There are a few things in life I don’t trust. Take mascara for example. How do I know which one to buy? There’s mascara that makes your lashes long, others that make them thick. Then there’s 24-hour mascara, waterproof mascara and smudge-proof mascara. But how do I know they really do all those things? I mean, what if every brand …
Live blogging from Realm Makers Conference with BREAKING NEWS!
I’m in Radnor, PA for the Realm Makers Conference! I am a slightly surprised to find myself here but there’s a nagging in my heart to learn how to write compelling YA, specifically in the Steampunk vein. I’m not really sure what to expect, but so far things are good. On my drive to Pennsylvania there was a rainbow! That’s …
Character Mapping
The first book I bought when I got serious about writing novels was Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass. (I highly recommend both the book and the workbook together.) It was this book that taught me how to create a character map. If you’re new to creating characters and story lines, I highly recommend this. You’ll be surprised how …
Introducing Steampunk author Michael Vetter and a giveaway!
I am very pleased to introduce you to Steampunk/Sci-fi author, Michael Vetter. I became intrigued with Michael’s work after meeting him on a Steampunk forum. I’m fascinated with this genre and have been researching it for a book I’m formulating for the YA market. I’m also leaving next Tuesday to attend the Realm Makers conference in Pennsylvania! I’m looking forward …
Today is my birthday!
Today is my 53rd birthday! In some ways it freaks me out that I’m heading toward old lady status, but in some ways I’m happy because I know a lot of people don’t get to live this long on earth! I’m thankful today that I’m still alive and healthy. In honor of my birthday I’m giving away a free copy …
Erica’s Edition: Spring fever vs. finals week
(Today’s post is brought to you by my college intern, Erica Graphman!) Do you ever have a long project that you’re working on and nearing the end, but you’ve put so much work into it already that you just can’t seem to find motivation to work on it? I’ve seen this problem left and right this past week. It’s crazy …
Book Review: Take this Cup by Bodie & Brock Thoene
I have been reading Bodie Thoene since her release of The Gates of Zion in 1986. She is truly the reason why I fell deeply in love with Christian Historical fiction. She didn’t disappoint me in this book, either. Take this Cup is book 2 of the Jerusalem Chronicles Series. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it as much …
Using body language to boost your confidence
So how’s your posture? If you’re sitting up straight, thank your Mom. She was right. (Again.) Sitting and standing tall is good for your brain. No matter how you’re sitting, take note of yourself right now. Are you slouching? Slumping? Are your shoulders down and forward? Are you sprawled out or curled up? Do you feel powerful or powerless? What …
When life grabs you by the ankles tango anyway
Whew. It’s been quite an adventure these past few weeks and I’ve missed blogging regularly. Between college classes, writing a book and my son’s wedding, Holy Week activities and church responsibilities I feel like I’ve been in an abyss with an undertow pulling me under. But here I am! I’m baaaaaack! (At least for today!) My son’s wedding was a …
Erica’s Edition: Time Management Woes
Today’s post is brought to you by my busy college intern, Erica Graphman. Do you ever have those days where you have so much on your plate that you don’t know where to start and you end up not doing anything? I’ve been finding myself with this problem more and more this year. Everyone repeatedly tells me I need to …