• Books & Writing

    Hooking the Reader

    One of the many reasons I love having writer friends is because they write posts like this that inspire me to get back to work revising my novels. I met Ann at a writing workshop on Martha’s Vinyard. We wrote, shopped and made delicious pizzas. Three years later our small group still keeps in touch, cheering each other on and offering encouraging words when the writing life gets difficult. Workshops and retreats are not only places to grow as a writer they’re also fertile ground to grow lasting friendships. I’m excited to share this post on hooking the reader. Introducing Ann Finkelstein! Hooking the Reader Thank you, Krista, for asking to me…

  • Books & Writing,  Travel & Accessibility

    SCBWI Conference

    SCBWI Conference I decided at the last minute to take a weekend trip with Eric and attend the Florida regional SCBWI conference in Orlando. We had a blast! Look what we won at the silent auction! Eric said they fit me perfectly and we had to have them. They were made by an author…of course! Gaby Triana is not only the author of four novels but she’s also a cake decorator. Thank you, Gaby! It can get lonely sitting here typing with only my zoo for company. I decided it was time to meet some writers in person…actual people I could speak to…not online. Meeting authors online is comfortable for me…

  • Books & Writing

    An Author’s Journey Part III

    To recap MYSTIC’s journey so far: From Aug.2006 – Aug. 27, 2008 – I wrote the first draft. It was over 350 pages. May 2009 I attended a Highlights Foundation novel workshop. Went home and wrote a second draft from May to October 2009. October 2009 returned for the second half of the novel workshop and realized I still had a long way to go. The manuscript was around 330 pages. November 2009 began the third draft of MYSTIC Aug. 2008: Changes For Our Family: Sometimes it takes an event or an accident to occur to open our eyes, look at life and know that change is needed. Perhaps I had…