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 …
It’s become popular to continue a beloved series after the death of the author. Some work like Anne Hillerman who continues the Navajo Mystery series started by her father, Tony Hillerman. He was iconic for his descriptions of life and culture through the adventures of a detective on an Indian reservation. She continues that nicely …
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 …
October 1st-17th For the first part of this time, my two children and I are touring American Civil War battlefields in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Then I’m off to my sister’s in Marion, Indiana for a recentering in rural America and an 1812 battle re-enactment. As a result, I won’t be around much–a bit, … Continue reading
This is a great collection of thrillers I received from the wonderful folks at NetGalley. I loved all of them: Still Waters–even off duty, Meg and Hawk find trouble The Sea Wolves–can Isaac Bell defeat a clever plan by the Germans to win WWI The Darkest Evening–a peek into Vera’s storied background which helps us … Continue reading
The A to Z Challenge asks bloggers to post 26 articles on a themed topic. It’s supposed to be every day except Sundays during the month of April but I find that too busy and decided to post mine ‘about’ once a month. Yes, it’ll take me a couple of years. Sigh. My topic, like the … Continue reading
A lot of teacher-authors read my WordDreams blog. In this monthly column, I share the most popular post from the past month on my teacher education blog, Ask a Tech Teacher. Here is the most popular post from my Ask a Tech Teacher blog: Tech Tips for Teacher Writers is an occasional post on overcoming Tech … Continue reading
Fatal Rounds by Carrie Rubin In Carrie Rubin’s latest medical thriller, Fatal Rounds (Indigo Dot Press (2022), recent medical school grad, Liza Larkin is starting her pathology internship at Titus McCall, a renowned hospital though her #2 choice. For Liza, a brilliant and eclectic doctor with a brain like no other, she could have gone … Continue reading
I am so excited to introduce you to what will become your favorite fantasy book of the year–Diana Peach’s The Necromancer’s Daughter. When you purchase it (and you will–this is a book you don’t want to miss), send the kids to stay with friends and your partner on a weekend getaway because you will not want … Continue reading
I’m very excited to visit with Marcia Meara over at her blog, The Write Stuff, as part of her writer series. I will share details about myself that most of you won’t know– I speak/spoke Russian I used to program in DOS I (used to) play Blue Grass on a mandolin …and seven more. Drop … Continue reading
Geller’s Find by Sandra Cox As usual, with every Sandra Cox book I’ve ever read (click here for my 5/5 reviews of Keeper Tyree, Gwen Slade, ThunderTree, Mateo’s Law, Mateo’s Blood Brother, Silverhills, Montana Shootists, and TumbleStar), this amazing author snagged me almost immediately. One of her strengths as a writer is her skill creating likeable … Continue reading
America, we love you. list=RDQMwqXuWDA6qYQ] If you aren’t familiar with this terrorist attack, here’s a 2-minute overview: Continue reading
This is launch week for A Gold Satin Murder, next in Debra Purdy Kong’s Casey Holland Mystery series. I am honored to be part of the launch group to spread the word. Today, Debra will share behind-the-scenes info about the settings for this wonderful book: Vancouver’s West End: Diverse, Quirky, and Gorgeous As Jacqui demonstrates … Continue reading
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