Last week I started explaining what tools I make sure I have in my writing suitcase as I launch on a new writing adventure. Those included a killer what if, a lead character I can build a story around, and a setting that can become a character in the book. Since it’s still vacation season, I want to share the next …
Traveling Tips for the Writer: Part 1
It’s summertime and that means many of us will take vacations of some sort. Maybe we’re staying close to home and exploring places around us. You know you drive past them everyday and never quite make the time to stop. Or maybe you are traveling where the flight takes 10 or 15 hours and you have to deal with jet …
If You Only Knew…
As a writer I have this quirk…it might be one you have, too. My mind constantly spins with what-ifs. If my husband is late, I wonder what-ifs…and they’re rarely positive. I wonder what-if so and so wins the election. What-if such and such happens when we travel? Did you know I seriously clean the house before we leave so …
Fiction Friday: Fading Starlight
I have a secret weakness for stories that weave in pieces of Old Hollywood. In her latest novel, Kathryn Cushman does that as she tells a story of unexpected friendship. Lauren Summers has her dream internship and a dress she worked on walking the red carpet. Then it all derails and she’s left desperate for a job and place to …
The Moments that Matter
Life is busy in the best possible way. Truly. But maybe you feel it, too. It’s flying so fast. We’re already two weeks into June. What? How on earth did that happen? Overwhelmed by the pace of life? @cara_putman urges capture moments. Click To Tweet In the race of days, I find it easy to get to the end of …
Visiting D.C. Part Two
Last week I barely scratched the surface of wonderful things to do while you’re in D.C. Here are a few more…some of these take some advance planning unlike last week’s recommendations. Others are great to do anytime. So here goes… The Monuments: The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Veteran’s Wall, National WWII Memorial, and Korean War Memorial are …
The glamorous writing life: Editing & Giveaway
I thought I’d give you a quick look into one of the places I hide while I edit. It’s not always here. Other times it might be Panera or Starbucks. Maybe the library. But often I need to break away and find a place with fewer distractions. I hope you enjoy this look behind the pages! And …
Fiction Friday: Dawn at Emberwilde
Sarah Ladd is a brilliant Regency author with plots that sing, characters you won’t forget, and a setting so real I feel like I’ve traveled to England without the long flight. Dawn at Emberwilde is her latest, and I think my favorite to date. Be sure to read to the end, because I’m giving a copy away. You’ll want to …
Visiting D.C.
We lived in DC for eight years after college. I LOVE that city. In fact, we’re talking about getting back this year for a visit since the kids have been learning American history this year. DC is like one big history experience. Every once in awhile a friend will ask for advice on what to see or do while they …
Fiction Friday: Book Extravaganza & Giveaway
While I love to write, I’m always reading, too. I was a reader first. And I’ll always be a reader. So today I wanted to share with you several books I’ve read in the last couple weeks that I really enjoyed. Be sure to go to the end and enter the giveaway. I have a copy of each of these …








