I originally wrote this post when a teen had been bullied to the point of seeking out plastic surgery erupted in the media. I went into full rant mode, which usually produces an epic length post, and this one was no exception. It originally posted in full on Rebecca Hamilton’s blog as a part of the Books Against Bullies campaign, … Read More
Hello, Shiny New Year
It is that time of year. We’re saying good-bye to one year, and looking forward to the next hoping we realize all of the dreams we didn’t over the past 12 months, and adding a few new things for good measure. Many will make resolutions and many of those resolutions will be broken before we put January in the history … Read More
YWS: How Authors Get Story Ideas
One of the questions that most fiction authors are asked at one point or another is “how did you get the idea for the story?” Sometimes this is a hard question to answer. The easy answer is: LIFE Actually, there are several ways in which an author can come up with an idea for a book. Through reading or hearing … Read More
Advice from Singer
I have seen this graphic floating around social media and every time I see it, I have a good laugh. First because I am a self-proclaimed non-domestic goddess… and yes, when you practice non-domesticity with the flair I do, you achieve goddess status. Second because the “advice” was part of a manual and is simply ridiculous in context of today’s … Read More
The Year Ahead
A week ago I was goofing off on Twitter … I mean taking a brief, but necessary writing break … when I saw a graphic floating by that said, “A year ago, I would’ve never pictured my life the way it is now.” In that moment I realized how profoundly true those words were about my life and this past … Read More
Timmy and the Golden Lion Tamarin Fan Page
Luke and I wanted to take a few moments to let everyone know Timmy and the Golden Lion Tamarin now has an official Facebook Fan Page. If you go take a look, you’ll see some of the awesome illustration talent of Marie Beschorner … I mean, seriously, just take a look at the cute little guy on this page. This … Read More
Kindle Giveaway or $229 Gift Card
Thanks to Inspired Kathy over at I Am a Reader for hosting this giveaway. Twitter/Facebook Blast $229 Giveaway A fabulous group of bloggers & authors have joined together to offer you 1 fabulous prize valued at $229. The winner of this giveaway will receive their choice of a $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash! For all … Read More
YWS: The Writer’s To-Do List
Every writer I know has a to-do list. And it seems like the harder I work on mine, the more it grows. Of course, my manager, Italia Gandolfo has something to do with that. As soon as I knock something off the to-do list, she adds three or four things and gives me an evil laugh. I think she’s trying … Read More
WIP – Writer’s Blog Challenge
Fellow cub and agency mate, Jake A. Strife challenged me to post some lines from my current WIP (Work In Progress). It has taken me a few days to get to the challenge because last week I was on vacation, and had a writer get together to attend once home, followed by marching orders to switch gears from my agent, … Read More
Alcatraz and An Unexpected Picture
Saturday hubs and I took a trip to Alcatraz. If you haven’t taken a trip out to the rock, it’s something I’d definitely recommend. There is so much history on Alcatraz, and while the tours are geared toward a narrow section of its history, the experience is well worthwhile. We started off listening to one of the rangers talk about … Read More
Destination Nob Hill and a Ghostly Prank
I have been accused of being a workaholic… and even I have to admit there is a kernel of truth in that statement. Between having the more-than-full-time day job and writing and editing in every “spare” moment I can find, taking time off is something of a foreign concept. Vacations from the day job are made with accomplishment of writing … Read More
YWS: The Writing Environment – Part III
This is the third of three posts focusing on 8 tips for the writing environment. In order to help you do your best writing, you have to know what it is that helps you focus on the writing.