Nonfiction The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russel I read this book early in the year, while the bitter winter swarmed outside my windows, much the way it does now. It was a pleasure to read, bringing light, warmth,
Favorite Books of 2017
Why I Love Halloween
It’s October. The air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy, the cider is hot, the sweaters are chunky. There are apple and pumpkin flavors of everything – if you’re into that. It’s a sweet relief from summer’s heat, but a barrier
New Job, New Projects, New Adventures
Since my last post, I have finished a book draft, edited, and started teaching full-time. Talk about a full plate! OH, AVERY is now a book that exists. Once I get feedback from a few trusted readers, it will be
Rejection and Rotten Floors
Throughout the Christmas season I was feeling that surge of optimism that comes with that time of year. The bounce in my step seemed to say this is it. This is the year I will find an agent. I may
My Favorite Books of 2016
2016 had some dark spots. But despite the turmoil, some wonderful work was released by authors and publishers who are showing up and doing good work. Someone asked me what my favorite book I read this year was, and I
Books That Make My Heart Hurt: How to Get Out of a Writing Slump and Figure out What You Should be Writing
It’s probably no secret that I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump lately. Something about the deadlines that came with my low-res MFA program, and the knowledge that when I met them someone would be there to read
The Books on My Bookshelves
Since I moved this summer and had to pack up, move, and unpack all of my books again, I thought I’d share with you what’s on my bookshelf!
Focus Part II: Bullet Journaling
Bullet journaling is a great way to keep a to-do list along with a calendar, and it provides multiple ways to plan for the long-term as well.
Hobbies that Inform or Improve my Writing
Notice: I did not say OTHER hobbies. Writing is no hobby. If you want other people to take your writing seriously, you have to take it seriously first. Writing is my job. It may not pay me very much right
Query Letter Tips
I think every writer I know detests writing query letters. Here are some tips to help!