“I am not discouraged because every wrong attempt discarded is a step forward.” ~ Thomas Edison, American inventor Things didn’t go as planned yesterday. (Well, actually today. But when you read this post, it will be yesterday. Sorry. Digressing.) I put a lot of time and effort — and also utilized someone else’s time and effort — into something. And …
In Others’ Words: Worry … or Not
“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” ~Erma Bombeck, American writer & humorist So … I worried some this past weekend. To be honest, I went several rounds with worry. And while I wouldn’t say worry won, there were times that worry backed me into a corner. I kept reminding …
In Others’ Words: Challenges
“When people keep telling you that you can’t do a thing, you kind of like to try it.” ~Margaret Chase Smith, former Republican senator for Maine I admire people who take the word “can’t” and turn it into a great big “Oh yes, I can!” Like Helen Keller. Or Erik Weihenmayer. You probably recognize Helen Keller’s name and know she’s …
Contemporary Romance Writer: Today or Yesterday?
Historical romance is hot — or so say the publishing pundits. My debut novel, Wish You Were Here … um, it’s set in the here and now. As in Colorado. Today. Did I know readers wanted historical romance when my novel was nothing more than a work in progress? Yes. Yes, I did. Then why, if I was really thinking …
In Others’ Words: Goal or Obstacle
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” ~Henry Ford, American industrialist I could make my point today talking about football. But I won’t. Even though I found a great photo of the goal line, I won’t talk about my favorite team (the Denver Broncos). I won’t talk about Tim Tebow … or …
In Others’ Words: At Home
“Make your house interesting — not perfect.” ~Emily Henderson, stylist One thing I know for certain: My house is not perfect. But you know what? Mulling this quote over for a few minutes … I also am certain that my home is interesting. In a disorganized, my-house-won’t-ever-be-featured-in-Better Homes and Gardens magazine kind of way. Walk through my house and you’ll …
Contemporary Romance Writers: Telling the Truth
I love the characters I run into when I read a novel. It doesn’t matter whether I’m reading a romantic suspense, a la Susan May Warren, a low country romance, a la Rachel Hauck, an historical a la Siri Mitchell, or even a contemporary romance, a la … well, all three of those authors (and even my upcoming debut novel, …
In Others’ Words: Bold
“Laugh at yourself, but don’t ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don’t leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” -Alan Alda, actor I like bold people. Those friends who run ahead of me, then stop, look back and ask, “What are you waiting for? …
Opposites Attract — or do they?
We’ve heard it so many times it qualifies as an overworked, underpayed cliche: Opposites attract. Really? Do they? And if those opposites get all attracted to one another, is this a good thing? There certainly are certainly plenty of novels where two very different personalities fall in love. Here are two from two of my favorite authors: Joy and Luke, …
In Others’ Words: Ninety-three
“May you live all the days of your life.” ~Jonathan Swift, Anglo-Irish satirist My mother-in-law celebrates her 93rd birthday today. That’s her in the photo, getting ready to blow out the candles of her cake. And yes, she got ’em all blown out in one try! As she reminisced last night, she recounted how she was born several days before …