PAY THE WRITER—Pirates, Used Bookstores & Why Writers Need to Stand Up for What's Right

And when bookstores go around bragging to The Washington Post about how much profit they make because the margins are so much better than NEW books and expect me the author to bite on some Book-Buying-Trickle-Down-Economics wrapped up with an “It’s Culture” ribbon? NO!

The Writer's Journey—Staying the Course From Newbie to Master

The mark of a pro is they make whatever we want to do look easy. From running a business to playing guitar to wicked cool Kung Fu moves, masters rarely seem to even break a sweat. Same with authors. With the pros? The story flows, pulls us in, and appears seamless and effortless.

Holidays Got You Down? CHOKE THEM OUT with Yule-Jitsu

We writers are a crazy lot. If you look at my author pic with the viking helmet? I KID YOU NOT, Hubby was home sick. Walks out and I am dressed like a viking. Doesn’t miss a beat. Where’s the NyQuil? The week before, my mom stopped by and I was dressed as Alice in Wonderland for …

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Writing Kick@$$ Action Scenes–Hook! Cross! T.K.O.

It’s Batman chasing Superman through James Bond’s porcelain collection. Broken glass, bones and promises everywhere. But here’s the problem: It reads like an academic lecture about 17th century German philosophy. If the style can’t convey your action in an edgy and dramatic way, even the most wicked scene structure won’t help.

Do You Have TRUE GRIT? If Not, 7 Ways To Get It

I’m here to give some practical ways to improve psychological toughness, get better at being disciplined, and eat goals and deadlines for breakfast (they have ZERO calories, btw).