A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter 1

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time working on a new series. If you read my newsletter, then you’ve heard hints. I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but thought I’d share an excerpt from the first chapter. It’s a moment between the main character, Keira, and her grandma. Keira hasContinue reading “A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter 1”

Naming Characters: Building Worlds with Meaningful Names

It seems like an obvious enough title. And it’s true, each character in a book does have a name that connects them to something. In a previous post, I spoke about how I like to choose names for characters. One of biggest things I do is pick a name that has a meaning that matchesContinue reading “Naming Characters: Building Worlds with Meaningful Names”

Twilight Realm Series Finale: A Satisfying Conclusion

The last book in The Twilight Realm series was released earlier this year. It brings the series to a satisfying conclusion and brings all the characters together. While it is an easy conclusion to assume that the story was about everyone being strong. The theme was a bit more complex. A big part of theContinue reading “Twilight Realm Series Finale: A Satisfying Conclusion”

The Human Approach: Connecting the Reader with the Main Character

About two decades ago I attended a writing class where the teacher said the main character needs to be larger than life but also relatable. Since then, I’ve read numerous books on writing and they all say something similar. Main characters are the center of the narrative because essentially, the story wouldn’t happen without them.Continue reading “The Human Approach: Connecting the Reader with the Main Character”

Creating Believable Character Trouble and Redemption

It is said that the author’s job is to make trouble for their characters. And then the character must find their way out of the mess to become the hero. It is also said that the reader must care about the character. So now the author has a delicate balance. The author wants to makeContinue reading “Creating Believable Character Trouble and Redemption”

Twilight’s Princess: A Compelling Love Story in the Night Realm

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t read Twilight’s Princess and you don’t like spoilers, wait to read. In a previous blog, I mentioned that the whole inspiration for Twilight’s Princess actually came from her daughter, Nazira. I imagined King Phoenix’s niece coming to the Twilight Realm confused and upset because she just learned that her father,Continue reading “Twilight’s Princess: A Compelling Love Story in the Night Realm”

The English Teacher’s Magic: Tea and Lothair

Does a writer use the real world to inspire their writing? The simple answer is, yes! But is creative writing an accurate reflection? Or does the writer re-tell the experience? Those are good questions and I’d say the answer depends on the author. Personally, my writing tends to step away from lived experiences. The worldContinue reading “The English Teacher’s Magic: Tea and Lothair”

Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise

Have you ever considered the work that goes into creating a tapestry, a hand woven rug, or blanket? I enjoy crochet, but that’s nothing to the intricate weaving of fine threads into beautiful patterns that grace our walls, floors, or even ourselves. The finely crafted pieces is made of uncountable threads twisted and folded together.Continue reading “Mastering Narrative Payoff: Balancing Revelation and Surprise”

The Mirror Moment: A Reflection

Originally published in 2014, James Scott Bell wrote a book about writing called, Write Your Novel from the Middle. Bell, a crime/thriller writer who tends to lean towards courtroom drama, came up with the idea when reviewing numerous books and movies. He recognized a pattern that took place in the middle of all these stories.Continue reading “The Mirror Moment: A Reflection”

New Release: Twilight’s Strength!

I am super excited to release Twilight’s Strength. It is the final book in the Twilight Realm series and brings everything to a satisfying conclusion. If you’ve read the other books in the series, you’re probably wondering: If these are some of your questions, then you are in for a deliciously satisfying treat! Enjoy. Now,Continue reading “New Release: Twilight’s Strength!”