As a writer, I always keep a notebook close. (And chocolate chip cookies closer.) Just in case, like this morning, I awaken with a fleshed-out YA fantasy story that has manifested itself into a very vivid dream and I have seconds before it disappears into the black hole of forgotten thoughts. (Does this happen to
Blog
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an honest (and outlined!) inventory of 2014 dreams
Happy first Monday of 2014! I hope that wherever you are, there is at least an illusion of warmth with the help of a friendly space heater or fireplace. It’s 4 degrees here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and so far this year has brought sickies to 3/3 in my house, a huge spaghetti dinner and game
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2013, I bid thee farewell
How would I say goodbye to the year I decided to go after my dreams? A year that brought struggles I never could have prepared for and mountaintop victories I never could have dreamed God would bless me with? I wasn’t exactly sure. So my first order of business was to make waffles from scratch.
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a little mixing bowl link sampler
I’ve had this blog draft open in my Google Chrome since Monday. Four flights, 1900 miles, and the cream-filling of the weekday sandwich later, here I am. My first manuscript is edited and off to my agent. My second manuscript is up on my computer. And a first kiss scene for book three is written?
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morning announcements
Happy December, everyone! Just wanted to pop in and share some announcements with y’all really fast. It’ll be just like second period homeroom–except there’s no pop quiz. I’ve made this “Facebook official” already, but just in case you missed it, I’m now represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management! I could not
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helpful hints
four ways to streamline your technology
Technology continues to introduce convenience after convenience. Lost in an unfamiliar part of town? Map your way home with your GPS. Not around to watch your favorite shows during primetime? TiVo them! You get the picture. But technology can also be a huge time-waster. There’s so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to
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PR
{what I’ve learned} from the great pumpkin craze
In case you didn’t notice, autumn has had some time to make itself at home, and winter is knocking on the door and seeping through the cracks. If you have Twitter or Facebook or Instagram accounts, you’ve probably seen an abundance of Starbucks red cups and pumpkin spice lattes because, you know, it didn’t happen
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critique partners
{what I’ve learned} about working with critique partners
Before a writer seeks publication, it’s absolutely necessary to have a fresh, unbiased set of eyes on his or her work. When I finished my first manuscript, I sent it to some people I trusted for honest feedback. Even though I’d read and re-read it, I probably wouldn’t recognize that version of it anymore. And