I'll admit to being 'adverb adverse'. It’s one of my reading pet peeves  I’m reading along, immersed in the story when I start to notice them. And once I do, every one becomes a drop of water on my forehead, drip, drip, dripping until I want to heave the book.  They irritate me enough […]

Margie Lawson THANK YOU to all the uber-talented and uber-fun WITS gals for inviting me to guest blog again! Ready for some fun? Margie’s Rule #5: If the Hyphenated-Run-On Fits… If you’re a Margie-grad, you know I love well written hyphenated-run-ons. That’s my term for stringing three or more words together with hyphens. They give […]

Natalia Sylvester You know how some authors will tell you that their characters just speak to them, taking on a life of their own? I cringe when I hear this. I twitch a little. I kinda, sorta want to call B.S. (but that’s probably because I’m jealous). I have a hard time believing characters speak […]

One of the first things aspiring authors hear is a laundry list of things they should be doing to ensure success. If you somehow missed those directives, here are the “right things” you should be doing: Join a writing group. There are quite a few organizations out there to help writers at every stage in […]

I've just returned from the magical Galapagos Islands, where animals and birds like no others on Earth have no fear of humans. I had trained for the experience by walking fifteen miles every week, working out with my trainer for balance, and some swimming. Still, it was the most physically taxing trip I've ever taken. Something […]