New Orleans At My Fingertips
I’m finishing my latest book, Night Magic, which will be my first original independently published novel. Those of you who read along with me know that I got the idea for writing Night Magic in the midst of readying my backlist novels, Lady of the Night, and Bayou Midnight, for distribution as ebooks. While editing…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: “I am strong!”
You have to watch this incredible (short) video showing a father motivating his 3 year old daughter, Allya. Each morning she stands in front of a mirror and repeats, “I am strong. I am smart. I am beautiful. I work hard.” And more. What if every child had that kind of encouragement and support? Not a…
Read MoreJames Patterson: Superstar and Nice Guy
Are you a James Patterson fan? If you are, you have lots of company. Patterson has sold more than 350 million copies of his books since his first novel in 1976 — a few more than me — and he holds the record for the most #1 NYT best sellers, with nearly 70 — which…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: A Whale of a Story
Are you a fan of the super-star author James Patterson? I’ve only read a couple of his books, but I had the thrill to hear him speak this week at a sold out luncheon supporting the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. I’ll tell you more about his wonderful lecture for my Wednesday blog, but for…
Read MoreFive Steps Every Writer Should Take: Part Two
One thing we can say about Five Steps Every Writer Should Take: Part Two? There must have been a Part One. Good news. You can read it here. Here’s a quick summary. Last week I explored the first two steps every writer needs to take. Finding time to write, and finding the right place to…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: You’re AWESOME!
I’ve shared quite a few “Do you need a good cry?” blogs with you over the years, but here’s one that I guarantee will give you a good laugh — and perhaps a lesson to go along with it. I’m sure all of us have had the experience of herding your way onto a crowded…
Read MoreFive Steps Every Writer Should Take: Part One and Our Monthly Reading Challenge Catch-Up
Five steps every writer should take. Is today’s post just for novelists though? Read on and find out. True confession time, yours, not mine. At some point in your life haven’t you wanted to write a book, or at least a story. No? Okay, that’s fair. But instead let’s discuss that article about your favorite…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: “Don’t be a jerk!”
“Jerks” seem to be coming out of the woodwork lately. I’ve lost count of all the men who have been busted for sexually harassing women, and we all know there are many more who have not been called to account. Then we have those who condemn others for their race, religion, politics or sexual preferences.…
Read MoreReading Challenge 2017: How Did You Do?
Okay, it takes me awhile sometimes, but eventually I catch on. This time to Reading Challenges. In 2017 I learned about the Goodreads Challenge, in which readers set their own goals and see if they can meet them. I also learned about The Better World Books Reading Challenge, which really captured my imagination. Here’s what…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Holly Butcher
Ready for a good cry? Ready for some amazing inspiration? Ready for the gift of wisdom from a young woman who had the courage to write a goodbye letter to the world? I hope so. This letter, along with more photos, was published by the Samantha Wills Foundation, which you can find at this web site.…
Read More