If you are like me, your writing time is both precious and never long enough. So here are some of my methods to make sure you are getting the most pages out of your limited time.

1) Stop reading email, posting on Twitter and checking your Facebook account. Okay, maybe that’s a little drastic, but how about printing out this little rule and stick it on your computer screen: Writing first, all the rest second. To make is easier, turn off all your notifications that will beep or pop up on the corner of your moniter. You don’t need to … Read more »

Let’s get to work on what I love most: creating characters. I love my characters. I love spending time with them, mulling over the problems facing them, how they are going to respond, but most importantly, how are they going to respond and why do they respond that way. So as you start to plan your month of writing consider some of this advice for helping round out and develop your characters.

From birth, we all collect experiences that shape how we do everything. And if you want to create living, breathing characters you have to consider their experience as … Read more »

As you are working towards getting your story idea fleshed out, you will want to get your heroine ready for some Brazen action. Here is a quick checklist for creating the Brazen heroine. Sit down with a notebook or your character sheet and consider the following:

1) Write down your definition of Brazen

2) Look for examples from real life or history

• Determine society’s boundaries
• Research how other women broke those rules

3) Create your Heroine by giving her:

• An insurmountable goal or roadblocks
• Compelling motivation
• Skills and/or help
• Experience to help her deal with the world she’s about to

Had such a blast at the Buns & Roses Tea this past weekend in Dallas! Of course any weekend that involves Cathy Maxwell, Lorraine Heath, Candis Terry, Sophie Jordan, and Kerrilyn Sparks is going to be a hoot. Here are just so fun pics from the day, so enjoy!

 … Read more »