marketing, Writing Life, young adult

An Extraordinary Week in the Life of a YA Author

Front Paige Media Book Fair, Raleigh, NC Not every week was as exciting as this past week, but I thought I'd give you a glimpse of what happens after you publish a book. (Hint: It's called doing your best to share your book with the world). On Saturday, March 2, a room at the Raleigh… Continue reading An Extraordinary Week in the Life of a YA Author

awards, success, Writing Life, young adult

Celebrating Friendship and Writing Blessings

Last year, I received this birthday card from my special friend and writing buddy, Linda Phillips: Friends as Blessings Writers know that the road to publication is long. Along the way we connect with fellow writers who encourage us to persevere as we draft, revise, and seek publication. Linda's stedfast encouragement, prayers, and wisdom are… Continue reading Celebrating Friendship and Writing Blessings

historical fiction, Writing Life

Learn to Read, Read to Learn

INTRODUCTION When you write "recent" historical fiction, sometimes you are fortunate enough to interview people who were alive during your story's period. I am one of those authors. HALF-TRUTHS takes place in Charlotte in 1950, and when I started researching the book twenty years ago, I searched for people who were alive in the 1950s.… Continue reading Learn to Read, Read to Learn

success, Writing Life

How Does a Writer Define Success?

Now that I have published my first YA novel, my friends (and my brother!) ask me this question. Of course, it's very subjective. Every writer's definition will vary. Some might think it's numbers of books sold, or the amount of money earned. Others might say it's getting an agent or publishing with one of the… Continue reading How Does a Writer Define Success?