A round-table discussion with Chart House President Jeff Hastings, Editor Carly Drake, and Director of Publishing Megan LaFollett. … [Read more...]
Coming to Grips
Reality can be a bitter pill to swallow for us creative types. How many times have you been on Pinterest and seen the quotes by avid readers and writers about how they'd rather stay up all night to be immersed in their favorite stories, rather than be well rested for work? Or many will say they feel … [Read more...]
Just Write!
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...]
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...]
Preparation (or procrastination?)
Oh, good! Arthur is building his social media platform. Creating a brand, engaging with his target readers, connecting with the writing community for guidance and encouragement... It's never too early to get started. Unless, of course, Arthur hasn't even decided on his genre, or found his voice … [Read more...]