I used to share my WIP status a lot more. Lately, it feels like my writing life has sped up exponentially. When I first started, I'd spend six months on one book, and only work on one book at a time--not just the writing, but the editing, publishing, and marketing. These days, I'm on fast... Continue Reading →
I Still Love Editing/Revising
Almost 5 years ago, between releasing my first book, Blue Violet, and getting ready to release the next book, Hyacinth, I posted about how I loved the editing process. Now, years later, I've completed 13 novels, 3 novellas, and 3 short stories with more on the way. My writing style has changed over the course... Continue Reading →
Summer Insanity Is Almost Over
On August 17th, the kids go back to school, and our fantastic but totally nutty summer comes to an end. Boy did it fly. I find it funny that the advent of school will actually slow us down. Here's what happened over the last few months, starting at the end of May! Estes Park, Colorado... Continue Reading →
Editing Technique: Ask Questions
I received comments back from a new beta reader for me the other day, and something she did really struck home. She asked questions! Lots of them. It occurred to me that this was a fabulous technique which filled a personal gap for me in terms of my writing. I am not naturally a questioner,... Continue Reading →
Going Overboard with Deep POV
Im going to take a moment for a mini-rant today about deep POV. For those who dont know, I define Deep POV as this: when you are writing a character you are as deep into their point of view (POV) as you can get, trying to express their reactions, thoughts, feelings, and experiences (sensory or... Continue Reading →
Begging, Editing, Writing, & Ideas
That's right, I am in several different phases on several different projects at the moment. You know how much I love to be busy. Well, we're in a holding pattern on the move right now as we wait for our house to sell, so what better time to go crazy on my writing, right? (Actually,... Continue Reading →
My Self-Editing Checklist
Over the years, between feedback from critique groups/beta readers/editors, various workshops, and personal habits I've realized, I have gathered a checklist of self-editing items about a mile long. Curious what I fine-tune? Come check out the list. (Fellow writers - I'd love to hear what else is on your check list!)
Blue Violet – A New Beginning
Blue Violet is the first book of my Svatura series of books. I originally self-published it along with the other three books of the series. In January I contracted the series with The Wild Rose Press. The past few months I've been working on the book with my editor, Mary. No major/huge changes (for my... Continue Reading →
Editing Blue Violet
In January, The Wild Rose Press contracted Blue Violet and the Svatura series of novels. Blue Violet was my first completed book, my first self-published (or published at all) book, and my first book to win an award (or 2). It's my baby. It started it all. In publishing now with The Wild Rose Press,... Continue Reading →
The Ever Evolving Process: Idea to Published Book
Over the last two years my process for getting from initial idea to actual published book has evolved. While I'd started many books prior, Blue Violet was the first book I finished. I'll be honest...looking back I was a hot mess. I wrote on gut instinct alone and the original final draft needed a helluva... Continue Reading →