Writing Process

In Which the Author Continues Interviewing Herself About Her Books

Who was your inspiration for Colton Johnson in “Step Into Love?” My youngest sister was partly the inspiration for Colton. She deals with a lot of similar issues in her daily life, although she’s never been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This might be because she absolutely loathes going to the doctor’s office and getting her to tell a doctor how she’s actually feeling is like squeezing water out of a rock. His outlook on life is very similar to hers.…

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Add Some Great First Lines to Your Author Toolbox

You know what’s the hardest part of writing a book? Besides the writing and the outlining and the scene construction and editing and . . . okay . . . every other part. This bit is really the most intimidating, I promise. The hardest part is making yourself start. Prevailing advice, endless online articles, and the image of the latest huge seller, hang over your head like a constant cloud. And the cloud isn’t merely decorative. As your mind goes…

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Make a Wish: an IWSG Post

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is a judgment-free presence in your author life. Tell us about your doubts or fears, and how you have conquered them. Bring us in on your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who might be struggling. Visit and connect with your fellow writers. The group aims for a dozen visits each IWSG Wednesday. And make sure to return comments. This group is all about connection! The awesome co-hosts for the April…

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The IWSG Wants Your Perspective

Spring! It’s so close I can almost taste the green in the air. Sure, it’s 41 degrees Fahrenheit and raining right now. Still. Warmth and sunshine are just around the corner and I CANNOT WAIT. My pale mushroom self is ready to finally leave the house and feel the heat. The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard! March 6 question – Whose perspective do you like to write from best,…

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The IWSG Loves Creativity

This is an Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. Come, writers of all neurotic types, and join us. Any and all are welcome and the support is unbeatable. Our Co-Hosts this month are Raimey Gallant (Hi!!), Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan and Michelle Wallace. Don’t forget to go over and show them some loving support. The (optional) question for this February 6th: Besides writing, what other creative outlets do you have? Does the ability to raise three tiny destroyers without significant loss of life, limb, or property count…

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Six First Aid Steps for Bad Feedback

It happened. The thing you’ve been dreading, avoiding, secretly praying will pass you by forever. Negative feedback. Maybe it’s kindhearted constructive criticism (OUCH) or maybe it’s a scathing one-star take down of your entire book (FUCKING OUCH OW PAIN). No  matter what form it takes this kind of feedback is hard on you. I know this, because I recently got my very own negative feedback. I enter every unfinished manuscript I write into RWA chapter contests for judging because apparently…

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The Basics of Romance, for Your Author Toolbox

*Sings* Do you want to write a romance? If you do, you’re in good company. Millions of books published every year. Thousands of authors. HUGE part of the market share. But, where to start? How is a romance different from any other fiction novel? What defines “romance”? At the basic level: A romance novel tells the story of the romantic relationship evolving between people. That’s all. That’s it. When you get right down to the nitty-gritty center of it, this…

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The Time When an Author Responded to a Bad Review: And It Worked.

For the rest of us normal mortals: DO NOT DO THIS! No, I mean it. EVER. I see your fingers twitching towards that keyboard. DON’T. It’s the fastest way to make yourself look like a terrible person, no matter what a review says about your book. In light of recent events concerning an author who straight-up stalked a reviewer that had disliked her book, this seems like a good time to drag out and re-state my position on this issue. The ladies…

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The Insecure Writer’s Group Asks the Real Questions

Happy Holidays/Solstice/Yule, blessed be, and Happy New Year! You all should be in a nice vacation-induced stupor by today. Perfect time to get some Insecure Writer’s group in. I hope 2019 has started off nice and gently for you and you’re enjoying your time, wherever you are! The Co-hosts this month are Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi and Fundy Blue. Don’t forget to stop by and show them the love. And the question for January 2 – What are your favorite and least favorite…

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The Writer’s Tag: Look I’m Legit With Tags and Everything Now!

In which the author, who is not crazy, interviews herself and the voices in her head. Should be fun. The tag was created for authors by Lorraine Ambers and Ari Meghlen as a fun way to connect with other writers, and help us all get to know each other better. I’m participating in this tag thanks to the wonderful GJ Stephens, who is releasing his first novel on Friday! (30th November) He is one of the kindest people, with a genuine wish to reach out…

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