Category Archives: Uncategorized

Okay, so you’ve finished a draft of something.  At least, you hope it’s something.  But so far it’s just been you and the words, and right about now you would love some outside confirmation that you have a real book here. … Continue reading →

Get your reader invested in your protagonist right from the start. You guys remember the comic strip Goofus and Gallant from Highlights Magazine? For those who never had to go to the dentist (which is where most kids discover Highlights), Goofus … Continue reading →

There’s been a lot of finger-pointing in politics lately, a lot of “I’ll tell you who’s responsible for our national problems . . .” but these people are amateurs at pinning blame compared to us moms when there’s a virus … Continue reading →

How to set up the perfect writing conditions, to maximize your potential and creativity. This is a joke.  Not a ha-ha lol kind of joke.  More of a wry, sophisticated, “Oh, Noel, you’re such a cad” kind of joke. That … Continue reading →

Disclaimer: author has never actually appeared on the NY Times bestselling list and her advice should therefore be completely disregarded by any sane human being. Open up any magazine and you’ll see diet advice.  And I don’t just mean dieting-to-lose-weight … Continue reading →

First of all, here’s the link to the last Book Candy TV chat I did, the one with Marla Miller.  Marla (and our guests) asked me great questions about how I write and why I write.  Ignore the pauses here … Continue reading →

I’m celebrating having reached over 500 fans on my Facebook page! Come over to my page to check it out!  Tell me what your favorite item of clothing is and what made it your favorite, and you’ll be entered to win … Continue reading →

Choosing your narrative voice. So you have a story idea–maybe even an outline–and you want to start writing. But just as your hands are descending on your keyboard, you stop, uncertain.  Do you want your protagonist to tell the story, … Continue reading →

Well, last chance for a while anyway . . . Tomorrow (Thursday) night is my last Book Candy TV interview.  And this is going to be the best.  I know this because the smart, savvy, and beautiful Marla Miller is … Continue reading →

How to (try to) get an agent. Kate Casey, who writes a very funny and smart blog of her own, asked me to talk a little bit about getting an agent. I’ve had three agents in my writing career.  The … Continue reading →