, so I tend to use it interchangeably depending on my mood), and I’m thrilled to have more writer friends to talk to … Continue reading »
Today you’ll find me guest-blogging at the Debutante Ball on a topic that’s difficult for me to write: Fathers. I talk about this struggle—and how it comes through in Dani Noir. Go check out the post, and while you’re there, let me know how you tackle the what’s difficult in your writing. Thanks to the … Continue reading »
Revision is not easy. No one ever said it was. I’m revising a novel right now, and I have high hopes. My edit letter has brought out a fire in me. Ideas are swirling. I see so much possibility for the book… But it’s hard work. I have such high hopes and such enormous intentions … Continue reading »
I failed. I tweeted. I changed my Facebook status. I commented on my sister’s status. I tweeted again. I failed. I lose. No cake for me. But I got no pleasure out of it. I failed and it was completely anticlimactic. What do I do now? How to keep focus? I might have to institute … Continue reading »
I wanted to spend the summer off Facebook and Twitter entirely. I made a vow to myself, I made it public, I wished it true, but alas, I keep logging in and aaaargh! Why it’s difficult: Some people communicate solely through Facebook messages, status comments, and Twitter DMs! Some people do not email you when … Continue reading »
My novel and I had a very nice weekend, mostly. We worked through some plot changes together, I told her she was pretty, she revealed she still has feelings for me, and then just when I thought we were rolling she slipped out of my hands and ran off screaming and hollering through the room … Continue reading »
I once wrote here about how I could use a confidence hat to put on while writing, and I’m afraid to find myself longing for such an easy fix again. The thing is, humility is good. Arrogant writers are not people I enjoy; I never want to be one, no matter how sure of myself … Continue reading »
I’ve just emerged from a self-imposed push to finish a new project on top of my novel revision on top of a big freelance deadline and I was here pushing myself so hard that, last night, I went to bed complaining my “bones hurt.” But I did it. I reached the freelance deadline, I finished … Continue reading »
I’ve got this novel that wants to be ready. This novel that’s close to show. I’ve spent much of the weekend on it—to the detriment of my unread and unanswered email inbox and putting away the clean laundry and only doing four hours a day of freelance instead of eight, which is really going to … Continue reading »
Sometimes I cheat and log in to Facebook, like to wish my mom a happy birthday. I’ve got this blog automated to tweet my posts… so it might sometimes seem like I’m on Twitter, though I’m not. I’ve realized that, when you take the plunge and unplug a few distracting lamps in your life, very … Continue reading »
