On many levels, it’s easy to see why Louise Erdrich’s novel The Round House won the 2012 National Book Award. One reviewer has likened it to being the Native American To Kill a Mockingbird. The big ideas in the novel are certainly compelling, but when certain narrative elements are looked at in isolation, the novel may fall a bit flat for some readers. Continue reading
Anne O’Connell combines some of my favorite things: she’s writes in multiple-genres and has a special liking for memoirs, she’s a giving and helpful person with a good deal of expertise in marketing, and she’s traveled the world. Here’s to Anne! Continue reading
How to give effective draft feedback? A number of approaches exist. Regardless, it is often much easier for someone other than the author to find mistakes and judge the effectiveness of a piece of writing. And yet, you may sometimes feel at a loss for how to go about giving someone feedback. Continue reading
I’ve gone underground lately with a couple of guest posts and a spotlight on Underground Book Reviews. One of my blogging goals for this year is to do more guest posts and interviews. Last week I was the featured author on Underground Book Reviews for Author Spotlight Thursdays where I talk about my new collection of short stories Such if Life.
Teacher Appreciation Week has come and gone. Did you manage to somehow acknowledge an educator? As a former teacher, I can attest how praise for the demanding work required in a classroom occurs too infrequently. The profession’s relatively low pay and stringent education requirements, coupled with constant public scrutiny, often leads to teacher burnout. A few kind words can work wonders to brighten a teacher’s day. Mrs. Oas, my band teacher from fifth through twelfth grade, certainly made a difference in my life. Continue reading
It’s safe to say I was at once shocked and pleased upon meeting Munir Bello. He’s a promising writer who’s not afraid to bare all… as you shall see upon scrolling down. Please welcome Munir by reading about his writing journey thus far. Continue reading
I met my husband while working a summer in Yellowstone National Park nearly seventeen years ago. We were both nineteen and one year out of high school. Three years later after working a few seasons in both Yellowstone and Everglades National Parks, we got married in Las Vegas. Today, we celebrate our fourteenth wedding anniversary. And who says Vegas weddings don’t last? Continue reading
Sometimes the film version of a book is better than its print counterpart. Such is the case with Matthew Quick’s novel Silver Lining’s Playbook. But how can that be? Bear with me. The main character Pat, a former history teacher in his mid-thirties, moves back home after spending a few years in a psychiatric hospital for treatment of his bipolar disorder. He occupies his time with a self-improvement plan which involves working-out a lot and reading classic works of literature which may help put him back the good graces of his ex-wife English teacher. Continue reading
Today’s author interview takes place with John Hartnett. Just by the twinkle in his eye, it’s safe to say he attempts to bring the same sense of fun and light-heartedness to his writing. Kudos to anyone who can write humor well since it’s not as easy as it looks! Continue reading
WORKSHOP is a dreaded word by writers the world over. What could be more fun than participating in writing workshops? You slave away on a draft, endlessly tweaking it before submitting it to THE GROUP. Then you sit silently while THE GROUP tears all that effort to shreds, pointing out inconsistencies and weaknesses. You squirm in your chair and feel your face turning red. Your pulse quickens because THE GROUP just doesn’t get it and you aren’t allowed to talk. Occasionally, someone makes a positive comment. Your heart soars. Continue reading
