Seven years ago, we traveled through Northern Italy. Have you ever been? Even now, I can shut my eyes and remember the aromas of truffle oil and garlic that saturated the air around our apartment in Florence. So heavenly! What does this have to do with writing novels? Everything. You see, at the time, I […]
The Novel of Your Life #Giveaway
Have you ever thought about writing a novel based on your life? Many people tell me they’ve mused about putting the events of their life into a book but have never been able to sit down and do it. That’s understandable! It’s tricky to fictionalize events that are so personal. I learned this about six […]
Where Do You Retreat to Read?
The past few months have been—how do I put this?—far from restful. Trauma from losing a loved one, an intense workload, and a nagging illness have all combined to force me to do something I’m not that good at: Rest. So I’ve had to learn this art of resting. And part of that has been […]
Castles and Covers Revealed
While on vacation, my husband returned to his seat at the counter of a bustling seafood restaurant to find me accepting a napkin from a stranger who’d hastily written his phone number on it. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Scandalous! (The expression on my husband’s face said the same, haha.) To put your mind […]
Fiction that Makes You Wonder: How Much is True?
Are you like me? Do you find yourself Googling Did that really happen? while reading a book or watching a movie or TV show that has roots in real life? (I’m looking at you,The Crown). That’s one reason why my novel, Chasing Valentino, was such a kick to write. The book’s setting is Hollywood by the […]