A package arrived at my house on Tuesday — two packages, actually. In one was a copy of my debut novel, Wish You Were Here, with a note from my editor, Jessica Wong, saying the book was “hot off the presses.” That’s a cliche any author will embrace. The second package contained several additional copies of my novel — but …
Guest Post: Debut Author Olivia Newport
Today my friend and fellow debut author, Olivia Newport, shares a quote with us. Olivia will be joining me, Katie Ganshert and Dani Pettrey for an a-ma-zing launch party on May 15th! Mark your calendars & plan to join us. “It always happens. When you give these little people power, it goes to their head like strong …
In Others’ Words: Words
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” ~Mother Teresa My friend, Beth Jusino, probably didn’t even realize how her words encouraged me, but to this day, I remember where we were, what she said, and how I hugged those words to myself. At the time, Beth was an agent with Alive Communications, …
In Others’ Words: Think and Wonder
“Think and wonder. Wonder and think.” ~Dr. Seuss, American writer & poet Here’s the wonderful thing about being a writer: It has forced me to think and wonder. Some days it feels as if all I do is think and wonder. Wonder and think. (And, no, I don’t just wonder why I decided to become a writer, although there are those …
In Others’ Words: Doors
“The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” ~Flora Whittemore, author Open doors and closed doors. Sometimes I’ve had no choice in the matter — a door has been slammed in my face with the finality of, well, the slap of a hand across my face. Sometimes I’ve chosen to shut a door. While that …
In Others’ Words: Give and Take
“One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.” ~Sidney Howard, American playwright This is spring break week for my youngest daughter. And yes, we are having some vacation fun. Sort of. I am the “sort of ” part of the equation. I have several major deadlines looming. I’ve learned that …
In Others’ Words: Laughter
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ~L.M. Montgomery, author, Anne of Greene Gables Yep. That’s a photo of me … laughing so hard something’s probably trying to come out my nose. And, yes, it’s during a game night with some of our best game night buddies, our friends “The Martys.” I am a …
In Others’ Words: Mistakes
“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” ~Elbert Hubbard, American writer Here’s your dose of reality for today: You’re going to make a mistake. Mistakes happen — and some of them will be yours. Now deal with that truth and move on. As a writer, sometimes I’m paralyzed by the …
In Others’ Words: Forgiveness
“Forgiveness is giving up the possibility of a better past.” ~Unknown I keep a gift beside my bed. It’s wrapped in shiny blue paper and adorned with a white bow. And, yes, I know what’s in the box. And, no, the gift isn’t for me. I gave the gift to someone more than a decade ago. Inside the box is …
In Others’ Words: Joy
“Joy is the best makeup.” ~Anne Lamott, novelist & nonfiction writer Sometimes I don’t want to look in the mirror. Well, really, sometimes I look too closely in the mirror and I get all uptight about this wrinkle and that wrinkle and that one there! and there! and there! Sheesh. I’m surprised I don’t go running through the house with …