Are you familiar with National Novel Writing Month? It’s a chance to push yourself to write 50,000 words of your novel in one month. It takes place every November, which makes absolutely no sense. November is a busy month. And…
Write from the Heart
I’m sure you’ve heard these ideas before. Write what’s in your heart. Write the book you want to read. Write the story that seems the most frightening, the most impossible, the most challenging. The story that feels like it needs…
The Story Behind the Book
Every book has a story behind it. Or several. Because all books are born of an author’s life and experience and whatever path he or she walked for that book to be published. Sometimes those paths can be smooth, but…
Advice for New Romance Writers
For the past few years I’ve helped judge contests for new romance writers. And each year, I see so many similarities in the entries. So I thought I’d jot down a few tips for new romance writers, based on what…
When You’re Stuck, Jump Around!
I write in fits and starts. Everything will flow for a day or two and then boom. I’m stuck. Staring at the page, with no idea what to write next. At times I am unable to string any coherent sentences…
Unexpected Wisdom
I’m suffering from the post-book-release blues. I don’t know if you’re familiar with them. Here’s how they work, for me at least. I write my book. Then I work as hard as I can to revise and edit it. I…
What Makes a Great Western Romance?
I love reading western romance. Put a hero in faded jeans a flannel shirt and a cowboy hat on a book cover and I will very likely buy that book! But sometimes I end up feeling like the cowboy on…