On my way to the library every week or so, I pass a beautiful 1960-something red Ford Mustang that is in desperate need of some TLC. I always give it a longing look, thinking if I had the resources, I'd go up to the door and make the person an offer on that baby. Why?... Continue Reading →
Sometimes, I forget that Goodreads isn't quite Facebook or Twitter yet. I mean, to me, having a social media outlet for my reading (which is, you know, on that list with air and water and food and stuff) couldn't be more important. Well, if you like reading (anything, really), and you're always looking for "just... Continue Reading →
For a long time, I was adamantly opposed to having anyone but family members and prospective agents read my books. Eventually, when I signed a contract for two series with a small press publisher, I had to get used to having people (editors, in particular) go over my stuff with a fine-toothed comb. The process taught... Continue Reading →
As an author who specializes in writing fiction for the younger generation, I know that a good portion of speaking engagements will be with that younger generation (more specifically, middle and high schoolers). Now, with a few of those (terrifying!) experiences under my belt, I'd like to help my fellow writers out with a brief... Continue Reading →
Steampunk. If you're a writer, you may have run across this cute little term in an editor or agent's "interests" section. As a reader, your thinking, "Say what? Punk?" Yeah, I know. Makes me think of pink Mohawks too. But don't get confused here. Steampunk is a blenderized combination of the late 1800s/early 1900s, industrialization,... Continue Reading →
Being a writer is a tough gig, especially if you're wanting to do it to bring home the bacon. But instead of focusing on the negative aspects of a writing career, I'm going to tell you a few reasons that I, and maybe you, should be grateful for our love of the pen (or keyboard...or... Continue Reading →
In every writing workshop I conduct, the topic of using swear words in teen fiction is a huge issue of debate, with people as polarized over the subject as the American legislature on the Affordable Healthcare Act. And I have to say, I've found both sides (on the swear word debate) to have valid reasons for... Continue Reading →
I love getting feedback on the first two books in my three-part Teen Mobster Series from Bluewood Publishing. People like the characters, the drama, the action, and the romance. Yeah, I'm kinda' partial to it too:) But apparently, I'm competing with a smorgasbord of technology for teen readers these days. I mean, who's going to pick up a book with,... Continue Reading →
I am a writer. That means that while I do many things, my mind is in Never Never Land, working out the stories in my head. If it sounds a little crazy, that's because...well...it is. I discuss my writing habits with many people, and because I have small children and several endeavors in development, the fact that... Continue Reading →
Every month or so, I teach a writing workshop, and I find that just like when I coached skating, my own mastery of the craft improves as I review the fundamentals. So as I gear up for my next gig (Jumpstart Your Novel Class), I find that I'm excited to get in touch with some old... Continue Reading →
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