Dipping my toe in the water.

So I'm trying to get back on a blogging schedule. I might go for once a week. Friday perhaps. I don't know, we'll see. I think I needed a break to find out how to balance things. I'm getting there. I don't thing you fully balance anything. It's a cycle of what you can deal with and how you can change.

As you can see, I'm sprucing up the old blog. This process will be slow, but I'm cleaning it up and getting it back in order. I think holding myself to a post once a week will get some of my practice back in. I feel a little rusty but that's okay. Some say blogging is dead, but I found the motion of blogging something little like a journal entry can't hurt the old writing wheels.

I also slowed down so I could read more. I'm a slow reader just like I'm a slow writer, but I'm beginning to fit it in here and there so I'm confident I'm going to make it work.

Right now, I'm reading RUIN AND RISING by Leigh Bardugo. I like it. This is the last book in Grisha Trilogy. I'm anxious to see how it all ends.

It's a part of a writer's life to read. To me the books are a teacher. I'm always trying to see how the author accomplished what they set out to do and if it worked.

I'll also post about different blogs or sites you can go to that will strengthen your writing. Currently, I have a piece up for critique at Dianne Salerni's and Marcy Hatch's Mainewords blog. It's called First Impressions. Every month they critique the first page of a writer's work. It's extremely helpful. Check it out if you haven't done so already. I think this is the third time I'm participating.

That's it for today.

What are you reading?

What are your favorite ways to strengthen your craft?

Have a great day!

Stumped on gifts?

The holidays are upon us, well, they have been upon us since September, but now it's crunch time. Here are some things that I have spotted for someone you may know, ya know, someone who is in the writing world. Let's face it, we are a different breed of human.
So, need a gift idea for a writer. Here are some ideas and things that I've seen that might suit your needs.

1. T-shirt. I find this one fantastic. Here's the link to purchase.


2. Books on the craft. Writers are always learning. Save the Cat by Blake Snyder is the book everyone talks about.

3. If you know a writer with small children, maybe offer a time to watch their kids so they can write.

4. Of course, gift cards to a bookstore are always accepted.

5. Know of a writing course a writer person might be interested in? A favorite place they like to go and learn? On the web or local. Gift card, people. If you are local to the Philly area, Musehouse Center for the Literary Arts provides writing courses. Online, check out Marie Lawson's Writing Academy.

6. I just listened in on a wonderful webinar by K.M. Walton on Writing for Children Live. You can purchase gift card and past webinars. Check it out here.

7. Bookmarks. A writer always likes to make a statement when reading.

8. Journals. A writer likes to make a statement while jotting down the best idea ever.

9. Cool mugs that can hold that caffeinated beverage the writer so desperately needs when they are up at 3 a.m. listening to their characters. Want this on your mug. Go to Zazzle to purchase.

10. Chocolate. Best Chocolate in America is from West Chester. Eclat Chocolate, and yes, it's to die for.


Well, there you have it.
Do you have any ideas for writer gifts?

Today, my first page is on Dianne Salerni's and Marcy Hatch's blogs. They both are wonderful and nice. I will admit, I'm scared, so go and give me your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Fun Facts Friday

Another crazy week and I'm liking the warmer weather minus the thunderstorms at night (mother nature are you listening). On with the facts:

1. I'm being critiqued at Dianne Salerni's blog and Marcy Hatch's blog today. Thank you ladies!!Please check it out and rip it apart give me some feedback. Disclaimer: It's a first draft. *reaches for chocolate*

That's me testing the waters with my new MS.

2. My favorite summer activity is going to the beach. The smell of the salt air mixed with greasy food makes my mind wander and dream so I'll probably have more ideas.

3. Check out Karen Akins blog. Go congratulate her, she has a book deal!! Congrats Karen!

4. Mark your calenders for WriteOnCon (if you haven't already). It's always full of great info and opportunity.

5. Elana Johnson will be guest posting, right here, on June 15th. Her book SURRENDER will be out next Tuesday, June, 5th.

6. Tip: Don't try and write after an eye doctor appointment. Why? If you get pupil dilation drops, yeah, it makes reading blurry. Not good. It amazes me that they let you drive after that.

Any news?

What are your plans for summer?

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer time? (Minus writing, that's a given).

Have a great weekend!!