I have a confession: I’m a keeper. I keep everything. At some point in my formative years someone must have told me how important it is to keep things “in case you ever need it”. Since then, I’ve diligently squirreled away paperwork and other items. Inspired to minimize the amount of paperwork, several weeks ago […]
Sentimental Stirrings
Another Sad & Shitty Day
On Christmas Day we found out that our sweet little furry friend Chewie had lung cancer. This came as a huge blow because she was so young and only three months ago we’d also had to put our Boxer to sleep (stupid, shitty cancer!). We took Chewie home and kept her comfortable and loved on […]
Literary Support Crews
Here’s the thing about being an author: it’s a solitary, always in your head kind of thing. I can ask for help with the very tangible steps in the process (critiques, beta-reading, listening to passages), but there are times when an idea or image is a whisper of a thought in my head, something that […]
Words of Welcome for a New Baby Boy (aka- Words of Warning for Parents of a New Baby Boy)
Friends from work welcomed a new baby boy early this morning. Of course, every time a new baby makes an appearance on the periphery of one’s life, it causes one to sit back, reminisce, and then assault the new parents with a litany of advice and rules (most of which we rolled our eyes at […]
August #Giveaway: Win 1 of 20 free critiques
(*Updated to reflect additional critiques) My birthday is this month and I’ve decided to give, give, give! (Oh, and I asked some of my friends to help me give) For my August giveaway I’ve decided to gear it toward those of you out there who are still writing away, editing and polishing your manuscripts, obsessively […]
To The Dad’s
Wishing a very Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, and father figures out there who not only show up, but make the effort to go above and beyond.
A Colorado Girl and Harry Potter Fandom
A few weeks ago I was in Scotland. Aside from the castles, thrones, and really old stuff (more to come on that later) I had the chance to indulge in some Harry Potter fandom. Just to clarify, I’m not someone who knows Harry Potter trivia in detail. I’ve read the books, seen the movies, and […]
Mother’s Day 2017
Happy Mother’s Day to all the ladies out there who answer to the name “Mom” (also “Mommy”, “Momma”, “Ma”, and sometimes, “Worst Mom EVER!!!!”). For all of you who have stumbled from the warm cocoon of your blankets at all hours of the night to chase away bad dreams, feed hungry babies, change the […]
Online Writing Contests: To Join or Not to Join?
There are no limits to the number and types of writing competitions you can join online. You can submit a 35-word pitch or submit a longer manuscript for a more in-depth contest. The goal of the contests is the same: to get your manuscript before an agent/publisher who will (fingers crossed!) love it. In the […]
Aspiring Writers: Throwing in the Towel…Or Not
You’re having a great day, and then ding, your email alerts you to a new message. Another rejection! You’re enthusiastic about a new contest. You’ve gotten a partial request followed by a full and have had some delightful email exchanges with one or more mentors. You can feel in your soul that you’ll be chosen; this […]