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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

I'm not a slacker, I promise! I spent the last 4 days at the Writer's Digest Conference in New York City with 800 aspiring writers and about 100 published authors, agents, and editors. Talk about inspiration! This is a writing and publishing oriented conference with pitching opportunities. Everyone there means business! Everyone wants to be a published author. Everyone wants to rise to the … [Read more...] about Days 9, 10, 11, 12 – #31DaysofInspiration