Years ago, I submitted my first novel to a list of agents who specialized in my genre, sure they’d love my quirky clever book. I’d edited, re-edited, and run it by people I trusted–it was dressed for success. At that time, I didn’t realize that finding an agent was like putting a hood on a …
When I teach professional development classes, by far the topic that surprises attendees the most is the legal use of online images. And they’re not alone. On my blog, in educator forums, and in the virtual meetings I moderate, there is much confusion about what can be grabbed for free from online sites and what …
For the next few months, weekly writing tips will include word choice suggestions. That includes: colorful and original descriptions pithy words and phrases picture nouns and action verbs writing that draws a reader in and addicts them to your voice I keep a collection of descriptions that have pulled me into the books. I’m fascinated how …
This is inspired by Jennifer Cohen over at Forbes who wrote a wonderful article on “5 Things Super Successful People Do Before 8am” (few of which I did, though I can claim #5). She includes chores like exercise, eat a healthy breakfast, map out the day–all great ideas, but not pithy enough for the average …
I wish you and all yours a wonderful US Thanksgiving Break. Enjoy your family and friends, take time to rest. I’ll see you around November 29th! Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Man vs. Nature saga, and the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers. She … Continue reading
During my promo for my latest prehistoric fiction, Laws of Nature. one of my wonderful hosts posted this article I wrote about writing hacks. In case missed it, here’s a revisit: *** Writing is hard but satisfying, and an opportunity for the long-sought-after huzzah moment. The harder something is, the more gratifying and the greater … Continue reading
NetGalley continues to deliver great reading material. Here are a few more I received from them that I loved: Things Old and Forgotten–quick stories that mix magic, supernatural, and reality The Princess of Las Pulgas–a privileged family loses everything and must make their lives work in a world they’d never imagined would be theirs –a … Continue reading
My Army son returned from a five-year tour to Okinawa, Japan. On the way to his next station in Ft. Detrick, Maryland, he stopped in California to spend time with his parents (love this kid). He bought a phone (one that worked in America rather than only Japan) and a 2022 Audi Quattro. Then, he … Continue reading
A good efriend, Liz Gaudet, mentioned in a comment that she enjoyed the snippets writers share from their own writing. It reminded me I pretty much never do that. And she’s right–if people don’t know what my writing is like, why would they risk the time to read the novel? So, I’m going to share … Continue reading
As many of you know, I have two wonderful children–one a LT CDR in the Navy and one a SSG (Staff Sergeant) in the Army. One day, they will both be veterans. They are the latest in a deep family history of patriots who fought for America’s values and principles. So today, I salute them … Continue reading
Congratulations to Lee McKenzie for the release of Shattered, her latest riveting story about a teenager who overcomes seemingly insurmountable problems: Nineteen-year-old Libby Brown is on her way to the winter Olympics for her shot at the Gold. But on a last practice run, an out-of-bounds snowboarder collides with her, and she wakes up in … Continue reading
Natural Selection is Book 3 of my trilogy, Dawn of Humanity: A historical thriller in the spirit of Jean Auel, Dawn of Humanity follows a band of early humans as they struggle to survive in a world where Nature is King, where they are prey not predators. Finally figured out a tagline: New tribe members, intimidating … Continue reading
This month, I am traveling: My wonderful son is changing his duty station from Okinawa Japan to Fort Dix Maryland. To celebrate his return to the US, we are taking a 3.700+ mile road trip from California to Maryland. See you-all in a few weeks! Continue reading
October 24th – November 7th My wonderful son is changing his duty station from Okinawa, Japan to Fort Dix, Maryland. To celebrate his return to the US, we are taking a 3,700+ mile road trip across the country, from California to Maryland with a stop over to see my daughter, also in Maryland. We have … Continue reading
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