I’ve just celebrated the release of the third novel in my Prairie Sky Series! What a blessing from the Lord. I’m also grateful to Mantle Rock Publishing for taking a chance on a new author! I wanted to take this opportunity to share an overview of the series. Book One, Under This Same Sky is […]
Dry Times ~ Facing the Blank Page
Every writer faces dry times, when the words just won’t flow. That blank page (or screen) can seem like an insurmountable barrier, especially when moving from one project to the next. For months–years for some of us–we’ve held our characters firmly in our minds, spilling their stories out onto hundreds of heartfelt pages. When we […]
The Value of Self-Editing
Editing is a necessary, often grueling task that requires time and skill. Yet, is there such a thing as over-editing? How do you know when enough is enough? Here are five suggestions to make edits a little less taxing.
Creating Memorable Heroes and Heroines
What makes a hero and heroine memorable to readers? Often it’s the fire and ice relationships that make for an interesting read. In the world of fiction, as well as real life, opposites seem to attract. When creating lead characters, writers often choose unlikely combinations. A backwoodsman and a city girl. A rich heiress […]
The Power of the Written Word
Is the pen truly mightier than the sword? Words are powerful. They evoke emotions, stir us to action, share valuable insights, and ignite our imaginations. Words can build up, or tear down, encouragement or discourage, depending on how they are conveyed. Writers know well the power of words. The way a passage is written […]
Historicals ~ Staying True to the Times
I’m as old-fashioned as they come, so historical novels are a perfect fit for me—both reading and writing. As a reader, I love the nostalgia and all the life lessons one can learn from those who’ve gone before us. But as a writer, I enjoy delving into the past and researching the time period, more […]