What is it about fear? It shapes and molds us, makes decisions on our behalf, builds obstacles and then throws them in our path. It puts up walls and encapsulates us in a prison of our own making. Fear wields an almighty power over our lives … because we allow it. The result of fear is a life half lived. … Read More
The Treatment Decision
Off and on since 2013 I have kept a separate blog for keeping people up to date about my journey with cancer. The blog has been gathering dust bunnies for a while since I was in remission for two years and was on a targeted maintenance therapy for two years, and not taking anything for the last 9 months, so … Read More
The Anticipated Decision
For two years, I was on a targeted therapy drug, and it did its job. My blood values were beautiful and stable. But while it kept the cancer in check, my doctor wasn’t happy with the thought of my staying on medication for the rest of my life. So toward the end of last year we made the decision that … Read More
The Shoelace Conundrum
As a child, things came to me easily. I don’t remember learning how to read, I simply read — at the age of two. I just knew things and knew how to do them … until I met my nemesis, the shoelace. When my brother went off to school, I wanted to go to school more than anything else. Not … Read More
Our Broken System
I recently wrote about some of the abysmal statistics of rape cases, where it is likely that only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will go to prison (RAINN.org). Other studies put the number at 7 out of every 1,000, but it remains that less than 1% of the perpetrators will see prison time. In fact, I recently blogged about … Read More
Judging the Judge
Every 92 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.Meanwhile, only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison. (Statistics from RAINN.org) Let’s talk a little bit about what those numbers mean … like only 0.5% of the perpertators will wind up in prison. Or to put it another way, 99.5% … Read More
The Journal of Angela Ashby: A Fresh Look
Every once in a while, there comes a time when you need to give things a fresh new look. Though The Journal of Angela Ashby has not even been out a year as yet, my publisher and I discussed whether we should give Angela a slightly new look, and agreed we should. I love the original cover created by Mister … Read More
Speak No Evil: Music Therapy
Music is a powerful force. It taps deeply into our core and speaks to us on a level without words. It is layered, emotionally evocative, and is woven into our daily lives. If you don’t believe me, try to imagine a world without music of any kind. It’s frankly something I don’t even want to contemplate. Life would be sterile, … Read More
7th Grade Revolution: The Tag-alongs
When I started writing 7th Grade Revolution, I knew I’d be working with an ensemble, so it took me a bit to get to know some of the characters. I knew Dennis and Rhonda right away, but the one who made himself known next was Spencer Jackson. Spencer is the kid in every class who is quick with a comeback, … Read More
Speak No Evil Cover Reveal
I am so excited to FINALLY be able to share the fabulous cover for my upcoming Young Adult novel, Speak No Evil. The cover artwork is by Marcela Bolivar, and she has perfectly captured the concept of silence which is the ruling force behind Speak No Evil. And the fantastic title treatment is by Michael J. Canales of MJCImageworks. Just … Read More
YWS: The Importance of Knowing Your Characters
Characters are an exceptionally important part of any story. Their actions and reactions to the circumstances in which they find themselves is what drives the story forward. Some authors write detailed character profiles to help them get to know the character better. Others might “sit down” with the character and conduct an interview. I tend to do a lot of … Read More
Speak No Evil: The Red-Tail Hawk
When I see a hawk soaring in the sky, a wistful feeling washes over me as I think about how free it looks gliding overhead. Free from Earthly obligations, charting its own course, with the appearance of no worries. How wonderful would it be to soar like a hawk? Except all of that freedom I imbue to the hawk may … Read More