If you're like me, 2016 ended in a blur. Rather than jump on day one into 2017 with clearly defined plans and goals and dreams for the new year, suddenly, here at nearly the end of January, I've got nothing. Behind in making New Year's resolutions, woefully so, and looking for a second chance, I remembered the Lunar New Year. Happy Lunar Year Year! January 28th is the start of a two week celebration heralding the Lunar New Year and year of the Rooster. Rather than drift through 2017 and let …
What Motivates You to Keep Writing?
Do you sometimes become so completely overwhelmed by all the work left to be done to your story that you walk away without writing? I've been doing that dance myself lately. Preparing for this month's free Plot Tips eZine (yes, I know September is more than halfway over!), rather than begin on all the steps involved -- catch up on emails, update all social media, and write a few of blog posts -- I give in to the overwhelm and walk away. Perhaps we've each forgotten what motivates us. …
Writers! Looking for a Way Back into Your Story?
Trying to ease back into your novel, screenplay, or memoir? One tip I can offer writers looking for a way back into your story -- start at the end of your story. Endings Create Fans I'm always reminding writers that beginnings hook readers and endings create fans. My intent is to stress the importance of giving your ending at least as much time and attention as you give to your beginning. In wanting to perfect story beginnings to hook readers, writers often spend all their time writing and …
Calling all Writing Critique Groups and Book Clubs
Calling all Writing Critique Groups and Book Clubs! I'd love to celebrate the release of Parallel Lives ((A Novel)) with you. As I was digging for an inspired way to promote my new novel, a friend on Twitter came to my rescue. She'd just received a copy of my historical novel set in San Francisco in the 1960s, and she tweeted a few of her friends: "Book club anyone?" I immediately wanted to be a fly on the wall at that meeting. Then, I thought, why not actually be there? That gave me my new …
Parallel Lives ((A Novel))
Parallel Lives ((A Novel)) is now available for purchase! I am so excited to share my historical novel with you! By offering this historical novel to you, I break through an impasse. Because, as absolutely thrilled as I am to share with you my 1960s story -- about parallel lives, the power of communication, and the redemptive fire of love set against a time of cataclysmic change -- I'm also filled with more than a little trepidation. The book took more than twelve years to write. Just as long …
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