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 →
School visits – Ten things every author should know
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 →
What is steampunk?
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 →
What the fudgcicles? To cuss or not to cuss in YA fiction…
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 →
How many words to write…a creative person’s lesson in time management
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 →
The curse of good writing
This past week, I finally got around to reading John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. I had high expectations, because of the buzz, of course. And the book met those expectations, except, not exactly in the way I expected. Here's the thing. It's hard for me to love a sad book. But this novel... Continue Reading →
My next big thing – or rather, two things
Generally, I like to play my "next big thing" ideas close to my chest, but I was asked to join this blog hop by the talented Paulette Rae, so I decided I'd tell you a little bit about the two books that will complete the Teen Mobster Series. If you haven't read Accidental Mobster, well, you... Continue Reading →
Eight reasons you should go to that writers’ conference…
Last weekend, I attended my first writers' conference in a while. Let me tell you, it was a good experience, and it taught me the value of meeting with other writers, as well as taking advantage of listening to and chatting with editors and agents, people who often seem so far away from my little... Continue Reading →
Ready, set, write – A few short steps to start a novel
You have it! That killer, awesome, super cool, totally-going-to-get-you-a-literary-award-and-movie-deal idea for a novel. So what are you waiting for? Get those little fingers moving. Okay, so maybe it's not that easy. We all have some pretty good story ideas. But how do you take a big, fat, fabulous idea and streamline that baby into a can't-put-it-down-or-I'll-die kind of... Continue Reading →
Original writing – it’s not what you think
Last week, I found myself in a painting class. Now, let me tell you, this was a bit of a surprise for me. When I signed up for something called Wine & Palette, I assumed I'd be eating gourmet food and drinking delicious alcohol. I'm pretty good at those things. Instead, I found myself decked out... Continue Reading →
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