Once people know I’m an author, the first question is frequently, “Are your characters based on people you know?” The short answer to that question is sort of. My characters are composites of people I know. Maybe one’s gutsiness married to another’s compassion. That’s the beauty of fiction. My characters can be whomever I want them to be. I’m lucky to have a cooperative muse. One of my heroes, an ancient, time traveling dragon shifter who’d been asleep for three hundred years, came to me in a dream. I just knew I had to write a book about him. I’ll …
Be Your Own Valentine: Self-Care Tips for Stressed-Out Readers and Writers
Self-love and self-care are more important than ever, and February, the month of love, feels like the perfect time to talk about why we should be our own Valentine. Whether you’re an author struggling with creativity and deadlines or a reader trying to escape the chaos of the world, stress can take a toll. So, let’s talk about ways to treat yourself, reduce stress, and maintain your sanity. Stay Connected (But Wisely) 📱 Reach out to real friends through phone calls, video chats, texts, or even a well-timed meme. If you can, get lunch or plan an in-person visit. While …
Do Authors Need Other Authors? YES. Yes, they do.
There are ohhhhh so many reasons for this…. I’m going to focus on one author in particular today. She’s my ride or die, my critique partner, a brilliant writer and one of my besties. Her name is Renee George. I adore her. We lovingly tear apart each other’s books with constructive and amazing critiques. I’m a better writer because of her! We love to laugh hard and hug harder. We both have husbands named Steve and are crazy cat ladies along with being certifiable dog moms. We just fit. We also do stupid shit. Read on for one of our …
Budget-Friendly Celebrations: Love Without Breaking the Bank
Can you believe it’s February already? The month where we celebrate love, but if you’re single, like me, it can be rather overwhelming. This year, I’ve decided to celebrate and give thanks to those around me that are special to me. Those that give my life meaning. Either way, it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are some creative and budget-friendly ways to make this Valentine’s Day special without breaking the bank. 1. Cook a Romantic Dinner at Home Skip the expensive restaurant reservations and cook a romantic dinner at home. Choose a simple yet elegant menu, …
I Can’t Believe I’m Doing This…
So, I’m not one of those writers who uses beta readers. I no longer have an ARC team. The only people who see the book before I upload it are my assistant, Jenn, and my editor. So what the heck am I doing? Well, on my Patreon, I decided to create a tier for those who want to read my books as I write them. It’s scary, it’s nerve-wracking. I have clear rules: no suggestions from the gallery. No giving me ‘feedback’ on what you think I should do. I’ve said for years and years, I don’t write by committee …
Harnessing lunar magic in your reading life
As witches and book lovers, we know that the moon’s phases influence our energy, emotions, and intentions. Why not bring that same lunar magic into your reading life? Aligning your reading habits with the moon’s cycles can transform your literary journey into a mindful and enchanting practice. Here’s how to work with the moon’s phases to create a reading practice infused with intention and magic: Use the new moon to set your reading intentions The new moon is a time for beginnings and fresh starts. It’s the perfect phase to: Build momentum during the waxing moon As the moon grows, …
What is it about Romance?
“Red is the color of my true love’s hair.” “I’ll never love blue eyes again.” “Gonna wash that man right outa my hair.” “Suzanne takes your hand and she leads you to the river…” The list of “love” quotes is endless. Face it, as human beings we’re fascinated with love and sex. From an anthropological standpoint, that’s probably a good thing. It’s kept our race from dying out. It’s only been in modern times that marrying for romantic love has become acceptable. As recently as a hundred years ago, virtually all marriages were arranged for any number of reasons from …
My Favorite Winter Blahs Binge-Watches
I am a TV watcher from way back. I am unapologetically thrilled when a new show catches my fancy or an old show I loved gets renewed for another season. I have old completed series that I will watch and rewatch, and sometimes I will watch a show simply for inspiration. What I watch depends on my mood and whether I want to keep it or change it. Here are my favorite binges based on the mood. Need a laugh? Comedy Faves. Current: Past: Need a Pick Me Up? Heartfelt Faves. Current: Past: Need a Murder to Solve? Mystery Faves. …
Writer’s Block… yes or no?
Do I get writer’s block? Yes and no. There are so many kinds of writers and so many different methods of writing. None of them are wrong. Never let anyone tell you there is only one way to do it. You have to find what works for you. Some people plot beautifully. I’m not that gal. I’m what’s called a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. I find it thrilling and I live for the surprises that pop up when I write. Sometimes I wish I could plot a book, but if I did, I wouldn’t write …
Balancing the Blackboard: A Quirky Guide to Back-to-School Work-Life Harmony for Teachers
Ah, the back-to-school season! The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the sound of new textbooks cracking open, and the sight of eager (or not-so-eager) faces ready to learn. In case you didn’t know, by day I am a Drama teacher, and I love it. By night, a passionate writer who loves to murder people in cozy mysteries adding a dash of romance to spice up the action. I guess that explains why I love a little drama in my life. I live in Australia, so our summer holidays are drawing to a close and it’s back to school for us …