In contemplating the next book, one phrase keeps replaying through my mind.

Write what you know.

We’ve all heard it, but how accurate is it? If you write about what you know, what keeps you going? For me, part of the excitement of writing is learning about things I want to know. So a more accurate phrase for me would be, Write what you WANT to know. There are thousands of things I want to know, and because I’m a science nerd, they all tend to circle back around to some scientific topic or theme….archaeology, geology, medicine, and … Read more »

Okay, it’s not the WIP. It’s me. I can’t seem to muster up enough enthusiasm to finish this darn thing. And I’m sooo close. Seriously, like a chapter away from writing THE END. I thought it was my setting. So I changed that and was able to finish chapter 22. But now I’m stuck in the middle of 23, and it’s not that I’m stuck – the scene is percolating, I know what’s going to happen, and I want to write it…I just…can’t…seem…to…finish…it.

Maybe it’s because I know when I type THE END, I’m not really done. I have rewrites … Read more »

I think I may have figured out my problem with Chapter 22 of the WIP. Playing the avoidance game hasn’t worked. So yesterday, while sitting in the middle of a hail storm at the OSU vs. Boise State football game (Yes, you read that right, WHILE I was being pelted with dime-sized hail nuggets), I realized the problem I’ve been having is that the setting for the scene I’m trying to write just isn’t working. It works…but it doesn’t work for what comes next. So…I’m off to change that and see if it helps (please say it will help, please … Read more »

I am avoiding chapter 22 like the plague. And I don’t know why. I’ve written – maybe- two pages on it today. It’s dark and depressing and I really hate what I’m doing to my characters. But it was inevitable. I know it was inevitable.

*sigh*

So here’s me today:

Get up, check email. Oooh…a request. That’ll keep me busy for a while.

Feed kids, get the oldest off to school.

Check email. Oooh. A rejection off query. There’s a mood buster.

Pick up crap around the house so the cleaning lady can actually clean.

Go blog hopping – waste … Read more »

The big HEA. Anyone who reads romance knows that’s a given. Although we may love RS for the whodunit factor and to see just how awful the situation can get for our hero or heroine, ultimately, we know they’re both going to live and they’re going to get their HEA. And generally, that means marriage or a long-term commitment of some kind.

However, all HEA’s aren’t created equal. I read two books over my vacation. The first – a true RS murder mystery by one of my favorite authors – was about a renegade FBI agent and a gem cutter. … Read more »

Want a good dose of reality and what it takes to get published today?

Check this out.

(Warning: Do not read if you prefer to be naively optimistic.)… Read more »

I’m back. And I’m pooped. A vacation with the kiddos is not a vacation!

We had a great time, regardless. Swam, played miniature golf, drove go-carts, biked all over the place, had dinner with the DH sans kiddos (that was nice!). But I really am tired.

Very little writing got done. However, I did manage to plot out the next book. (A very rough, rough outline – but at least I know where it’s headed, and that’s all I need since technically, I’m not a plotter – wink, wink.) And the main characters for that one are starting to come … Read more »

I’m off on vacation for the next week. Taking my laptop with me so hopefully I’ll get some serious writing done (or at least figure out what the heck is going to happen in the climax since it’s in the next chapter! Ay ya ya…).

Will be back Labor Day.

Happy writing to all!… Read more »

I *think* I can post this since it’s already up and running on the world wide web.

Check out Linda’s new website. It is soooo cool! Uber-talented CP Joan is to thank (again) for designing yet another fabulous site. I’ve received nothing but rave reviews about mine. You rock, J!

And in case you missed Linda’s big announcement, be sure to stop by her blog. She landed a top agent and finally signed her contract last Friday. Congrats, Linda! I know big things are on the horizon for you!!! (And I can always say, “I knew her when…”)… Read more »

See ya, babe! I’m off to the office.

A full day of work looms ahead of me – eight hours with the WIP, full steam ahead. No interruptions, just me and my muse, the computer, a few research books and a gallon of coffee (with half-n-half and splenda, of course).

Yeah, right. In my dreams.

My ‘office’ is a spot on the living room couch with my laptop perched on my knees, research books scattered across the coffee table and floor, and my half-empty cup of cold coffee on a coaster (okay, generally NOT on a coaster) on the table … Read more »