This week I am celebrating two years as a blogger here on Inspired by Life...and Fiction. It has been such a wonderful experience to get to interact with our wonderful readers, and I am so honored to be a part of this group of amazing author friends. I could never blog every day (how do people DO that??) But being part of this group gives me a chance to share my heart (and a few more frivolous … [Read more...]
A (pre-)Valentine Givaway
Okay, so it isn't quite Valentine's Day, but I've been decluttering this year, cleaning out drawers and desks and cupboards, and when I came to my old 2015 calendar, it was just too pretty to throw away. So I made a garland of paper hearts from it, and that got me in the mood for Valentine's Day, which, quite honestly, is my favorite holiday of the year!I posted a few photos of my garland on … [Read more...]
Deadlines and Commitments
I just finished up a couple of books that were due right after Christmas. It's always a relief to finish a book and hit SEND on it but after writing back to back projects all of last year, this was something to celebrate. However, the week before my deadline I wondered if I'd ever finish and if I'd even make my word count. So I decided I needed a break and my husband and I took an afternoon off … [Read more...]
The Mystery in Writing
I'm racing to finish another book, and I'm deeply embroiled in thoughts of what makes a story work. Which reminds me of a favorite scene from the movie, Shakespeare in Love. It goes like this: Philip Henslowe: Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster. Hugh Fennyman: So what do we … [Read more...]
Feeding the Muse
Imagination requires fuel. As a writer, it's important to me to feed my inner muse. Not by researching key historical facts or visiting museums or reading books on improving an author's craft. All of those things are important, of course, but there are times when the creative well must simply be filled. Not with intentional, plot or character specific information, but simply with story. I can't … [Read more...]