Posts Tagged ‘LEISHA’S SONG’
Writing Schedule Interruptis
My sister Marty, a fantastic grant writer and development professional, recently retired and has embarked on writing a memoir (which I can’t wait to read!). Recently, she asked me questions about my life as a working writer: Do I put myself on a writing schedule? Yes Do I have a preferred time of day to…
Read MoreMy Grateful List
I admit it. There are plenty of weeks when I forget to feel grateful for all the blessings in my life—like having a husband I’m still madly in love with after decades of marriage or the opportunity to do the writing work I love. Instead, I’m often guilty of focusing on the things that are…
Read MoreThe Good News… and Not So Good News
Writing-wise, this was a lovely week. On Tuesday, DEADLY SETUP officially came out. Author Sarah Glenn hosted me on her blog where I wrote an essay, “Beyond the External Plot: What’s Your Book Really About?” in which I talked about the difference between DEADLY SETUP’s plot and its deeper themes. I’d love for you to…
Read More“Are All Your Stories About People in the Arts?”
We were in the middle of a critique session when a fellow writer turned to me and asked, “Are all your stories about people in the arts?” I nodded and gave her the usual explanation, “Well, that’s the world I know.” But digging deeper, running throughout much of my work is the idea that the…
Read MoreTemporarily M-I-A
As some of you know, I had some pretty major spinal surgery in late February. The surgeon had warned me that I might have some trouble walking initially because of his entering through the psoas muscle. Well, yes! My right leg and foot are totally non-functional, and I am doped up on pain meds. This…
Read MoreThe Writing Life: Sometimes We Just Have to Keep Believing
Last month, I got the news that my recently released YA novel, LEISHA’S SONG, received the bronze medal in the YA mystery category from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. The Moonbeam Awards are about “Celebrating Youthful Curiosity, Discovery and Learning Through Books and Reading.” To say that I was thrilled is the understatement of the…
Read MoreCody in LEISHA’S SONG Bears a Strong Resemblance to Someone I Know!
The other day, a dear friend called to tell me he’d just finished Leisha’s Song and loved it. Music to a writer’s ears, of course, but I was especially touched when he told me that he wished more high school boys would read the book: “Cody is such a great boyfriend,” he said. “What a…
Read MoreStory Ideas: Sometimes I Know Where They Come From, and Sometimes I Don’t!
With Leisha’s Song officially heading out into the world this week, I’ve been doing lots of thinking and talking about the book to wonderful writers’ groups: Kentuckiana Romance Writers, Women Who Write, and the Bard’s Corner Writer’s Group. I love hanging out with other writers, and it’s been fun to trace the development of Leisha’s…
Read MoreSending LEISHA’S SONG Into the World
When I became pregnant with my second child, the obstetrician asked me how my first delivery went. I said, “Frankly, I found it to be one of life’s more horrifying experiences.” His face dropped, and he cleared his throat. I’m quite sure he didn’t like my answer. But what he didn’t ask me was how I…
Read MoreConfessions of an Anxious Writer
Don’t get me wrong. I would never choose not to have gone to see my amazing NYC grandkids, followed by a Boston reunion with my super sisters. Getting to hug the people I love felt like such a gift after this year of not being able to be with them face-to-face. But like anyone who’s…
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