The entire project took 3.5 years to complete. Most of the 1st draft written in the library where I could be secluded. Away from the distractions of home. Surrounded by the work of other authors. Then each chapter was offered to my critique group for feedback, corrections, polishing and honing as the 2nd draft appeared. […]
Grateful for a Book Read More »
As we begin the Thanksgiving season, I am grateful for sensory perceptions. Writers are encouraged to include the five senses in our manuscripts, and most of us do a good job with sight and hearing. But it’s a little harder to add touch, taste, and smell without sounding contrived. Even so, every year I am
To increase awareness of Domestic Violence Month, this is a re-post about the intensity of writing a novel on the topic of domestic abuse. One out of four women live in destructive relationships. Some of them sit next to you at church or at work. Some of them are in your family. It is important
The Intensity of October Read More »
Stuck. Between the third and fourth chapter of the gazillionth revision of my novel. Somewhere a segue exists but currently – I can’t find it. I know it will come – somewhere over the rainbow. But the frustration of the moment calls for a break from writing and a massive piece of comfort chocolate. As
Filling in the Gaps Read More »
During my birthday month, I am celebrating one of those significant years. Although I usually ignore my age, somehow this one feels more important than the ones before. A definite ‘aging’ reminder of how quickly life has passed. Growing up during the 60s-70s, we were often reminded of end times prophecy. Encouraged to be looking
The doctor I see for my acupuncture treatments said, “It’s 30% treatment and 70% rest. You need to rest more.” Rest more. This was the first medical professional who said I needed to rest. Less strenuous exercise. Less work time. More rest. It takes a while to stop spinning from a productive work ethic to
Believe it or not, we are headed toward Q4 — the last quarter of the year. How quickly the months have passed! So how do writers deal with those annual goals when suddenly faced with October, November, and December? These final months can be the busiest and most stressful of the entire year. Who has
Q4 Goals for the Writer Read More »
As a wordsmith, I am constantly studying the meaning and usage of words. Words matter. Not only in how they are used, but also in our responses to them. How many of us can remember unkind words spoken to us by bullies, siblings, or even the responsible adults around us? Our childhood can be marred
The presenter of the webinar bragged about her use of ChatGPT. “I’ve spent hours teaching this AI tool how to write like me.” She encouraged the rest of us to invest in her program, but I declined. As a writing coach, I wanted to ask, “Instead of spending hours teaching ChatGPT how to sound like
The Problem with AI Read More »
The memories surface when I visit our church members in various senior facilities. Not the fancier facilities that offer all kinds of activities and several levels of care. But the places that are the last stop before eternity — what we used to call ‘nursing homes.’ As I enter the door, my olfactory sense is
The Smells of Aging Read More »