Change one thing -- thoughts on organic plots

Nearly two weeks ago, my hubby got into a low-speed collision that sent our car to the body shop. (Yes, it's still there if you're wondering.) We are a one-car family, so this...

Read More

Preciousness and productivity

Ah, it's that wonderful time of year--when school supplies are abundant and dirt cheap. I loves me a nice, thick stack of junky spiral notebooks that cost less than a pack of...

Read More

Just one of the guys

I just finished Melina Marchetta's Saving Francesca last week and really loved it. One aspect I especially liked was the way she develops non-romantic friendships between the...

Read More

"Take me there" objects

Revising scenes that occur on another continent in another season requires an extra dose of imagination. I'm finding that having a few helpful objects and images in my writing...

Read More

Lengthen that fuse

Are you familiar with the term "jumping conflict"? It means your characters are calm or simpatico one moment, then inexplicably shouting at each other the next.Granted, there...

Read More

Re-entry

Museum trips, board games, long meals--these have eaten up my available writing time the past 10 days while family was visiting. Re-entry into my writing life feels very clumsy...

Read More

Character study lab: poolside

How do your characters feel in their own skin? Self-conscious? Cocky? Healthy? Despairing? Blissfully carefree?Hang out at a pool for any length of time, and you'll soon notice...

Read More

Blossoming

While I was watching fireworks with my family last night, ideas for my next book unfolded like those lights blossoming into the night sky. Unlike my first book, which takes place...

Read More

Finish line

As I've been collecting final critiques on my novel and incorporating changes, I've noticed something strange. I feel like I've hit the wall runners talk about. Like lactic acid...

Read More