Coming Soon: A Sneak Peek at a Rapunzel Re-Telling (And some of my methodology)

Fairy tale retellings are popular, and they can go from super dark to a sweet romance. You can find them as an urban fantasy spin-off. (Think of the recent T.V. series Once Upon a Time or Once.) Over the past year or so, I’ve mentioned them a few times in my newsletter or various blogContinue reading “Coming Soon: A Sneak Peek at a Rapunzel Re-Telling (And some of my methodology)”

Self-Publishing VS Traditional Publishing

Over the past few decades, the whole realm of independent publishing, self-publishing, or being an independent author has grown. Not only have independent authors increased, but the whole industry has developed. A number of decades ago, a self-published author would write a memoir or a story. They would pay for a company to typeset, edit,Continue reading “Self-Publishing VS Traditional Publishing”

The Pendulum of Writing

People always tell me I’m good with words. Maybe I am. I don’t know. When I compare myself to other writers, I always admire what they do. And perhaps there are those who compare themselves to me. The comparison game should never be played, at least if we care about our mental health and well-being.Continue reading “The Pendulum of Writing”

A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter 1

Here’s a third look into my latest Work-in-Progress. This scene is between Keira and Jana. They grew up together and are best friends. There are a few key things planted in this scene that are important later in the story. Can you spot them? What do you think they are? That’s all for now. EnjoyContinue reading “A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter 1”

Writing Resources -Brandon Sanderson

When I meet other aspiring authors, I often get asked questions about improving one’s writing. I can share a little bit, but like anything in life, we’re always learning and growing. So, I’m always reading or listening to resources on writing. Perhaps one of the best resources, especially for new authors, is Brandon Sanderson’s lectureContinue reading “Writing Resources -Brandon Sanderson”

A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter Two

Here’s a second peek into my latest Work-in-Progress. This scene takes place in chapter two, which introduces you to Keira’s workplace (a bakery), her colleague, Michelle, and boss, Steve. The reader and Keira get a glimpse of a beast? a shifter? or something else that’s been attacking the city. He has his eyes on KeiraContinue reading “A Sneak Peek: Excerpt from Chapter Two”

Book Review: Blood and Buttercups -A Vampire’s Guide to Gardening by Shari Tapscott

I’m not sure how I stumbled across this book, but I’m so thankful I did. It is urban fantasy, the romance is clean, and the story line is interesting. I do confess there is a slight cliff hanger at the end that has nothing to do with the main story, but left me with myContinue reading “Book Review: Blood and Buttercups -A Vampire’s Guide to Gardening by Shari Tapscott”

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”

This Meet That: Genre Blending in Modern Fiction

Consider a recent book you’ve read. Did it feel like a mix of genres? Perhaps there was a romance story mixed in with an adventure. Or maybe a sci-fi with a touch of western (think Firefly). Genre blending or genre mixing is a term used a lot with fiction. It’s pretty common to see blurbsContinue reading “This Meet That: Genre Blending in Modern Fiction”

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”