What do your stories get up to?

Don't discount this post just because it's April 1st! While we encourage literary mischief all year long and recognize that extra mischief is inevitable on April Fools' Day, there's something especially important we'd like to celebrate with you this month. Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) is a national celebration of reading highlighted in April and specifically on author Beverly Cleary's birthday, April 12th. Reading is crucial for cognitive, emotional, and educational g

This winter, I experienced fourteen inches of snow that buried my yard over a single weekend, icicles the length of short swords that threatened harm as they cracked & crashed, and negative temperatures that made stepping out my door dangerous. As uncomfortable as I am in the cold, I don't think I'd enjoy living somewhere that didn't experience traditional four-season cycles. I love watching the weather, smelling the changes in the air, going sledding & playing in snow. That'

We're days from the midpoint of winter - February 3rd, often considered the coldest part of the year - and I am ready to let the month of Creative Romance melt my frigid heart. Whatever I'm reading/watching/playing tends to influence my writing, and I've been consuming a lot of dark media to maintain the necessary mindset for my current project. I reached a breaking point last week. The rabbit hole went too deep and I needed something light and fluffy to pull me out. Somethin

January is the month of Janus, named for the Roman god of beginnings / endings and transitions. Depicted with two faces, he looks both to the future and the past. There is always some retrospection at the beginning of new things. As you embark on the first month of a new year, take the lessons of the past with you to promote meaningful growth. The difficulties you encountered can be building blocks rather than repeated obstacles. I am my own harshest critic, with a tendency t

Both the beginning of winter and the end of the year, December holds a lot of promise. It's full of holiday magic, hope for the new year, and quiet introspection. December is also Read A New Book Month! So after all the generous volunteering and hectic shopping for others, reward yourself with a written treat. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones! Holidays (offbeat, writing, and otherwise) to embrace this month: December 05 - Bathtub Party Day December 07 - Letter Writin

It's time! It's here! National Novel Writing Month has arrived! The original NaNoWriMo organization unfortunately shut down in April of this year, but the spirit of the 30-day writing event still thrives. If you need structure or encouragement, Nano2.org provides the same resources and support for your writing journey. Whether you're engaging with a community or using this month as a personal challenge, I wish you luck & prolific writing. Holidays (offbeat, writing, and othe

October is arguably my favorite month of the year. It is full of the colors, scents and sounds I enjoy, plus a bit of dreary atmosphere...

For many, inspiration doesn't simply arrive; we need to actively seek and be able to recognize it. It can be mined from everyday...

Finishing a story is one of the most difficult things for me, even when I have an ending prepared. Sometimes I get bogged down with too...

Have you ever asked someone you admire for advice regarding their craft, or about their method, and been disappointed? I haven't found...