The last days of June marked my one-year anniversary as a debut novelist. After a bit of reflection, I published How I Survived My Year As a Debut Novelist at my Live Write Breathe site. I've come a long way and … Continue Reading ››

You've probably noticed the radio interview announcement to the left. Here's an author journal confession: I'd rather design the announcement than do the interview. If I sound nervous, it's because I am. The interview is set for between 8 and 9 pm Pacific Time, Tuesday, March 12th. That's a time I'd normally be getting ready to … Continue Reading ››

This month I've joined as part of a 30-author team to launch Christian Fiction Historical Society, a blog uniting those who love to write historical novels with those who love to read them. Our posts and books span centuries so whatever era you prefer, we have you covered. We'll post … Continue Reading ››

I don't know what I was thinking. After a three-week road trip to California, the Grand Canyon, the Great Salt Lake, and Astoria, I had barely enough time to unpack, scrape out the house, and give my email inbox a lick and promise before packing for a new road trip. I set course with another … Continue Reading ››

Upcoming Journeys I and a group of writing friends will soon invade one of the San Juan Islands for a week of writing, researching, catching up on … Continue Reading ››

Author Journal

I stared at the email, half-expecting it to somehow morph into a rejection, but no. It was still a contract offer.  Letting out a yelp, I snatched my cell phone to call my husband.  Later that same day, after opening another email, I would call him back to share more joy. It was a … Continue Reading ››

When I plant seeds in my garden, I believe they will sprout and draw nourishment from sun, rain and soil. Planting seeds is an act of faith.

So is writing.

I want to be a writer who doesn’t need permission to tell my truth.

I received at least part of my literary training in the school of hard knocks. I hadn’t traveled the path of life long before the dream of becoming a novelist took hold of me and wouldn’t shake loose. I had to try.

Sometimes I feel like I’m living by my wits in an ongoing literary version of “Survivor.”