Creating a whole new world, whether its in outer space or in a speculative alter-reality, writers are holding space for readers.

Each word has a reason for appearing on the page, whether it communicates voice, sets tone, propels action, or casts an image.

Getting into someone’s head is the one way to understand them. Changing POV saved my characters from a lack-luster existence.

Structure allows us to tell a story and build a rhythm. I am nature. I love rhythm and a steady beat. 5-act structure sets a different beat.

In honor of Anna Castle. Beloved friend and mentor, and my number one fan.

Weaving concepts of olfactory memory, human physiology, and light energy to tell a story about lovers exploring magic.

It’s not just the next new must read. I’m learning the history and new perspectives about this complex and fascinating genre.

In order to develop my brand I have to know my voice. That all depends on the stories, right? The stories I’m still writing?

Writing itself is a physical experience. A symphony of sensory exploration.

Does SEO matter for authors? Rank high, get more traffic. Does that translate into sales?

Seriously? Break down my walls? When I’ve worked so hard to build them?

I hit 100 followers in Twitter today. So I blogged about the social media experience.

Creativity is a surface operation in the first draft. All the rules are running in the background as subroutines.

The ligaments weren’t holding the bones together. Some muscles were strong, others weak. The skin wouldn’t wrap right.

It’s about respecting identities. Yet the subtleties of how we portray identities go well beyond simply being respectful.

A day-by-day account of an author losing her shit when she realizes the original idea in her nearly complete WIP is not original.

It is not easy to write dark settings and develop characters consumed by angst in Hill Country.

I took a Central Texas road trip to scope out my geographic muse, the basis for my fictitious town called Whisper Creek.

Write what you know, right?

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