A few months ago, we bought a new desk for my husband. Only once we got it home, he didn’t like it. But it had so much storage with bookcases and a file drawer. Though I loved my white desk, the keyboard tray was too small to hold my my keyboard and my mouse. So […]
When Writers Don’t Want to Write (+Giveaway)
As a writer, I’ve experienced my fair share of obstacles on the harrowing journey of drafting a new story. At the most inopportune times—usually when a deadline looms—writer’s block strikes or any of life’s other obligations can get in the way. While I flit around running to school events, attending church functions, or seeing to […]
#TBT: A look back at my author journey
I’m not sure who started #TBTs (Throwback Thursdays), but I do find them to be a lot of fun. Especially when we get to revisit old photos from the past and see all the different hairstyles and clothing that used to be in fashion. It’s both a cringe-worthy and nostalgic experience! LOL Since today is […]
Behind the Scenes: Planning a Series
I, like most authors I know, have far more books dreamed up than I will ever have time to write. As I prepare to close the door on The Bloom Sisters Series (the final book will be written this fall), I’m in my happy place — planning my next series! I’ll let you in on […]
Character Hometowns: Boone, North Carolina
I’ve been writing about how I choose settings for my novels, and I’ve also been sharing about how I come up with my characters’ hometowns for their back stories. For this post, I’m writing about my character Dylan Conner’s background in Boone, North Carolina. Dylan is the hero of my novel Going Up South. (You […]
Are We Having Fun Yet?
“That must be so much fun!” That’s the response I can expect when I tell someone I’m a writer. And they’re absolutely right—writing is a lot of fun. If you enjoy the hair-pulling, brain-busting, making-things-up-out-of-thin-air kind of fun. Just kidding. Sort of. The truth is, there are days that writing goes smoothly and the words […]
Day in the Life of a Stay-at-Home-Mom Writer
I love it when people ask me how I write as a stay-at-home mom to four kids. Especially since we homeschool. Usually, I laugh and say “I don’t know”, because some days that’s the absolute truth. I don’t know how I do it, I just do. I guess when you really want to do […]
Research and Writing (plus a sneak peek)
Some writers love to research. I have a few author friends whose favorite part of writing is heading to the library and returning with a stack of informational texts or opening a dozen internet browser tabs and clicking through page after page. I am not one of these people. I’m sure it goes along with […]
Makings of Beloved Supporting Characters
I love my main characters. Most of the heroines and heroes I’ve written feel like dear friends. I’ve cheered them on, celebrated their happily ever afters, and even prayed for them (yes, really!). But something dawned on me recently. While I love my leading men and women, it’s some of the supporting characters I’ve penned […]
What’s Your Name? What’s Your Story?
Characters are the most important element in the story for me as a writer and a reader. So getting to know my characters tops the list. Often the actually writing helps me know my characters. I know some writers interview the characters to learn about them, but that doesn’t work for me because I am […]