Hunky heroes and plucky heroines in clean, contemporary, small town romances in the real — and imaginary — worlds.
What should you know about a story before beginning to write? The answer depends on what kind of writer you are. Some writers prefer just a vague idea that grows over time as they write and dig deeper into the story and their characters. Others want or need an outline to keep them on track. …
Continue reading Question: What should a writer know about a story before beginning to write?
My story, Spirit Legend, is set in large part on the shore of a very small lake in the wilderness of the north woods in a remote area with no roads that's not been visited for a thousand years except for beavers and the occasional Native American, leading to the tribal legend of a spirit …
I watch the leaves eagerly every year because autumn is one of my favorite seasons. Okay, I love all seasons, but there's something about the colors and the way they appear, subtly at first, and then suddenly the entire world is on fire, that gives me the shivers. In a good way, of course because …
What's my favorite trope and my least favorite? Guess what. I have some pretty strong feelings about romance as it’s written today. Okay, not just romance, I have a gripe with what I believe is the most common trope in fiction today and it just happens to also be found in romance. Let me explain..... …
Continue reading Question: What is your favorite trope in romantic fiction? Your least favorite?
My current work-in-progress is titled The Snow Queen. I chose the title because it was the only thing I could think of that would tell readers that it would be about a woman who deals well with winter in the wilderness. Of course, she's not really a queen. And she loves summer just as much …
Anyone who lives in the country and depends on a septic system to get rid of used water will understand why I snapped this picture of a crew digging a new system into our property. It's been a year since we learned our old septic was overloaded due to misuse because I didn't know how …
How do authors design fictional cultures and customs? It’s called world building and it’s taught in classes, plus there are books on the subject. But possibly the best and most fun way to design a fictional universe is done when writers simply close their eyes and let their imagination soar. What kind of world should …
Continue reading Question: How do fantasy authors come up with fictional cultures and customs?
My office has a window. It's not nearly a window wall but it's larger than most windows. And it overlooks the north woods where I live. I merely peek outside and see the yard and then, less than 20 feet beyond, the forest. Needless to say, having that window in the room where I write …
I went outside this morning and happened to pass by a bush that's outside my office. I'd noticed before that it seemed to have a few slightly yellow leaves. However, passing by so close, I realized that it has more than a couple. It is showing signs of heading into autumn full steam ahead. …
How to create a character you’d like to spend time with? Easy! Create a character with the same characteristics as people you know that you enjoy spending time with. If you can’t come with anyone like that, then make that character into the kind of person you wish you knew and could spend time with. …
