I kept the fact that I’d written a romance novel secret for thirty years. Rich and the kids knew, but few others. I especially didn’t want to tell my colleagues in the English Department. For goodness sake, they taught the classics. In fact, so did I. To admit I was a romance writer would have been humiliating. I thought. I should have had more trust in my colleagues. Some of whom are now my beta readers. Even after I’d published Love’s Destiny with Crimson Romance, when people asked what kind of books I wrote, I still had this pesky Read More
Tag: writing
When Did You Know You Were a Writer?
At a recent book signing, I was asked, “When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?” I was stumped, as I am whenever I’m asked that question. Other authors seem to know, almost to the exact moment, saying “Oh, I was riding my tricycle, and the plot for my first piece of literary fiction fell from the sky into the basket on my handlebars.” I never seemed able to pinpoint my moment of divine revelation. Until a memory surfaced from out of the blue. I was only four years old when my muse, Boris, first inspired me. Read More
The Eyes Have It: Ironing Out My Revisions
You’ve heard of the term “leg man,” and many women seem to notice men’s butts. Yes, I’m being very sexist here, however, I believe I now have your interest, and my previous first paragraph (see below) was much less stimulating. Thesis: All authors have certain body parts that capture their attention. When I finished my first draft of Love’s Courage, the ecstasy of writing “The End” was quickly replaced with the agony of revision. Some people love revision, in fact, an author friend just posted that she preferred revision to drafting a new story. For me, revision is a bit Read More
5 Reasons Why Writers Need Support Groups
I’m basking in the glow of the Mid-Michigan Chapter of Romance Writers of America’s (MMRWA) annual Retreat from Harsh Reality. Our speaker this year was Katharine Ashe, author of historical romance novels. She was amazing! Once again, I realized the need for writers to spend time—quality time—with other writers. Here are only five reasons why: Shared Excitement Over Writing Craft (or “The Writing-Geek Files”) I’ve been scratching my head over the term “high concept” since I first heard it a couple of years ago. Katharine’s presentation “What is High Concept (and How Do I Write It)” was the best Read More
Getting Inside an Editor’s Brain: An Interview with Julie Sturgeon
Every author wonders what editors think. When our precious baby lands in the hands of an editor, what happens? I’ve worked with Julie Sturgeon, and I can say what happens is magic. Julie agreed to give us a peek behind the curtain in her editing process. I am so pleased to share her insights with you. Welcome, Julie. I’m always flattered when someone asks me to be a guest on their blog, and I do a happy dance when they provide questions. That list is an excellent way to figure out what people want to know—and where misconceptions are lurking Read More