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 »
On Writing
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 »