Category: Writing

My Book Birthday!

It’s my book birthday!!! I’m thrilled to announce that my debut teen fantasy novel, Bedlam Bewitched, launched today. You can buy it as an eBook or in paperback. The eBook is available for purchase on Amazon and as part of their Kindle Unlimited program. You can purchase the paperback directly from Amazon and Ingram Spark, […]

Our Annual Writer’s Retreat

Every August for the past decade, my writer’s critique group and friends have gathered for our annual writer’s retreat. This tradition started back in 2011, when we sought a weekend away from our daily responsibilities to create space for writing. There are no programs during this weekend, no speakers, no schedule. It is simply time […]

Bedlam Bewitched Release Date

I’m pleased to announce that my debut teen fantasy novel, Bedlam Bewitched, releases on October 1, 2024! It will be available as an eBook and in paperback. The eBook will be offered for purchase on Amazon and as part of their Kindle Unlimited program. You will be able to purchase the paperback from Amazon, Ingram […]

Bedlam Bewitched Blurb Reveal

I’m delighted to reveal the teaser and back cover summary of my soon-to-be released debut YA fantasy, Bedlam Bewitched. A teenage witch, a chaotically-enchanted bookstore, and scheming adversaries.The magical shop promises a new start. But it comes at a price. When seventeen-year-old Cory Smyth inherits her uncle’s share of Bedlam Books, she hopes the bewitched […]

SCBWI Summer Virtual Conference

My August started off with a bang, as I attended the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Summer Virtual Conference. This weekend-long writer’s conference featured keynote addresses by stellar children’s authors and illustrators, panel sessions on the state of the children’s book publishing industry, and a slew of breakout workshops. Pre-pandemic, this annual […]

An Interview with Author Jill Hedgecock

Today I welcome YA suspense author Jill Hedgecock to my blog. The third and final installment in Jill’s Shadow the Doberman Series, In Shadow’s Reflection, released last November. This standalone sequel continues the trials of orphaned teen Sarah Whitman and her ghost-seeing Doberman, Shadow. An earthquake releases the psychopathic Dr. Griffin from jail, thrusting Sarah […]

Pantser or Plotter?

Pantser or plotter? This common question among authors reveals their dominant writing process. A “pantser”, as in “flying by the seat of your pants,” is someone who lets the story evolve organically as they write with little advance planning. In contrast, a “plotter” has a plan mapped and outlined from the start.By temperament, I’m more […]

Exclusive Sneak Peek

Things seem pretty quiet on my website lately, but like the duck that appears calm on the water’s surface, underneath there’s some serious paddling going on. I have been preparing for the publication of my debut novel, Bedlam Bewitched, a young adult coming-of-age contemporary fantasy.In anticipation, my newsletter subscribers will get an exclusive sneak peek. […]