No, that title isn't a joke. Or click bait. This week got away from me. But even when Monday turns into Friday on the blog, I connect daily with my accountability buddy, author Pamela Toler. Pamela and I have been friends for about eleven years, and last Fall we agreed to document our daily writing plans. It started with Pamela, who was under deadline. She wanted to share her intentions for the … [Read more...] about Days 20, 21, 22, 23, 24- Writing with Accountability #31DaysofInspiration

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