That Time I Signed A New Book Contract With Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing

At long last I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU!!   Prepare yourself for several Fiddler on the Roof GIFs (can only be seen in the web browser–not in the email. So if you’re reading this in your e-mail click though to the blog for maximum GIF enjoyment). It is my favorite… Continue reading

Returning From Russia: Book Research, Fellowship, and Way Too Much Tea.

Okay, the title of this blog post is a lie–there’s no such thing as too much tea. (#amiright) 😉 As of six days ago, hubby (Mr. Ninja) and I returned from visiting Tver, Russia. I’m back in Hobbiton–ahem, I mean the U. S. And like Sam, I’m missing Frodo and Gandalf… Continue reading

Understanding Why First Drafts Are So Hard

Camp NaNoWriMo started at the beginning of this month and I’m currently headed to a writing retreat trying to complete the first draft of my work in progress. (For once, it’s going splendidly!) As I write every day, I’m reminded how terrible first drafts are. And I’ve been thinking about… Continue reading

Help! Which Blog Series Do You Want To See Me Write?

I don’t really do “blog series”, but I’ve had a few ideas stewing in the back of my mind that I think would make for good short series. But I need your help! Read and vote, my friends, on which series of posts you think you’d enjoy most on my blog… Continue reading

Are You Reading Enough?

If you’re reading this post, that means that you’re probably a reader, an author, or a lost internet-wanderer. 😉 (I’m glad you found me!) Basically, it means you probably have a thing for books. You are so not alone. But I want to take a moment and talk to the writers out… Continue reading

Sorry, but you can’t be a perfectionist AND an author.

So…you want to write a book. But you’re a perfectionist. I hate to break the news to you, but you’ve got to throw one of those out the window. (*whispers* May I suggest the perfectionism?) Many authors try to be perfectionists — I once considered myself one, too — but I’m here… Continue reading

How to Keep Writing Even When You Hate Your Story

You may have noticed I didn’t blog last week. That’s because I was in Florida…without my computer…barely remembering to eat let alone put smartish words onto a website. My first thought when I realized I had to skip my blog post was… “2017 IS DOOOOOOOMED!” I mean, who starts of their brand new,… Continue reading

2016, You’re Done. 2017…Here I Come.

Last year I skipped the whole 2016 wrap-up + 2017 goals post. I love reading other people’s resolutions and it’s about time I did one of my own again. (Actually, I think I skipped only last year, so really it hasn’t been that long since I did this.) So . . . did… Continue reading