Research and Pinterest

Researching books is one of the best time-sucks on the internet. I can get over-involved in finding the layout of a castle, information on medieval garb of Irish clans, and clan mottos. The list can be endless...but I've...

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My Writing World

In a perfect, artsy, creative dream world, I'd be sitting in a quaint cottage, overlooking the Cliffs of Moher (yeah, I know there aren't any cottages that overlook such a huge, touristy cliff site, but it's MY perfect world, so it's there, and it's quaint) and it would be lightly misting.  The sea would be a little bit churny (new word!); my...

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Every weekend should be a P&P weekend

This weekend, I've got another AWESOME conference coming up, and I'm pretty excited. I'm taking a class from one of my most favorite authors (one of the only ones who can make me laugh out loud while reading, causing weird...

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You asked for it...

I am flattered (and secretly a little thrilled) that I've had so many requests for more first-look content! After much thought, I think I can share one of my favorite scenes in Mists of Fate. Enjoy :) -----------------------------------      Slamming the solar door behind her, Brianagh threw her hands on her hips. "Might I remind...

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Favorite Authors, Favorite Books

Favorite authors are such a blessing. You know you're in good hands when you pick up a book by an author you love; there's such a feeling of comfort in that. My absolute favorite author has a new book releasing this weekend...

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Gate Keepers...or Something More?

I've been following the publishing industry for a few years. I've seen some really popular agents fall off the radar, and other ones pop on. I've also watched as a couple have risen to near God-status (in the eyes of writers - not necessarily other agents!). There are some truly approachable agents out there; really nice folks who are kind, funny,...

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Writer's Block? No Thanks.

Maybe I'm just fortunate, or maybe it's mind-over-matter. Either way...writer's block doesn't affect me. It can't; I don't have time to waste with sitting in front of a blank screen. I hate wasting time. I don't wait for my muse. It's great when she visits - I get lots of great story ideas from her. But when she's off visiting others, or on a well-deserved...

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It's All In The Words

Once upon a time... It was a dark and stormy night. The phone rang. These beginnings are classic...and using them in a current novel is the kiss of death. I have read so many blogs, articles, books and tweets that advise...

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Good vs. Evil

Good triumphs over evil. This isn't something that only happens in stories. It happens every day, all over the world. Why? Because (I believe) people are inherently good creatures. If we were inherently evil, wouldn't we...

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What is sexy to you?

When writing, it's sometimes difficult to tell what makes a hero so sexy. Really, there are two types of heroes: Some women love the alpha type - the strong, capable, in-charge, take-no-prisoners type, in the form of warriors,...

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Fight...or Flight?

Fear is a double-edged sword.  Some people say to face it - that it's the only way to overcome such an emotion. If you don't overcome it, it will overcome you. You don't really want to be overcome, right? Others say to listen to it - a fear of something is your intuition letting you know that something is desperately wrong, and the fight-or-flight...

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What's Your Kind of Love?

Romance is a tricky thing. It's different for everyone, right? What I find romantic might be completely opposite of your idea.  For example, my honeymoon was on the sunny, tropical island of St. Lucia. Palm trees, drinks on the beach, waterfalls, horseback riding. One of my sisters' honeymoon was on the snowy, breath-takingly beautiful...

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The Path We Walk

As a writer, at some point during your writing path, you think about that moment when you're asked to submit your work. You sleep, eat, breathe and live that moment for months, sometimes years. That was me about 8 years...

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The Top Ten Things I Learned at my First Writers Conference

This conference was even better than I thought it was going to be. It's such a huge investment - the cost was almost $500. I almost didn't do it - I mean, people scoff at writers who aren't yet published all the time. That mindset didn't influence my decision, but it certainly crossed my mind - and that in doing this, it would put me into a new category...

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First-look Friday 4/5/13

Today's excerpt is from Mists of Time (Aidan and Emma's story).  Comments are so appreciated - don't be shy, be verbose! ------------------------------------------------------------------------      His smile was slow and seductive. “First, there’s never reason to be afraid when you’re with me. Second, I don’t know anyone –...

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E-books or Paperbacks?

A few years ago, I wanted nothing to do with e-books. I wanted my trusty paperback - the weight of it was a comfort to me. The new-book smell (you know what I'm talking about!), the ink, folding the pages, bending the spine....Treasured ritual! Part of the experience! In my life, the downsides of physical books are plentiful. Hundreds of books weigh...

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The Things We Do For Love...

It definitely pays to be married to a creative person with a Type-A personality... Recently, I was asked about copyright for images. While I do have them, I need something more for my website. My first thought was, What better image to have than the brooch that sets Brianagh on her journey, thus setting off the entire Time Passage series?! I have...

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Girlfriends make the world go 'round

I love sitting around a table with girlfriends. The non-stop laughter is something everyone needs in life, and when I'm having a particularly tough day, there isn't anything better than a cup of coffee (or glass of wine)...

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