LA in November is warm and sunny, though everyone here insists is it freezing cold. As I write this in Pasadena, it is 75 degrees, which, let me emphasize, is NOT COLD, though it was chilly enough this morning to have to cover up with a blanket during the daily writing session on the porch. […]
So, my novel is now being read by an agent. I do not want to jinx this, so I'm not going to say anything more than that, and I know that y'all have lots of important things to worry about, but if it crosses your mind, say a teeny little prayer, or think a good […]
I am interested in overcoming adversity. Also overcoming sloth, gluttony, laziness, and pride. I think those are four of the seven deadly sins, no? (Does anybody actually remember what the seven deadly sins are?) I struggle with overcoming all of these bad traits on a daily basis. Or at least weekly. So when Nikki Leigh […]
And now, while I am on vacation, I have a guest post for you. It is from my dear friend Paula, one of the most voracious readers and excellent writers I know. I trust her opinion and you should, too. Be sure to check out her bio at the end of the review. A Sudden […]
I've been running a little contest this week to give away a free copy of The Midnight Disease. Today I chose the winner in a most scientific fashion–I wrote the names of the people who commented on pieces of paper, and had my daughter choose. So, drumroll please…. The winner is…. Heather Justesen! Heather's new […]
A ritual from an energy-healing technique that shall remain nameless ends thusly: it is done, it is done, it is done. This is meant to be the signal that the healing has taken place. But today I am co-opting it to announce that the novel is done. Finished, finito, fini, DONE. I can hardly believe […]
When my kids were little, it seemed like every other week there was a social event I didn't want to attend. I'm a pretty social person (all these hours I spend alone writing need some balance) but sometimes there were things I just didn't want to do–school parties where all the mothers seemed far more […]
I'm not exactly sure where I am going with this, so bear with me as I attempt to connect two trains of thought. Train Number #1–On Writing a Novel (you knew it was coming) When I was a MFA student, I loved always having an excuse to get out of things I didn't want to […]
I'm a journal and notebook junkie.
I carry around a journal with me wherever I go, and over the years I've been through many a different kind of journal. But lately, I have discovered Moleskines, and I am in love.
Having some difficulty creating full, true-to-life fictional characters? Why not let Marcel help you? Yes, that Marcel, the most famous one of all–Marcel Proust, author of Remembrance of Things Past, the only part of which I remember is when he waxed poetic about Madeleines, the shell-shaped, mini-cakes that melt in your mouth. Thanks to the […]
