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In: writing
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Once I do a first draft I, naturally, put the story away for a number of weeks to allow it to grow unfamiliar and, thus, fresh in my brain when I reread it. Then, I read it, taking notes on big picture problems. My last project, I ended up with sixty-five different notes and the list was about six pages long. I’m preparing to go in this week and begin what I think of as deep revision. It’s a lot of editing, some rewriting, and a little adding whole new scenes. I’ll come out the other side with a new story on my hands; a deeper,Read More →

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In: Author Interview
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Welcome Darlene Fredette, who’s here to answer some questions about her favorite books, characters, and her writing process. Also, take note: there will be a giveaway for visitors who leave a comment on any stop during the tour, and additional giveaways for visitors who leave a comment on her blog. Are you working on another book? I am nearing the end of the third story in my Redford Falls series. This one may be my favourite, however the fourth book is plotting out be a favourite, too! If you could spend time a character from your book whom would it be? And what would youRead More →

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In: Author Interview
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Today we have Marin McGinnis on the blog with us. I’m a day late with this and I apologize profusely, but I had a family emergency yesterday. On to the questions! Interview Tell us a little about yourself, perhaps something people might not know. I live in the town I grew up in, although I did take a few detours along the way. To this day, many of my friends from high school call me Marv. We had a frequent substitute teacher who could never figure out how to pronounce my first name—she insisted on calling me Marvin, no matter how often I corrected her.Read More →

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In: Life, Material girl
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Writers are readers first, so I’m always looking for awesome gifts (for myself). This year, I thought I’d share some of my finds with you. Click on the thumbnails to see a full-size picture; click the title to go buy these items. Alice in Wonderland Book Scarf Who doesn’t love Alice’s story? It’s a wacky, weird, metaphor-laced journey of self-discovery for us all. For me, it says, “Embrace your own brand of crazy.” I love that. Sherlock Holmes mini-book earrings I can’t even say how much I love these earrings. You must click the link to see them in full-size glory. Sherlock is hot (thank you,Read More →

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In: Infamous, Life
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Settle in for a little story. As usual with me, there’s some drama and a little bit of humor. You guys remember when I told you I’d become sick earlier this year, so sick I almost died? I wanted to tell you a little more about that. I was getting ready to send in my manuscript from what’s called an “R & R”–revise and resubmit. Even though I didn’t know they’d accept it, I just had a feeling. This was it, my chance to break into publishing. First, let me set the stage a little. I’d had surgery in December. And even though it wasRead More →

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Excerpt 1: He considered her for a moment, searching her face. “I want to get you out of those expensive clothes.” She froze and took a jagged breath. Sawyer slid a hand behind her to pull her ponytail over her shoulder and run the curls through his fingers. “I want to mess up your hair, fist it in my hands while I kiss you until you can’t think.” As he toyed with her curls, Justine blanked. At that second, she’d have said yes to anything he asked of her. She stood to open her door then turned back, unsure what would come out. “I can’tRead More →

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In: I'm kind of a big deal. Not really., Infamous
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Today, I’m revealing the cover for Infamous, my upcoming novel from The Wild Rose Press. It’ll be available on December 14, 2016.

In exactly two months, you can read Infamous. I’ll update with pre-order links when I receive them (and include an excerpt).

Keep reading beyond the blurb to enter my Cover Release Giveaway! Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to receive freebies and other excerpts.Read More →

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In: Rules I live by
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But, now? Now she wants to be an individual. And if a purple pixie cut is her way of doing that, then I will pay whatever it costs, including judging looks from other parents, to let her do that.

People will say I let her run wild. She has rules, and I promise you, she is NOT a rule-breaker. But, you know what? I’m kind of hoping she does run a little wild. I didn’t discover myself until my late twenties because I needed a chance to run a little wild. I’d prefer she not have to go through that.Read More →

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In: then and now
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Scrivener. Although I still make use of paper, I keep my entire outline in Scrivener. I didn’t for the story I wrote before my current one. I kept them on index cards. Then I got sick and didn’t write for a month. And misplaced my cards. Scariest week of my life, thinking I was going to have to recreate that outline.Read More →

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In: DAfRN
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I recently read Sarah MacLean‘s third Rule of Scoundrels book, No Good Duke Goes Unpunished. Yes, it’s a historical but I think there are still some wisdom nuggets we can mine. If you’re going to accidentally frame a man for your murder, make sure he’s not your soul mate. It makes quite the mess to clean up later in life. This is probably a good rule in general, as coming back from the dead would be challenging in any situation. Women who work for a living have rough hands. And a man falling in love can’t stop thinking of them. A boxing ring and aRead More →