I used to despise editing.  In my mind I separated it from writing.  Putting something down on paper for the first time is fun.  The thrill of not even knowing yourself what will happen next!  The feeling of inspiration. I edited anyways, but in hind sight I see that — in the beginning — I often did bare…

Tonight I am remembering a piece of advice that I will always be grateful for. My husband, youngest daughter, and I went to a book signing for Brandon Sanderson. My husband, Tod, asked him, “What can I do to help support my wife in her writing?” Brandon told him to give me at least four…

With all my hand/wrist/elbow problems I figured I could share a few things that I’ve done to help minimize pain. Some of these things I wish I thought of before. I have no doubt I wouldn’t have ended up with a problem so quickly if I had been mindful.  So, perhaps reading this will help…

At the beginning of this year I made some very specific goals.  One was to finish the second draft of my newest novel by the end of February.  In my mind, I figured I could finish and send it out to beta readers, making it so I would get edits/input back by the end of…

It’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).  Most of my friends aren’t writers.  Not in the sense of “let me sit down and write a 50,000 word novel in a month.”  I get that. However, NaNoWriMo to me is simply about writing.  Getting thoughts down on paper.  Yes, technically it’s a goal of getting a full…

I have seen and heard the disdain  from some peers about games/gamers.  For contrast I give you this… I sat and watch my eleven year old daughter play a level in a game.  She played and failed. Then failed again and again and again.  At one point I asked her if she was getting frustrated…

  Quite a few years ago I sat in my living room and watched a conversation unfold.  A friend was looking into a possible job opportunity and wanted my husband’s input on the matter. It was one of those “get rich quick”deals.  He said, “Pretend I have a million dollars and I’m willing to give…

Do laundry you’re behind on.  Call the dentist.  Respond to that important email. These are the kinds of things that give me that itch of the mind.  You know what I’m talking about.  That nagging feeling that happens even though no one has said anything to you.  It is you nagging yourself. When this happens there’s…

I keep experiencing the same scenario. I’m out doing things.  I’m at the store, school, doctors office – the location varies – and I see someone. They stand out to me for one reason or another.  Some times it is because their heritage is apparent.  Some times it is because they have a different look that…

Let me be extra real with you.  I’ve been having a hard time lately.  The past week in particular being a highlight.  My enthusiasm for life dwindled more than just a little bit.  However, I felt an urgency to get another post written. I didn’t want to be one of those people who abandons their…

Rejection.  It is everywhere.  It is part of the human experience.  It’s in relationships – with all its various forms. The kid on the playground told she can’t play. The person who braved asking someone out and got a no. The parent who deserted their family and everyone who is left questions “was it because of…

I would dare say that one of the major killers of writers, or any craft, is television.  It’s so seductive.  Clearly it is better to sit down and relax after a long days work.  Whether you’ve spent your day in the office, doing manual labor, or tending kids – at the end of the day…