Books & Writing
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Life is good!
Life is good! After the 75 minute spin class, two batches of snickerdoodles (next post!), packing, editing pictures, laundry, feeding animals, a quick dinner, more packing, cleaning, collapsing in bed, waking before the sun and driving two dogs to the kennel on my way to the airport, I finally feel like the picture–peaceful. I’m in North Carolina ready to attend Your Best Book–Free Expressions Workshop. I arrived at the DoubleTree Hotel and was handed a cookie. Life is good! My family is having fun in Chicago. I’m missing them but happy they are together. Arielle completed the Chicago Marathon in two hours and forty-five minutes! She met her goal and I’m sure they’re celebrating…
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My TV interview and pictures of PA
My TV interview and pictures of PA My stomach was doing flip-flops and even though I kept sipping water my cotton mouth could not be quenched. I. Was. Nervous! Luckily, there were very nice people talking to me while we waited for the show to begin. Right before it was my turn I paced the room hoping my words would make sense when I was in front of the camera. I’ve been known to ramble and speak in circles. Writing is so much easier. I can cross out, erase, and delete something if I don’t like it. You can’t do that when you speak. Once it’s out there–it’s out there! Scary. It all happened so fast! One minute I…
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Twenty Years Ago…
Twenty years ago my beautiful daughter was born. Happy birthday, Arielle. I love you with all that I am. Love, Mom My attempt at poetry was inspired by TILT by Ellen Hopkins.
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New Beginnings
New Beginnings There is something about this time of year in Florida that excites me. I think it’s the burgeoning cool weather, football, caramel apples, school, and the smell of my pumpkin spice candles wafting through the house. It feels as though it’s time for a new beginning. The house is quiet and my new novel calls to me every day. Starting over is scary so I cling to the familiar breeze through the window, sweet scent of pumpkin, and after school conversations with Kai, in order to stay grounded and remember the days when MYSTIC was just an idea–a beginning manuscript. I write, I worry, I rewrite, and on my most difficult days I’m reminded of…
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Inside Every Book Lies the Heart of an Author
Inside Every Book Lies the Heart of an Author “To those who can dream there is no such place as faraway.” Anonymous Everything that I have in my life began with a dream, a thought, a what if… Writing fiction takes the same bravery. I have an idea and I must believe that I can get to work and turn it into a book. It’s not an easy task. First, I have to trust that the story will present itself daily as I sit down to type. I have to fight all the demons that whisper and tell me I’m wasting my time. Eventually, I will give my story to an editor. Afterwards, I must…
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A Richer World
A Richer World To leave the world richer–that is the ultimate success. Eleanor Roosevelt I have always felt it’s my goal to do my best to make this world a better place. It is why, many years ago, I became a foster mom. It’s why I adopted a greyhound and other shelter animals. It’s why my friends gave me the nickname Crazy Cat Lady. Every time I found a stray cat in need I took it home. It’s why I became a teacher and it’s why being present and available for my kids has always been a priority. During my last visit with my daughter, Arielle, she told me about something that…
