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In: I'm kind of a big deal. Not really.
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I’m over at Heart-Shaped Glasses today blogging about the benefits of writing groups. I’ve been part of my critique group for years and those are some seriously awesome women. Here’s a taste of that post. Here at Heart-Shaped Glasses, we’re not just author’s who blog together, we’re family. We started as a private online critique group which has evolved into so much more. Yes, there’s critiquing, which is invaluable. Especially when it’s from people who focus just as much with what’s right as what’s not working. I trust these ladies with my precious stories, I trust their experience, which probably (added together) is a lifetime ofRead 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: I'm kind of a big deal. Not really.
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My favorite summer treats aren’t the usual ideas of summery fun. I did get to the beach this summer, and I’m adding a pic on the right of our last day there, where we caught the sunrise. You can’t see them in the picture (because I chose to enjoy the moment, rather than try to capture it and miss it), but dolphins were playing everywhere that morning. Back to my unusual summer treats; my favorite thing about summer is that my kids are home. (Mostly, if they’d stop visiting all the grandparents.) I know that part’s not so unusual. Lots of people enjoy that. TheRead More →

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In: Digging right now
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I haven’t done one of these in a while. For one thing, I’ve been busy writing! I finished all three of my fifties novellas (and I’m in the middle of editing them right now), I’m just (like this weekend) finished with second round edits on my novel, Infamous, contracted with The Wild Rose Press, and I’ve started the second novel to follow-up Infamous. I’ll have lots more info for you on all of that in the coming months. But for now, what I’m digging this month. First, we have to talk about Game of Thrones. In my opinion, it was the best. season. ever. In fact, it wasRead 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 →

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Please welcome L.A.  Kelley to the blog today. She’s discussing her wonderful novel, Rimrider, which is a contender on Amazon’s Kindle Scout program. She’s going to tell you all about the book, Kindle Scout, and how it benefits you, the reader. (Click that gorgeous cover to see it in its full-size glory.) What the heck is Kindle Scout? A few short years ago, Amazon launched a venture for new, never-before-published books where readers help decide a contract. Selected novels are published by Kindle Press and receive 5-year renewable terms, a $1,500 advance, 50% eBook royalty rate, rights reversions and featured Amazon marketing. The marketing part isRead More →

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In: I'm kind of a big deal. Not really., reading
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I know it’s the end of May and, shockingly, I’m as disorganized as ever. Still, I’m trying to add some personal essays, along with the random picture post, and (my most popular) writing posts. I know I mentioned a post or two ago, I’m no longer working. That’s a story I’ll share (eventually), but not today. Today (circling back to May / Mother’s Day masterfully) I want to share about my grandmother who gave me a deep, passionate, abiding love of reading. Growing up, my grandmother always had a Harlequin on the table beside where she sat. It was as certain as the sun risingRead More →

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In: In my house
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I’ve been doing some revising and apparently, my mom grew impatient with how long I was not doing whatever it was she wanted me to do. Mom: Should it take that long to revise a chapter? Me: Yes. How many chapters have you revised? (I got a little salty, which is one of those phrases I heard my teen say and I’m probably using incorrectly.) Mom: None… But I’m pretty sure it doesn’t take that long. Respect the process, lady! Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day!Read More →

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In: In my house
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So, I’m one of those people who have conversations with other people as I’m waking up. Sometimes they can be quite ridiculous and result in said people (aka my family) laughing at my expense. You might as well join them. A few days ago, my husband was trying to wake me up. Me: Stop being mad at me! Husband: Baby, I’m not mad. I’m just trying to get you up. Me: You put it on Twitter! At this point, my husband and oldest daughter start laughing hysterically. I get defensive. Me: It’s in the timeline! My husband doesn’t even use twitter and I can’t imagineRead More →