Orignally posted in 2014 People have often said to me, “I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but I’ve never tried because … [insert excuse.]” If you’re one of those people, I totally understand where you’re coming from. 100%. For most of my life, I never thought it was possible for someone like me to …
Lessons to Learn from 50 Shades of Grey
Let’s talk about 50 Shades of Grey. I’ve never read it beyond the sample chapter nor have I seen any of the movies. Not because I’m a prude who shuns erotica, but mostly because I have issues with the unhealthy glorification of an abusive relationship so I’m simply not interested. Despite this, however, I learned …
If you ain’t first, you’re … probably having fun!
I love the movie, Talledega Nights, and I can quote pretty much every line. Especially the dinner scene ’cause I like to picture Jesus in a tuxedo T-shirt. As a two-time boy mom with a cynical sense of humor that has me laughing at fart jokes, it’s hard not to love that movie. And, of …
Just Tell Their Story: Writing Advice from Chris Crutcher
Ah, writing conferences. How I miss them! Spending a day … sometimes two … learning and listening to amazing speakers along with other kindred spirits? Yes, please, sign me up! Back when I wrote mostly young adult novels, in what now feels like a lifetime ago, my favorite conference was the annual one put on …
I Wrote an Okay Novel … and that’s okay.
After months and months of brainstorming, plotting, outlining, writing part of the draft, replotting, outlining, and then going back to the beginning … three times, I finally, FINALLY finished my women’s fiction draft in April! And bonus? I LOVE MY LAST LINE! Here it is if you’re curious: Because I’m fine, just as I am. …
Sandy Cracks and Other Perceived Flaws
I don’t like sand above my ankles. Don’t get me wrong. I love looking out onto a beautiful sandy beach, especially in the morning hours after nightly high tides have smoothed it to a fresh, blank surface. I adore walking along the ocean, savoring that delicious sinking feeling, watching the grains outlining my feet lighten, …
Passion before Publication
A Lesson from Author Christine Lincoln There are some lessons in life that stick to you like spaghetti sauce stains to plastic storage containers. Others, however, are often quickly forgotten, forcing you to learn them over and over again. For me, Passion before Publication falls in the latter category. I first learned this lesson about …