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 …
This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click the link for details on what that means and how to join. You will also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge that are worth checking out. The first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words … Continue reading
Neanderthals are arguably the most maligned, misunderstood humans in the history of mankind. I am excited to set that straight in my next trilogy, Savage Land–share with you why you will be proud to call them kin. Their world in decline with one chance to save it. Nature had a plan to wipe Man from … Continue reading
I love Westerns. Thanks to some very talented writers, I have begun reading more modern-day Westerns, stories that include all of the down-to-earth, morality of old Westerns but set in the Today. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed: Saddled Hearts–can Sage’s ability to talk to the dead help Colt avoid the false murder charges? Secrets … Continue reading
January 24th: Staci Troilo, author of over twenty books, many I’ve devoured, has invited me to to share news about Natural Selection on her blog. Come join us! January 25th: Sheri Kennedy, eclectic author of experimental fiction (click for her guest post on this genre), and I will chat about writing over at her … 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 … Continue reading
After you visit Denise Finn’s blog (to chat about what I learned from my prehistoric characters), check out this huge sale on Historical Fiction/Fantasy. My fellow colleagues and I are very excited to bring to you a special giveaway for the start of 2023! Add these great books to your eLibrary and for today only, … Continue reading
This week, I am visiting two amazing authors and efriends to talk about my latest prehistoric fiction, Natural Selection. January 18th: I’ll visit with Pete Springer. the author of an essential book for new and veteran teachers, They Call Me Mom. In it, he shares why he became a teacher and the experiences that made … Continue reading
Tech Tips for Writers is an occasional post on overcoming Tech Dread. I cover issues that friends, both real-time and virtual, have asked about. Feel free to post a comment about a question you have. I’ll cover it in a future tip. You may have seen this on my education blog When I promote my … Continue reading
For those of you who love dog stories, you’ll want to check these out The Life and Times of Le Bronco… — The care and love of a 165 pound rambunctious dog who looks like a bear and acts like a best friend Standing Dead–I won’t give away what this means, but this is another … Continue reading
This week, I am visiting two amazing authors, their stories compelling, personal, and supremely different. Join us and then take a few minutes to visit other posts and check out their books. You’ll be glad you did. January 11th: Liz Gauffreau writes stories that are close to the soul with names like Telling Sonny and … Continue reading
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