The List of Twenty
A quick glance at my latest publishing contract last week provided a shocker. While my next book isn’t due for more than a year, my proposal is due next month. Here’s a quick catch-up on what “proposal” means. In traditional publishing editors usually require authors to submit their ideas ahead of time if they’re already…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Happiness is an attitude
“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.” -Carlos Castenada
Read MoreJazz Ramsey Speaks! (With a little help from author Kylie Logan.)
When my good friend Kylie Logan/ Casey Daniels told me the protagonist from her new mystery series, Jazz Ramsey, was gearing up to blog at the website Killer Characters this week, I asked if Jazz might like to introduce herself here, as well. Jazz Ramsey makes her debut in The Scent of Murder* on May…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Mardi Gras in New Orleans
“New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture — even the local superstitions. It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.” — Ruta Sepetys Did you know that Mardi Gras — or Fat Tuesday as it’s…
Read MoreWhen Did “Feel Good” Become An Insult?
Did you stay up to see the Academy Awards on Sunday? The Academy Awards show is often a yawner. It’s so much fun to see the gorgeous clothes, the familiar faces, the bright lights and sometimes, the hosts. But it’s also unbearably long, so this year we planned not to watch. Of course we turned…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Gratitude
“Gratitude is the beginning of civility, of decency and goodness, of a recognition that we cannot afford to be arrogant. We should walk with the knowledge that we will need help every step of the way.” -Gordon B. Hinckley
Read MoreHold Back the Night
Hold Back the Night is now enjoying a new home at your favorite online bookstore. Well, okay, that’s not quite true. So far we still haven’t been able to get the book up at iBooks. Days of hard work, and there’s always a new issue. And Google Play’s still hiding behind a bush and making…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Soulmate
“A soulmate should be a person who challenges you to be the best version of yourself, encourages you to live your dreams, tells you when you’re wrong, holds you accountable and reminds you who you are when you’ve forgotten.” — For Goods…
Read MoreA Conversation With the Fabulous Jayne Ann Krentz: Part Two
Last week I began a conversation here with author Jayne Ann Krentz, aka Amanda Quick, aka Jayne Castle. Jayne and I knew we’d be gabby. Writers always are when they’re talking to other writers about their books, careers, and writing styles. So we knew right away we’d need to extend our conversation to this week. …
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Peace in the World
“If we want there to be peace in the world, we have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid in our hearts, to find the soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind of responsibility. That’s the true practice of peace.” -Pema Chodron
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