When I began writing historical fiction, I knew I would need to research settings, events and people related to a time period. Hair styles, clothing, furniture, and other items needed accurate description. However, I never thought I’d research women’s cosmetics. My current story drove me in this direction. I needed to understand the cosmetics available […]
I received notice last night that I am a finalist in the ACFW Genesis contest for unpublished writers. Last year, I finished as a semi-finalist. The winners will be announced Saturday evening at the ACFW convention in New Orleans. (I chose not to attend this year, so will not experience the excitement and anticipation of
Thrilled to be a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis ContestRead More »
I announced last month on social media my new book cover for a novelette Dreams in Conflict, but I forgot to post it here. I was so focused on final edits, researching and plotting a new novel, taking a weekend getaway and wrangling an appliance replacement, it slipped my mind. I’ll post again when the
I’m excited to announce my March newsletter will feature a short story by a fellow American Christian Fiction Writers member, Mary Kay Moody. Mary was a 2023 Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest for unpublished writers. I think you will enjoy her story “The Night Visitors.” Offering her story is part of my goal to
March newsletter to feature a story by Mary Kay MoodyRead More »
Today I put the finishing touches on a short story for Christmas. I’ll be shipping it in my newsletter by the end of the month. If you haven’t, be sure to subscribe to my free newsletter. Don’t miss “A Good Christmas.” The story is set in a small town in eastern Kansas in 1933, the
Do you remember climbing your first tree? I climbed a small mimosa tree at my great aunties’ house when I was in early elementary school. I even tried to climb the big pines in their front yard while they watched, but was too small. Climbing a tree can give you a new perspective and a
I was thrilled to be selected as one of seven semi-finalists in the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest. The contest recognizes unpublished authors in several genres. The finalists and winner will be announced in mid-August. I’ll share more details after the winner is announced. (Can’t mention the title, etc., until the contest ends.) I
I cranked out a new flash fiction story today. I will be publishing the next issue of the newsletter this week or next. I’m excited about the flash fiction piece. I decided to do something historical from the point of view of a child. I’ll be interested in reactions. Don’t miss it. Subscribe now. My
Does a writer friend talks about NaNoWriMo, or the shortened version NaNo? Worried they are spouting lines from an ancient Mark and Mindy episode? Or you may suspect he or she is sleep deprived and jumbling words. Possible, but not the reason these mysterious terms are uttered. NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. A nonprofit organization by that
I’ve been head down researching and outlining my next book, codenamed Warrior. Today, I tweaked the chapter outline one last time and plunged into writing the draft. I started at chapter 19. I’m trying an approach taught by James Scott Bell in his book Write Your Novel From the Middle. This approach starts with the
