Here is a repost of an excellent post by literary agent Rachelle Gardner, the ultimate resource for writers who are serious about publication. 11 Completely Non-Writing-Related Ideas (On becoming a better writer!) 1. Be creative any way you can. Cook new recipes. Paint a picture. Design a garden. Compose a song. Build something with Legos. Organize the garage. 2. Pay attention. Observe the mannerisms of people around you. Listen to how they speak. Marvel at the way they’re dressed. Notice their shoes and their posture and the look in their eye. 3. Be an armchair shrink. Analyze people’s behavior. Ask yourself how their actions reveal their character. Wonder about their...
Reflections on the 4th
I had the privilege of going to four rodeos, a parade and a pageant fashion show over the past weekend and my head is still a-spinnin’. But it was a wonderful time and brings about a time of reflection for me. The Fourth of July symbolizes the birth of our nation, but also a big weekend for cowboys around the country. Cowboy Christmas – the 4th of July weekend – is a where most of the men and women of rodeo make their earnings. They hit several rodeos over the course of the weekend and rack up all the points and dough they can. In our area, the grand Pacific Northwest,...
Distractions for a down day
It is a time of transition at my workplace these days and there are a lot of uncertainties ahead. I also found out a good friend of mine who moved to Texas won’t be returning for the summer conference where we first met and forged a friendship. And, it’s July and raining. (OK, normally I’m the first to say a I love the rain and prefer it to 90-degree weather, but today, it just is tipping me over the edge.) So, I want to share some fun things I do to distract myself and pick up my mood on such down times. You all know I’m a history buff. Well,...
News and announcements
First off, I’d like to announce that my wonderful critique partner, Heidi, has started up a blog with a very interesting story – how her training for a marathon is like writing a novel. 🙂 Check it out at: http://heidichiavaroli.blogspot.com As a side note- here are the links to my other awesome critique partners! Sandy Ardoin – http://www.sandraardoin.com/ Edwina Cowgill – http://musingsofedwina.blogspot.com/ Next – I’m excited to say my rewrite of my NaNoWriMo manuscript is completed (now for little edits here and there). It has been retitled – “Beautiful Pretense” and I’m now preparing the manuscript proposal for the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference. Finally – I have to highlight...
Christy Awards
Congrats to everyone who received a Christy Award or nomination. Special congrats to Jill Williamson who is a member of my writing group and a true gem of a person! Also, the talented Christina Berry was nominated for the first novel category and is truly a winner in my mind because of her encouraging story and dedication! All of these novels (and many more) are also on my to-read list! 😉 Contemporary Romance Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale House Publishers) Contemporary Series, Sequels & Novellas Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson (Thomas Nelson) Contemporary Standalone The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson) First Novel...