Confession: I don’t like my first book. I’m actually pretty embarrassed by it. Back in 2017 when I first wrote What Could Be, I was like a proud new first-time mama. My book baby was perfect. Beautiful. And certain to make its mark on the world. Aaaaaaand then I read it again months after I’d […]
Achievements in 2022 #Giveaway
In my last post of 2021, I listed some disappointments of the year and goals for the new one. Number 1 on the list: Reading for pleasure. Since I didn’t read any books just for fun in 2021, I set a goal of 12 for 2022. I didn’t really count as I went and didn’t […]
Thankful for You
I’ve just returned from a massive writing conference in Las Vegas, Nevada called 20Booksto50K. Nearly 2,000 writers converged to talk writing and marketing, but you know what the biggest topic of conversation was? YOU. This yearly conference is for writers in all genres, but on the eve of the first day, about a dozen authors […]
That’s Going in a Book #Giveaway
After being in the house all week, editing a book, I told my husband I wanted to do something fun. Fun for us is go to out for lunch, then hit a few flea markets, and finish up with a grocery run. So we headed to our favorite plate lunch restaurant about forty minutes from […]
Books That Make You Go WHOA! #Giveaway
After over 200 rejection letters, I spent four intense years studying the craft of writing. Certain I’d learned all I needed to know, I prepared to go to my first national conference, back in 2005. I’d submitted my latest manuscript to a publisher and was waiting to hear back from them. I felt good about […]
Sister Stories
The sister relationship is one of the most complicated. From best friends to mortal enemies, every set of sisters has a different dynamic and relationship, and that’s true not only from family to family but sister to sister within the same family. With three daughters and a sister of my own, it’s definitely a relationship […]
Newsletters – Why Sign Up? #Giveaway
Most authors have newsletters these days. Let’s talk about why you should sign up. There’s usually a free book or giveaway involved for signing up. Newsletters usually include exclusive info only available to subscribers. Authors get more personal in newsletters. All that personal and exclusive contact is addicting. They’re usually encouraging and uplifting. If you’re […]
The Black Moment
Last week, our own Lindi Peterson touched briefly on the topic of black moments framed from the perspective of The Storm Before the Rainbow. Many of you know I’ve experienced my own storm this past year, and I’ve clung to the hope of seeing the rainbow with everything I’ve had. Today I’d like to go […]
What’s So Good About Conflict?
I don’t know about you, but I hate conflict. If there’s a conversation that involves confrontation of any kind, you can count me out! Knowing this about myself, I really shouldn’t have gotten married, huh? Lol. My poor hubby had to practice a LOT of patience in the early years of our marriage as I […]
I Need a Hero
The novel I’m currently working on is titled Hero Rehearsals. I’m starting each chapter with a quote about heroes, and I’ve found some great ones. I’ll share my top ten here, and I’d love any you might have to offer. 10. Romance is at the heart of our lives. The truly blessed among us find […]