“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison
Writing the first draft for a novel is hard. Writing the second draft is harder. As a notorious quitter with a graveyard of W.I.P.s on her laptop, I was surprised when I actually wound up completing the first draft of my passion project. Considering how often I become overwhelmed by the prospect of cramming all… Continue reading W.I.P Novel Draft 2- Electric Avenue: The Emotional Stakes Are Higher
In our day-to day lives we play a role—small or large—in each other's stories. Sometimes we are the comic relief, the best friend, the loving mother/father figure that espouses wisdom. Other times we have a less flattering role: We are the bad guy. To be the bad guy in someone's narrative, you don't necessarily need… Continue reading POV: You’re The Bad Guy
I have had this blog several years and, in the early days of its evolution, I wrote "writing advice." Yes, the girl who had yet to be published or showcase her writing on any sort of platform thought she would grace the world with her wisdom on writing. Since then, however, I've mostly shied away… Continue reading Most Writing Advice is Bad
Amazon Summary: After a devastating loss, Brynn Wilder escapes to Wharton, a tourist town on Lake Superior, to reset. Checking into a quaint boardinghouse for the summer, she hopes to put her life into perspective. In her fellow lodgers, she finds a friendly company of strangers: the frail Alice, cared for by a married couple… Continue reading Thoughts on “The Haunting of Brynn Wilder” by Wendy Webb
I don't think it is unusual for creatives to experience dry spells. Especially those of us who work full-time jobs and can only create during those precious rare moments we have to ourselves. For me, however, the dry spells have become disconcertingly common, to the point where I wonder if this is my new normal.… Continue reading “F-It Bucket” Stories, or How I Got My Story-Writing Brain to Work Again
Amazon Summary: Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike — particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens. Mariana Andros, who was once… Continue reading Thoughts on “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides
Writer's Block is easy enough to understand. Writer's Guilt, however, is a bit different. Writer's Block passes—sometimes like a kidney stone, but it passes. But Writer's Guilt lingers. At least it does for me. Writer's Guilt is when you, as a writer, find yourself in a rare moment of calm, of relaxation, of repose, but… Continue reading Writer’s Guilt: You Should Be Writing….or Should You?
I think it's no secret to anyone that has followed this blog for any length of time that I am not always the best at updating.....ever. While, on occasion, I'm seized by the writing bug and punch out a couple of blog posts a month, other times I do well to publish one in six… Continue reading Blog Update, Or The Author Details Her Intentions
It has been two years since I wrote about The Winds of Winter and its slow progression towards release. I heard some time ago that 2020 was a productive year for Martin, inspiring words considering how long this novel has been in the works. The last installment, A Dance with Dragons, was published in 2011… Continue reading Words are Wind: A Depressing Update for “The Winds of Winter” by George R. R. Martin
I am.....tired. Fatigued. Weary. I'm tired of stories I care about—stories about friendship, perseverance, love, miracles—being plundered like a bloated corpse on the battlefield. It's no secret among my social circles that I have a vehement hatred against remakes. Most people don't like them, they think they are lazy and pointless, but I have transcended… Continue reading To All the Stories I Loved Before: a Lament About Remakes, Cash-ins, And Reboots
The Crooked Pen 