The Writing Life
“So, What Do You Do When You’re Not Writing?”
Other than the question, “Where do you get your ideas?” we writers are often asked what we do when we’re not writing. I’m always so impressed when an author describes her expertise in knitting or rug-hooking. I am the least crafty person I know! But there are a few things that are dear to me…
Read MoreKiller Nashville: An Inspiring Conference
It’s not easy for an introvert like myself to spend three days interacting nonstop with other folks, but Killer Nashville, which I attended this past weekend, was well worth it. While it was gratifying to have my novel, MISSING MOM, be named the first runner-up for a Silver Falchion Award, the conference is about so much…
Read MoreSometimes You Just Have to Trust the Process
For those of you who are writers, do you ever have moments where you panic and think, “I don’t know where to go next? I’m totally stuck.” Some writers talk about feeling that way in the “muddled middle.” But I can have one of my stalled episodes at any point. Recently, I had one as…
Read MoreMining My Past, Especially the Painful Parts, for My Fiction
Years ago, I remember reading an anecdote in Writer’s Digest that had me laughing and nodding my head at the same time. A writer discovered that her dentist husband was having an affair with his office assistant. Her first thought? “Wow. This is material!” I can relate. Not only do none of us get out…
Read MoreIn the Ups and Downs of the Writing Life, It’s Nice to Savor the Ups
As any writer can tell you, the writing life has its share of lows as well as highs. I’ve yet to meet a writer who hasn’t experienced rejection or hurtful remarks about their work. One of my more discouraging moments came years ago when I was thinking about applying to the journalism program at the…
Read MoreA Shoutout to Sisters in Crime
Because marketing and promoting our books has become largely our responsibility as authors, we spend a fair among of time doing what we call “BSP,” otherwise known as “blatant self-promotion.” But today, I want to promote something much larger than myself, which is our amazing professional organization for mystery writers, Sisters in Crime. Founded in…
Read MoreMy Fiction Writing Addiction
The other day, I was reading an interview of an author who confessed that she becomes anxious and a bit irritable when she’s not writing. I can relate. It’s not that I haven’t been writing for the past few weeks, but I’ve focused on guest blogs and articles in connection with my recent releases of…
Read MoreNo “Morning Joe” and No Wi-Fi
My mom used to say, “As we get older, we get so patterned.” She usually said this when my sons and I had descended for our annual summer visit and disrupted all of her usual routines. I’m pretty sure she loved having us come and especially loved seeing us leave! I can definitely relate. I…
Read MoreMalice Domestic: A Wonderful Celebration for Mystery Fans and Authors
I’ve been so crazed writing articles in connection with the upcoming May 18 release of DEATH IN THE END ZONE that I’ve barely had a moment to reflect on my experience attending Malice Domestic at the end of last month. But being a part of this special weekend was genuinely an uplifting experience! For those…
Read MoreAn Embarrassment of Riches
I’ve always felt extremely fortunate if I have a newly released novel every year or two. But quite by accident, by mid-May, I will have three book releases within the space of three months. I only write one book at a time, and all three were written at different times. But publishing calendars occasionally mean…
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