Writing
Last Minute Gift Ideas for Writers
If you ask an aspiring writer what she wants for Christmas, she’ll probably tell you “more time to write!” And that is, of course, every aspiring writer’s biggest challenge. This holiday season, here a few ideas to offer that and more to the special writer in your life. Pen and Paper The Moleskine notebook and…
Read MoreSix Reasons You’re Not as Creative as You Could Be
Years ago, I attended a writers’ conference. After my speech was over, I sat in on a talk given by a writing professor. And what she said has stayed with me ever since. A woman in the audience lamented that she wanted to write, really wanted to, but could never find the time. The professor’s…
Read MoreTravel and Leisure – In the Key of Life
My sixteen year love affair with the Florida Keys (and my husband) in the January 2016 issue of TRAVEL AND LEISURE magazine! Pick up a copy in stores today! The first word my husband ever said to me was yum. We were on the dance floor of Sloppy Joe’s, the wild watering hole (and Ernest…
Read MoreThe Story is in the Details
I love getting mail from my readers! Occasionally, I get a question that really makes me think. And when I write the answer, I wonder if other readers or writers might enjoy it, too. Here is an edited version of a letter I received from a retired math teacher turning his attention to writing for…
Read MoreThings I Know for Sure About Writing
For a couple of years now, I have been involved with a poetry group at Brookwood Florida, a home for adolescent girls who have been removed from their domestic situations because of abuse. Under the direction of the wonderful Jeanne Chase, some of the girls gather weekly to write. And the result is some of…
Read MoreA Wonderful Evening with Jonathan Santlofer
It was a wonderful evening with Jonathan Santlofer at the Manhattan Center For Fiction talking about the craft, the business and IN THE BLOOD.
Read MoreThe Center for Fiction – Masters Class
New York City pals! Come chat with me about craft, process and getting published at The Center for Fiction Tuesday, March 25th at 7 PM. I love talking about the journey from aspiring to published and everything in-between … and beyond. This is a free event, open to the public, and seats are still available.…
Read MoreLiar, Liar
Why do people lie? Let’s start with you. When’s the last time you told a lie? And I don’t mean a big one. I mean a little one, say to protect a friend’s feelings, or to spare yourself embarrassment. I consider myself an honest person, but I occasionally lie. My daughter believes in Santa Claus…
Read MoreThe Truth About Fiction – Part Two
I have sometimes offended people with my work. Occasionally, I have received angry letters from readers who feel I did not paint a flattering portrait of their geographic area. (Characters have opinions that I do not share and make observations of their own.) I have even lost a longtime friend who did not care for…
Read MoreSo You Want to be a Writer …
I spent this past weekend at Sleuthfest, one of Florida’s best writers conferences. It was a dynamic gathering of writers, professional and aspiring, as well as some of the most important agents and editors in the business. I was struck that it’s probably one of the best things you can do as an aspiring writer, spend…
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