Always fun to meet new authors, especially brand new authors. And Carla Swafford comes to publishing via the Avon Impulse line, which is a digital imprint that was launched last year. So I thought it would be fun to invite Carla over and let her meet all of you.

1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Yes. My granddaddy was hard of hearing, and we believed he misunderstood my name. He called me Polly.

2. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? My husband and I fell in love…with Denali, Alaska.

EB: I think we could be … Read more »

If you are like me, you are always seeking out the books and teachers who inspire and motivate writers and non-writers alike.

To that end, I polled a bunch of friends, tweeps, and writers from all over and asked them: What writing books do you love? What has done the most for your creativity and career?

What I was looking for were books to fuel a year of creative growth, gaining and honing my skills and perhaps learning a few new tricks. Who doesn’t like new tricks?

So I present this recommended list of writing books. I have read some, … Read more »

I was really glad to kick the dust off of 2011 and celebrate the New Year. I don’t know about you, but 2011 was difficult. I don’t think I need to cry on your shoulder about my problems, because I know I am not alone and you all have yours as well. And maybe some of you have none, and therefore, I certainly don’t want to rain on your day.

Needless to say, when the clock struck midnight, I opened the door and said a hearty and happy “Welcome!”

What do I want to do this year? Lots of things.… Read more »

Why is it that lately I can’t get any of my friends to stick to Five Things. It’s called “Five Things” for a reason. But much to my chagrin, they all are a bunch of overachievers–sending in 6, 9, or even 11 things. And considering I only send them 10 questions to answer, it gets a little confusing sometimes.

I think this week’s Five Things Author fits into the overachiever category. Or she can’t count. Either way, I love her to death and am always thrilled when she has a book out. Which she does. Which I will tell you … Read more »

Here she is, the indomitable and always interesting, Lecia Cornwall:

1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? The most beautiful, romantic place I’ve ever been: Malmaison, Empress Josephine’s home outside Paris. There were no tourists the day we were there, just us, walking through her empty rooms, standing in the bedroom where she died. They say Napoleon visited Malmaison for relaxation while he was Emperor, but couldn’t bear to go there after Josephine’s death. It has such a sad, romantic atmosphere of love and regret.

2. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you … Read more »

Debra Mullins is another of my Avon Author sisters. Someone I have known for as long as I’ve been writing at Avon. Let’s not count the years . . . really, let’s not. LOL. But I always love the chance to see Debra and find out what she’s been up to.

What I truly envy about Debra is her work ethic which has her doing both writing full time and working full time. She is one dedicated writer. And apparently one who was willing to fall on the Five Things sword!

So here are Five Things About Debra Mullins:

1. … Read more »

I love crafting or making holiday gifts–especially all those small gifts you have to take to parties or because all of a sudden you remember you forgot a gift for someone. I think something you have made or put together yourself just means a little more than a bottle of wine you snagged on the way to a holiday party.

So here is something I am doing this year: Homemade Seasonings.

I got empty spice jars at a local wrap and container store, and then I mixed several large bathes of my favorite Taco Seasoning and a favorite Steak/Chicken Rub, … Read more »

I met Candis Terry years ago in rather an odd fashion–I was leaving a conference and she and some other friends of mine were on their way to the airport. Since I live near the airport, I offered them all a ride to save the taxi fees. Filled my minivan with old friends and new and tons of luggage and off we went. So you could say I was her driver before she was “Candis Terry.” Teehee. So without further ado, Five Things About Candis Terry:

1. Did you have a nickname growing up?
Yes, unfortunately it was Mouse. I … Read more »

Margo and I have been Avon Authors together for ages! It’s sort of a sisterhood of friends and chatty buddies and it affords one the chance to meet some great authors and call them friends. Margo is dropping by Five Things this week because that’s what the Avon ladies do for each other–show up, pitch in, help out. So welcome, Margo Maguire!

1. Do you celebrate when you finish a book and what you do?
I read. It’s something I LOVE to do but don’t have enough time while I’m in the midst of writing a book. So when I … Read more »

I always love running into Sabrina Jeffries at conferences–we swap stories of our kids–but our stories have a very unique twist–we both have sons with autism. Sabrina has given me great advice over the years–her son is much older and she’s got this great, “been there, done that” attitude that really helps me meet the challenges that she’s conquered. She’s so giving, she even went overboard with answering down below. I owe her so much! All you need to know is that besides being a talented writer, she is a kind, lovely lady who always makes me laugh.

Here are … Read more »