When people find out I’m a writer, the response is always, “Oh, I’ve written some too!” You can see a spark in their eyes and they stand a little taller on the importance of this announcement. When I ask what they’ve written, the fire in their eyes dims and their shoulders slump at their next … [Read more...]
License to Talk
When it comes to suspension of disbelief, any creative license you might take with logic, plot, facts (or physics) will likely be forgiven if the result is...well...cool. And obviously a deliberate decision rather than a lazy mistake. Just consider the popularity of BBC's Doctor Who series. As a … [Read more...]
In need of a muse?
Arthur is being quite literal this week -- what happened to his imagination? I guess that's why he needs a muse! Where do you find your inspiration? Years ago I commuted through the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse with my husband, who loves to drive; which gave me plenty of time to think up … [Read more...]
An Unexpected Mentor
As writers, we're all used to talking to imaginary characters. But I have to admit, I've never had my pencil talk to me! I'm afraid if I was in Arthur's shoes, I'd be checking the expiration dates in my medicine cabinet. In this case, however, I have a feeling he's found a rather unusual … [Read more...]
Telling Arthur: Trusty No. 2
If I've learned one thing from workshops, conferences, and author panels, it's that there is no one right "process" for writing a great book. Sophie Jordan, who I met at the Houston Writers Guild conference in 2012 and have had the pleasure of getting to know better at the West Houston RWA chapter … [Read more...]
A New Year (and a Mystery Message)
Two more days until a new year and a fresh start! Speaking of which, if you or someone you know (or the sales clerk you ran into who's always wanted to write a book) would like a polite kick in the pants to get that first novel done and become a "real" writer in 2015, we have just the right workshop … [Read more...]
Make it Pecan, Arthur
The moral of the story? Sometimes you have to take a break from your words-on-a-page world and re-enter the fray. Fortunately, it looks like Arthur has someone to remind him. We hope your holidays are filled with joy, peace, and laughter. And if not, you can work it into your story when you get … [Read more...]
Rollercoaster
If you've been writing for longer than...oh...five minutes, you can probably relate to Arthur this week. The excitement of a new idea, the joy of finding just the right words, the pensive pacing when a scene isn't working or a character is refusing to come life, the … [Read more...]