Can we talk about the magic that happens when a reader opens a book and dives into a story? It's phenomenal, actually. Not only does the reader watch the story, as they would when consuming a TV show or movie. Within the pages of a book, they become the characters. They step into the hearts, lives, and setting of the novel. This lovely poem captures it well.... I Opened a Book by Julia … [Read more...]

On Saturday May 4, I had the honor of joining NYT Bestselling author Jodi Thomas and four other authors from the Lubbock area at a fundraising dinner to benefit literacy. The event took place out in the country at The Red Barn, a wonderful retreat center and quilting barn. I got there a bit early and had the chance to walk around and drool over all the gorgeous quilts on display. The Red Barn … [Read more...]

As I’m writing this, I’m getting ready to pack for a crazy fourteen day journey. I wish I could say it was a fourteen day vacation to somewhere really cool, but, alas, it much more complicated than that. Although, in the end, much more fulfilling than a “relaxing” vacation. First I’m headed to Dallas to see friends and family as well as celebrate one of my nieces’s graduation from high … [Read more...]

When I write about tea-drinking in my novels, I am thinking of tea grown in China or India, but last week I visited the only tea plantation in North America. The Charleston Tea Plantation is located on Wadmalaw Island about 20 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. I was in Charleston for a retreat with my Literary Agency (Books & Such) and enjoyed spending time with agents and … [Read more...]