We lose sleep for lots of different reasons. Illness. Anxiety. Sometimes we even stay up into the wee small hours because we’re celebrating something fun. But how often have you stayed up too late because of a book? You start reading a novel and you get so caught up in the story — the conflict between the hero and the …
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, …
The Romance of Words
Just the other day, I wrote about how romance requires a kiss. Last night I wrote my blog post over at the WordServe Water Cooler — using the movie The Princess Bride as an analogy for the writing life. Thanks to Westley, aka “Farm Boy,” and Buttercup, I realized how vital words are to romance. As you wish. Three one-syllable words. But, …
In Others’ Words: Surpised
“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.” ~ John Barrymore, American actor It’s delightful when happiness tiptoes up behind you, taps you on the shoulder, and then — when you turn around — yells “Surprise!” Yesterday that happened when … my daughter’s laughter mingled with her boyfriend’s my 10-year-old crawled into bed wearing …
In Others’ Words: Yesterday
“No one is afraid of yesterday.” ~Renata Adler, American author I wrestled with those six words even as I typed them for today’s blog post. Wrestle with them still. Am I afraid of yesterday? No. But I am afraid of … the lingering effects of some of the choices I made oh-so-many yesterdays ago. I am afraid of … …
In Others’ Words: Celebrate
“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” ~Thomas J. Peters, American writer Yesterday was a day of celebration for me as I held the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of my debut novel, Wish You Were Here. I did my version of the writer’s “happy dance” around my house (several times) and shared hugs and laughter with my family. And, …
In Others’ Words: Life
“A new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; it’s the life you’re living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later.” ~Diana Vreeland, fashion columnist I like to go shopping for new clothes. I like finding something–a cute top, a fun dress–that makes me feel good when I wear …