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
Tag: Writing
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
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
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
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
Where I Pretend I Know What I’m Doing…
I have a plan and it's a good plan. Or at least I think it is a good plan. Ask me again when all this is over. So here's the plan... Last Child of Winter is nearly complete. It turned out longer than I intended, which I think is probably good because it means I… Continue reading Where I Pretend I Know What I’m Doing…
2022’s Yearly Wrap-Up
We are coming up on the holidays and I am about to take a step back from Blogging so that I can concentrate on family and reading and winding down, so this will be my last real post of the year. That means I get to talk about all the amazing things I managed to… Continue reading 2022’s Yearly Wrap-Up
Writing Software – A Personal Note from an Author
The official NaNoWriMo is over, but for many of us the writing continues well into December. While it is amazing to write 50,000 words in 30 days, most novels are more than that, and my current project is no exception. However, Nation Novel Writing Month comes with some awesome winner's goodies that always make me… Continue reading Writing Software – A Personal Note from an Author
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
I hope everyone is having a lovely Thanksgiving weekend here in America. The past few years have been rough. The effects of COVID are long-reaching, from losing loved ones to losing jobs, and the world is still limping along, trying to find its feet again. It's better this year for many of us. I am… Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!