The Lernean Hydra

One question authors are frequently asked is, “Where do you get your ideas?” Truthfully, story ideas usually come to us in a variety of ways, whether it be from a news item, an article we read, the blinding lightning bolt where the idea simply occurs, dreams, life … anything really. No matter how I get the original idea, I usually … Read More

YWS: The Big Bad Block

You’re all set … you’ve got the right notebook and right pen, or your computer screen is ready and the cursor is blinking at you from the page. You settle in take a deep breath — and you’ve got nothing. Not a single thought of where the story is going. Not a single word to scribble or type. Nada. Bubkis. … Read More

7th Grade Revolution: The Humiliation of Rhonda Snodgrass

Of all the characters in 7th Grade Revolution, the one my inner twelve-year-old identified the most with was Rhonda Snodgrass. Smart, funny, individual thinker, reader, and definitely not one of the “IT” crowd. And klutz. At twelve, I was an athlete — softball and swimming — and I couldn’t figure out how I could excel in things requiring hand/eye coordination … Read More

YWS: Saving Ideas

“Ideas can come from anywhere and at any time. The problem with making mental notes is that the ink fades very rapidly.” – Rolf Smith The bane of the writer’s existence is the idea that arrives at an inconvenient time. I don’t think I’ve ever had a story show up while I’m sitting in front of my keyboard, hands poised … Read More

Happy Thanksgiving 2016

On this day of giving thanks, I thought I’d share a few of the things I am thankful for. I have been incredibly blessed and I like to remind myself of these things when times get a little rough — as they do for us all from time to time. (The list is in no particular order) Things I am … Read More

YWS: How Writers Write – Take 2

Previously, I spoke about being a plotter or a pantster and how I fall in the middle of the spectrum. I’d like to add that for me, every book is different. Some require much more detailed planning in advance of starting, others simply have to be written and forget the outline you dashed down because we’re going on Mr. Toad’s … Read More

YWS: How Writers Write – Take 1

I’d like to share with you a little about the writing process. Of course, I can’t tell you how all authors write, but I can share my process as well as those of some authors I know. There is a popular theory that if you had a room of monkeys typing on a keyboard and infinite amount of time, they … Read More

Writing Process Blog Tour

This is a travelling blog tour that pops up every Monday for writers to share a little about what, how and why they write.

Fatigued

Yawn! That pretty much sums up this week for me. I’ve been tired every single day. This should have been the week my energy came bouncing back, but instead of bouncing, it hit the floor and played dead.

Working Through Exhaustion

Blue Hamster of Happiness by Sandara / Snowmen and Tree by UNKWinc

My Status: Sweating, but good
Mood: Jubilant
Today was one of those days where the simple act of crawling out of bed was a major triumph.

Being Curly and Blessed

My Status: Feeling Good
Mood: Fabulous
This may be a short post (but knowing me, it won’t be) A few days ago, I talked about getting my hair chopped off because it has become quite bushy and out of control

How We Forget

My Status: Feeling Good
Mood: Content
Last night I was finishing up some work stuff and trying to figure out what my evening would look like, when I smelled a waxy, unscented, burning candle-like smell coming from downstairs. Denny was downstairs puttering around in the kitchen …