#backtoblogging

Let's face it, I'm not inspired enough to blog every day. Or even to write ever day. I've never been an every day writer. I'm an every day editor, reviser, rewriter -- but when I'm drafting a story I purge it onto the page and then I need a break. Hence, no writing or blog post yesterday. But, breaks inspire me. I think about my characters while I'm cruising the local Acme. I untangle plot … [Read more...] about Days 18 & 19 When The Shiny New Idea Breaks Through #31DaysofInspiration

I guess my inspiration comes in big crashing waves. Today I had two sources of inspiration. The first hit because I needed to know about flashlights in 1951. I couldn't very well have a character carrying one if they didn't exist. What did they look like? How did they turn on? Voila! I present the Big Beam Lantern. It's perfect for the scene. Wouldn't fit in my kitchen junk drawer, but this … [Read more...] about Days 16 & 17 – When Inspiration Comes From The Past #31DaysofInspiration

To uncover the plot of your story, don't ask what should happen, but what should go wrong. --Steven James One of the best lessons I learned when I was editing my first novel (thanks to my editor), was not to resolve conflict in a page and a half. It's something I share with my writer clients and friends, if I'm reading their work. It's easy to want to solve a problem or mend a rift … [Read more...] about Days 14 & 15: How to Write Suspense When You’re Not Writing Suspense #31DaysofInspiration

Over the past few days I've come down with SHINY NEW IDEA SYNDROME. That's when in the middle of writing one book, a brand new idea invades your brain. Ever happen to you? It's inspiring but it's also annoying. Best and most inspiring thing that happened today? I received an email from a writer I worked with through a one-day workshop in 2017. Writers had the opportunity to have 10 pages … [Read more...] about Day 13 #31DaysofInspiration