I’d submitted the first ten pages of my middle grade novel for a paid critique at an upcoming Mid-South SCBWI Writers Conference. I had high hopes for these pages and felt I’d really nailed the voice of my protagonist. Cue the violin music, because this does not have a happy ending! The critiquer shredded my…
As some of you know, I recently had major spinal surgery and spent four days in the hospital. The nurses and other staff members were friendly and competent. Theoretically, I could choose to leave “against medical advice” at any time. And yet, it strikes me that hospital and prison stays have a lot in common.…
I’m so delighted to welcome Martha Crites as a guest author. Her extensive background in community and inpatient mental health has enabled her to write fully developed characters dealing with a variety of mental health issues. Her richly layered novels offer a much needed corrective to popular stereotypes of mental illness. Below are Martha’s responses…
My oldest sister once gave me her honest opinion of my personal blogs: “No one wants to read about how much you love your husband.” If so, STOP READING! NOW! This blog is about one of the things I love most about my husband. He’s hilarious. Even on my worst days, he can make me…
I’m delighted to welcome ME Roche to my blog today, who began writing later in life after a distinguished career as a registered nurse. This month, she’s celebrating the release of BIGAMY, her fifth novel. Below are her responses to my interview questions followed by her bio and contact/buy links. First off, congratulations on the…
As a longtime beach and pet lover, I’m so delighted to welcome cozy mystery author Jackie Layton to my blog today. Below are Jackie’s responses to my interview questions, followed by her bio and contact/buy links. First off, congratulations on the release of your fourth book, Caught and Collared, in your Low Country Dog Walker…
As some of you know, I serve as president of Derby Rotten Scoundrels, the Ohio River Valley chapter of Sisters in Crime. One of our newest members is the delightful, motorcycle-riding veteran author Lisa Haneberg. Below is her account of one of those book signing events that didn’t quite go as planned, followed by…
As a writer, I have plenty of discouraging days—when the words don’t come easily, something comes up that takes me away from my desk, or a rejection arrives in my inbox. But this past week, what I felt was overwhelming gratitude. First, I got to write every single day, and unexpected ideas crept into my…