So yesterday was all about this: 🙂 And in between replying to a steady stream of comments on this blog — thank you one and all for celebrating my book cover with me! — I also edited a magazine and racked up almost 4300 words in my work-in-progress. So, yes, I’m tired — but in an oh-yesterday-was-a-wonderful-day kind of way. …
Celebrate! Book Cover for Wish You Were Here … is here!
What a way to start the week! I’m thrilled to show you the cover to Wish You Were Here, my debut novel with Howard Books (May 2012.) And, yes, to answer your question, I love my cover. Love my cover. Bruce Gore, the art director at Howard Books, and his staff were so supportive throughout the whole creative process …
In Others’ Words: Books
‘A book worth reading is a book worth buying.’ John Ruskin, English art critic (1819-1900) The Wedding Dress, by award-winning author Rachel Hauck, comes out in April. I pre-ordered it months ago. I’ve been waiting to read this novel since Rachel first shared the story behind that beautiful book cover as we walked along the streets of Indianapolis during …
Contemporary Romance Writer: What’s in a Name
httpv://youtu.be/8LHjykG6MTA I put alot of thought into naming my kiddos. No one every told me that, as a novelist, I would agonize over naming fictional people. But I do. This vlog, which runs about a minute and a half, gives you a glimpse into my author-angst about novels, names, and keeping it all straight. Any favorite names for people — …
In Others’ Words: Change
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” ~James Baldwin, African-American writer Let’s take a can change/can’t change look at this quote. Can Change: It’s Wednesday. How’s your week going? Look at that To Do list you scribbled on Monday — or formatted on an Excel spreadsheet, for you uber-organized …
Contemporary Romance Writer: Behind Every Dream is …
“It is by sitting down to write every morning that one becomes a writer.” ~Gerald Brenan, British writer Dreams take a whole lot of work. Who knew? At first you hum a few song lyrics: Life is but a dream … Daydream believer … Dream a little dream of me … (OK, I admit it: I need to update the …
In Others’ Words: Criticism
“Don’t mind criticism. If it is untrue, disregard it; if unfair, keep from irritation; if it is ignorant, smile; if it is justified it is not criticism, learn from it.” ~Unknown Criticism. In the past, I paid  entirely too much attention to critics. Sure, there were some people ready to let me know where I’d been less-than, not enough, or …
In Others’ Words: Stop
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while you could miss it.” ~Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off So, how did your week go? Hard to believe it’s Friday, right? Confession: I’m working on this post on Sunday night. 🙂 Even so, I’m fastening my seat belt because I …
Contemporary Romance Writer: Why There are No Aliens in My Novel
There are no aliens in Wish You Were Here, my debut novel. Llamas, yes. Aliens, no. This fact greatly disappoints my husband. Whenever I hit an I-don’t-know-what-to-write-next moment, my husband always suggested aliens. And I always, always overrode his suggestion with a polite “I don’t think so.” Or a flat-out “Not gonna’ happen.” I’m all for surprising my readers. My …
In Others’ Words: Friendship
“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Helen Keller, first deaf-blind woman to earn a bachelor’s degree, who went on to become an internationally-known speaker & author I am blessed with wonderful friends. If I took the time to share their names and stories … well, my blog post from here to …