On Writing: The Basics: Plots–Getting Started

October 10, 2016

So this week I’ll be talking about the writing basics–plot, character, conflict, and stakes. Again, this is all stuff I look at and try to work out in the pre-writing stage, so it’s fair game if you’re prepping for NaNo! So, if, as Julia Cameron says, transformation happens through action, then plot is simply the […]

Read the full article →

On Writing: Layered Characters

October 6, 2016

I thought I’d talk a little bit about revealing character versus having a character growth arc. I think, especially for middle grade and YA books, characters aren’t going to always have a huge growth arc because in childhood we’re always growing to new awareness, new life lessons, mastering new skills. In general, kids are more […]

Read the full article →

On Writing: Evoking the Right Emotion

October 4, 2016

One of the first decisions to make about a book, when the very first sliver of an idea begins to form is: What emotional reaction do I want my reader to walk away with? For me, this is one of the most important questions I grapple with when trying to decide what I want the […]

Read the full article →

On Writing: Recognizing The One

September 30, 2016

Most writers I know have so many different ideas rolling around in their heads, begging to be written. One of the hardest things for me has been learning  how one knows if a manuscript is The One, worthy of a lasting relationship and my full commitment. One of the simplest and most reliable ways to […]

Read the full article →

Baby Steps

September 29, 2016

As I continue to pick up the threads of my former life, I am trying to find a way to begin weaving them into some sort of semblance of order or organization. Or hell, I’d even settle for a sense of forward momentum at this point. On that front, I am making some progress. As […]

Read the full article →

At Last! New Book News!

June 14, 2016

So the word is out—I am writing two more books in the His Fair Assassin world! And…AND…(I hope this will make you as happy as it makes me) they feature Sybella and Beast! Here’s the official PW Announcement. I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am to revisit those two and continue […]

Read the full article →

An Overdue Explanation, A Belated Apology, and A Heartfelt Thank You

June 7, 2016

That post title sounds like a great ettiquette joke in the making, doesn’t it? So an overdue explanation, a belated apology, and a heartfelt thank you walk into a bar . . . Oh how I wish that were the case. I have been working on this blog post for over two months now. I’ve […]

Read the full article →

Mortal Heart Blog Tour Begins!

October 27, 2014

Today’s the first day of the Mortal Heart Blog Tour! There will be posts about Mortain and some of the folktales and legends that I wove into the book, along with interviews and some reviews. Most importantly, THERE WILL BE PRIZES!

Read the full article →

Book Tour Info!

September 27, 2014

I finally have most of the details for the upcoming Mortal Heart book tour! There are a couple of stops that need a bit more clarification, but I should be able to update those on Monday. I am so excited about all these cool bookstores I’m get to visit and hope to see some of […]

Read the full article →

Mortal Heart Countdown!

September 14, 2014

Wow. Where DID the summer go?? But now it’s fall and there are less than two months until Mortal Heart comes out! Gad. I’m nervous and excited and ALL THE THINGS. To get everyone in the right mood for the Mortal Heart release, my publisher will be sharing some exclusive outtakes from the book. If […]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →