On my journey to becoming a traditionally published author, I may have found the key to success. It all started in my backyard. One day, as I was looking out of my kitchen window, I spotted a squirrel on the bird feeder. He was as content as could be, the chubby little bugger, flicking his tail with attitude and scarfing down the precious birdseed I so generously provided to my avian friends. I have nothing against squirrels. They’re cute, curious, and intelligent, but this little furry ... Read more »
Blog
Finding Happiness
In our fast-paced, goal-oriented world, it’s easy to lose sight of the little things. We are so driven to the big, flashy goals in our lives that often we’re convinced that we can’t be happy until we achieve them. I’ve heard so many people, myself included, say, “I’ll be happy when _______.” What if ______never comes? Does that mean I should be unhappy in the meantime? Is living supposed to stop until I achieve the goals I’ve been waiting for and working so hard toward? Of course ... Read more »
Permission to Make Mistakes
When I think about the first manuscript I completed, I laugh because I penned it before knowing anything about writing. Who needed plot, narrative structure, and characterization when I had imagination and initiative to fuel my prose? Point of view? Mine. Head hopping? Yes please— often within the same paragraph. Infodump? Definitely. The reader needed to know everything upfront, and just to be sure of it, I inserted so many flashbacks into my story I gave the main characters whiplash. I made ... Read more »
Toughen Up Buttercup!
Today I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw a post from an author in tears because she’d written several children’s books that hadn’t been published yet. Granted, I don’t know her particular circumstances, but based on her tearful assertions all I could think was, “Really?” In this business rejection is inevitable. Multiple rejections are inevitable. There are mediocre writers who get book deals. There are amazing writers who get rejection letters. Writing isn’t for the faint of heart. ... Read more »
Being Your Authentic Self
I think one of the best gifts you can give yourself is permission to be your authentic self, which isn’t always easy. Even before we’re born, well-meaning parents place expectations upon us, speculating about every aspect of our lives, not the least of which being who we’ll be, what we’ll do, and the life we’ll live. Growing up, we learn from family, teachers, peers, and mentors the rules of society, what is considered acceptable and what is expected of us in our roles as daughter, son, ... Read more »
Why I Write About Love
I like to write about love because it’s the strongest power in the universe. It has the exceptional ability to heal, empower, and enrich the lives of others, but it must be real. How do you know if it's real love? Real love is never selfish. It gives freely without demands, expectations or conditions. This isn’t to imply real love is perfect. At times it can be inconvenient, messy, difficult, and heartbreaking. It may require great sacrifice, but it will also provide the strength and ... Read more »