The Virtue of Selfishness
Ayn Rand has a book titled The Virtue of Selfishness. It's a book I own, but I have never taken the time to read it. That isn't because I don't want to, it's just because it's never been a priority. Still, the title has always stuck with me. When I…
Finding Your Why
Writing and publishing my novels is a dream I have for my life. Actually, dream isn't an accurate term because then it sounds like it's a hope or something that will always be in the future. Publishing my novels is a goal, one that I am creeping up on. When…
Pantsing vs. Outlining: Structuring Your Novel
If you've written a book for any length of time you've probably heard two words: pantsing and outlining. Pantsing literally means that you write from the seat of your pants. Outlining is where you structure the novel beforehand. Both of these are methods used to get the novel in your…
Choose Your Own Adventure Part 3
Part 3, here we go! In case you missed last week, here is the link. "Why are you doing this?" I cry. "Your answers are in the book." It turns away from me, face lit up in pleasure, body held in triumph. "Finally!" he shrieks, addressing my people. "You…
Choose Your Own Adventure Part 2
You guys voted! Here we go with part two of our Choose Your Own Adventure. We are taking up just before we left off on part 1. In case you missed it, here's a link to Part 1. Eva's Adventure - Part 2 I turn back to the eye, still…
Breaking Your Characters
When you read or write a novel, you often fall in love with the characters. You're moved by who they are, what they stand for, and what their lives are. Sometimes you're moved to tears. Sometimes you're horrified. And sometimes you finish the novel, turn the last page, and sigh…
Camping Fun or Camping Insanity?
We are taking the kids camping. They're excited! My four-year-old has been counting down for the past three days. It's adorable. Really. Still, as much as we love camping, have you ever considered the insanity of it? Pack up your life and go park yourself in the middle of nowhere,…
Sneak Peek!
I finished my second novel at the end of May. This book is raw, completely unedited, and needs a ton of work, but the basic story is complete. Now the fun part begins. I'm ridiculously excited about it and I want to share part of it. I warn you, no editing…
When Words Resonate
You know that feeling when you're reading a book or you're watching a movie and something is said that just clicks? You're sitting there fully engrossed and a sentence is uttered that changes your whole life. Somehow, the words resonate with your entire being. Your chest feels like it expands,…
An Empowered Mother
I've been a mom now for almost ten years, and I've been a writer for more than seven. I've been dis-empowered in both for both lengths of time. For years I had it that I couldn't actually be both a writer and a mom, that if I wanted one aspect…