November already? Crunchy leaves on the lawn. The first chill of autumn and Thanksgiving right around the corner. I’m up to my eyeballs in menu ideas and shopping lists, but you know what I’m really looking forward to is the release of Perennials coming November 14 from my friend Julie Cantrell. I smile every time I see this gorgeous cover. …
Contest Season: Soaring with A FLYING AFFAIR
This is contest season for those whose books came out in 2015. Books, entry forms, and money (to support all manner of contests prizes) are sent in during the bleak months of December through February when I’m usually in a sort of winter funk. Should I enter this one or that one? What if I don’t final? Do book awards …
Putting on the Ritz and Sharing the Love With a Giveaway
I’ve been contemplating a website makeover for a while – it’s like getting a new outfit or hair-do – it feels great and has the added bonus of being more reflective of what websites are supposed to do. Namely to let folks know who I am and get a feel for my books when they visit. My old design was …
Cover Reveal – A Flying Affair
There are many breath-stealing moments in the journey of a book. It starts with the seed of an idea that pops into my head and takes root. Nearly always my main character comes to me fully formed – both the physical characteristics, personality, and general idea of the story. The tingles up and down my spine can not be ignored. …
Journey to a Book – Celebrating Camille Eide
I first met Camille Eide at Mount Hermon where we shared a bench in the amazing Angela Hunt’s workshop where we learned about the bones of a novel. We’d both written a bit, but we were still as green as the new foliage on Mount Hermon’s redwoods that spring. How and why we were drawn to each other had something …
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate is one of the most creative, talented story tellers I know. Trust me when I say she’s the “real deal.” I’m so fortunate to be acquainted with her and glad to call her friend. And I’m especially tickled to have her here to tell you about her latest book which just hit the bookshelves this month. Thanks, Lisa, …
New Eyes – New Look
Most of my life I’ve had extreme myopia – nearsightedness – and have been dependent on glasses to see almost everything. Recently I’ve had cataract surgery and oh. my. goodness! The colors are so much brighter. Images are sharper. And I’m seeing things at a distance without glasses that I never dreamed I would see. Truly, I’m seeing the world …
Support Your Local Library
Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of trips to the library when I was growing up. Summers especially when my sisters and I would get a new stash of books each week when our Mother went to town for the weekly shopping. Living way out in the country, this was our treat and our escape. I still love …
Ane Mulligan and Chapel Springs Revival
Mention the name Ane Mulligan, and a number of images comes to mind. Fiery red hair. Heart of gold. A smile that lights up the universe. Friend. Mentor. Co-founder of Novel Rocket, one of the best writing blogs around. To me she’s all of those things, but also patient, kind, funny, and soul mate. To know her is to love …
Summertime Adventure
The summer after my junior year in high school, my parents let me take a trip by myself to California ON A BUS. Trailways, to be exact. I left from a tiny town in the TX Panhandle (the nearest bus stop). Destination: Barstow, CA, where Aunt Pat and Uncle Dall would pick me up for a month-long visit. I can …