This month we're unveiling the topic of Character Backstories, why they're important, and how we manage to get the information onto the page without a snooze-worthy info-dump. Because nobody likes an info-dump. Even if it's told in a snarky voice in the narrative, readers recognize an info-dump when they see one. So... how do I… Continue reading Character Backstories – March Round Robin 2023
An Author’s Journey – Recording an Audiobook
I have long held the dream of recording one of my books on audio. It's why I bought a fancy microphone years ago - which loitered on a shelf collecting dust until I started producing this blog into a podcast. I love audio books. I listen to them often. Or, well, my husband listens to… Continue reading An Author’s Journey – Recording an Audiobook
Book Review – House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas
Alright, so we all know I loved the first book in the Crescent City series. I got it for Christmas and lived in that book for three days, so it should come as no surprise that I picked up the second book in the series, House of Sky and Breath. Now, I don't give spoilers… Continue reading Book Review – House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas
The Great Genre Battle
For those of you who have been along for the ride, you know that I have been writing a series of books that revolve around a supernatural counselor. Or rather, a counselor who counsels the supernatural who live amongst us. Both work, really. She is a wizard, after all. In any case, I have fought… Continue reading The Great Genre Battle
Star Trek First Contact Re-Watch
Yes, I really am doing a re-watch of the films. Why? For those of you who haven't been following along, I am doing this because my up-coming novel Nora and the Werewolf Wedding features a character inspired by Deanna Troi from the Next Generation series. Deanna as an empath had a lot of power in… Continue reading Star Trek First Contact Re-Watch
Book Review – Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
I have long been a Cassandra Clare fan. The Infernal Devices series remains one of my favorites of all time and I will often re-read the series just so I can listen to Will and Tessa and Jem tell me their story again. So it should come as no surprise that I was delighted to… Continue reading Book Review – Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
Worldbuilding and Me
So, not that long ago I picked up Million Dollar Outlines by David Farland and I loved it. I have often struggled with Outlining versus Discovery writing because I fell into the category that once I had dreamed up the whole thing into an Outline, I no longer had the motivation to write the story.… Continue reading Worldbuilding and Me
Getting Back Into the Groove – Round Robin January 2023
Welcome back to the Round Robin Posts! This first topic is New Beginnings - how do you motivate yourself to get back to writing when life has interrupted your flow? I did take some time off from writing for the holidays and, as per usual, had to drag out some tricks to get back into… Continue reading Getting Back Into the Groove – Round Robin January 2023
Book Review – Crescent City by Sarah J Maas
Alright, so we already know I was a fan of Sarah J Maas's Court of Thorns and Roses, so it comes as no surprise that I enjoyed this book. It is a big book that you can settle into for several days/weeks depending on your reading speed. Personally, I had some time off with my… Continue reading Book Review – Crescent City by Sarah J Maas
Star Trek Generations Rewatch
Why am I rewatching old Star Trek movies? So glad you asked! My upcoming novel Nora and the Werewolf Wedding was partially inspired by the character of Deanna Troi in Star Trek the Next Generation. Now, if you think it's strange that a science fiction character could inspire a series of urban fantasy novels... Well,… Continue reading Star Trek Generations Rewatch