Miscellaneous

2023: A Whirlwind Year

At the end of every year, I write a reflection post about where I’m at, not just in my writing life, but also in my personal life and how it all correlates.  I’m dubbing 2023 a whirlwind year, because oh boy, was that a lot.  In my writing life, I finished writing a young adult… Continue reading 2023: A Whirlwind Year

Miscellaneous

My Favorite Books of 2023

As per tradition, I am back from hiatus to share my favorite reads of 2023. Before I jump into it, though, I wanted to mention a few caveats. I’m hoping to return to my regular blogging schedule, but there's a lot going on in my life. Unfortunately, we had a loss in the family, and catching up on… Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2023

Writing Tips

Revising Tips for Beginners

I recently started writing my seventeenth novel. A bit mind-blowing, I know, but I’ve learned a lot over the years. Especially how to set myself up for success. To be honest, it mostly comes down to staying organized from Chapter One to The End…and throughout my various revisions. The more organized you are, the easier… Continue reading Revising Tips for Beginners

Writing Tips

Summer Writing Tips for Teens

When I look back on my writing life as a teen, I think about the summer a lot. I loved nothing more than spending hot sunny days swimming, evenings working at the restaurant, and late late evenings writing in my books. (Seriously, how did I have so much energy?)  That said, there are a few… Continue reading Summer Writing Tips for Teens

Writing Tips

Becoming a Mom Has Made Me A Better (And Worse) Writer

One day after my first Mother’s Day and my mind is reeling. I am so incredibly lucky to be a mom. I love Winnie bear. I love watching her grow and explore, and her giggles just wake up my life in a way that nothing else ever has. Kids are amazing. But they do change… Continue reading Becoming a Mom Has Made Me A Better (And Worse) Writer

Writing Tips

A Lesson in Backing Up Your Books

I recently hit THE END in my young adult contemporary, my first book since my baby was born. It was an exciting moment. I formatted it and sent it off to my betas, ready to sit back and work on a palette cleanser until I got their notes so I could start revising.  What is… Continue reading A Lesson in Backing Up Your Books

Miscellaneous

I Write Because I Want My Mom’s Death to Mean Something

March 16 marked the twentieth anniversary of my mom’s death. It’s a strange fact to realize how much time has passed, how much my life changed, how much she is missing. I’ve spoken about her many times on my blog and across other social media channels, most recently in the context of writing a middle… Continue reading I Write Because I Want My Mom’s Death to Mean Something

Writing Tips

My Average Day as an Author, Librarian, and Mom

After my last post - My Postpartum Writing Life: Working-Writing Mom with a 4-Month-Old - I received a few questions about where I fit my writing in, so I thought it was time for another "average day" post. I've actually written a handful of these over the years. The last time I wrote one was… Continue reading My Average Day as an Author, Librarian, and Mom

Writing Tips

My Postpartum Writing Life: Working-Writing Mom with a 4-Month-Old

My baby turned four months old yesterday, which is both mind blowing and incredibly exciting. (It really does go by so fast.)  Now that we’ve officially made it one month of her going to daycare while I work full-time (and write novels), I thought it was time for a writing life update. And honestly? This… Continue reading My Postpartum Writing Life: Working-Writing Mom with a 4-Month-Old