Gifts for Writers in 2022
If you have a writer on your shopping list, here are suggestions for gifts for writers in 2022. I use and recommend each of these items, with one exception. For more suggestions, check out the gifts for writers in 2021....Read More
Revive Your Flagging NaNo Project
NaNo writers, this is your mid-month wellness check. How are your projects going? If you're rocking NaNo 2022, keep typing! You probably won't see this article until December, anyway. But if your schedule has slipped and your word-count graph is...Read More
The Indie Author Project
When I submitted Oil and Dust to the Indie Author Project, I hoped it would bring librarian attention to my books. I never expected to win the Washington Author Project regional contest. What Is the Indie Author Project? The mission...Read More
When Between Writing Projects
Right now, I'm between writing projects. My editor has Charcoal and Smoke, and while I could continue drafting Ink and Waves, I don't enjoy juggling multiple projects. If, like me, you're between writing projects, here are ten productive writing-related activities...Read More
Character Goals and Motivations
In our last week of prepping for NaNoWriMo, it's time to ponder your character's goals and motivations. For previous "Preptober" articles, check out How to develop Your Story Idea, Develop Your Characters, and 50 Questions to Build Your Fictional World....Read More
50 Questions to Build Your Fictional World
All writers world build. Although sometimes attributed to science fiction and fantasy writers, anyone who creates a fictional community or describes an imaginary setting is world building. The goal when world building is to create an authentic setting that can...Read More
Develop Your Characters
Stories are about characters. Who they are, what they did, and why they did it drives your story forward and keeps your readers hooked until the end. Even if you're writing plot-driven tales, your readers should care about, or at...Read More
How to Develop Your Story Idea
It's October, and if you're considering joining in the NaNoWriMo fun this year, it's time to develop your story idea! Assuming you're not already brimming with ideas, here are ten ways to generate them. But once you do land on...Read More
Book Review: Understanding Conflict by Janice Hardy
If you've ever received feedback that your story lacks conflict or tension, check out Understanding Conflict by Janice Hardy. She's an author of both fiction and nonfiction and you may remember her from a few weeks ago when I shared...Read More
5 Reasons To Restart Your Pleasure Reading
In the Pacific Northwest, not only does autumn herald the return of holiday-flavored coffee drinks, but of reading weather. When I'm not working on my books, one of my favorite fall activities is to curl up in my chair with...Read More
A Moment to Grieve Otis
This week, we had to say goodbye to Otis, one of our parrots. Though he was elderly, the loss was sudden and unexpected. It's been a tough, emotional time so I'm giving myself a bit of grace and skipping my...Read More