After literally years of hard work and preparation, my debut novel MOTHER OF PEARL releases next week. Finally, the story of my heart will be in the hands of readers across America. Barrie Graeber’s journey will unfold, absolute truths and convictions will be put to the test, and readers will cheer for this brave mother as she recognizes her own …
A Race Almost Finished
Despite my earlier blog post about not liking the Olympics, I admit to being captivated by a few late night news stories featuring successful athletes stepping into their moments of glory. Everybody loves winners. Isn’t it fun to watch faces beam with pride as winning contestants take their places on the podiums to accept their medals? But, I also …
The Glamorous Life of a Novelist
After weeks of writing guest blog posts, filling out interview questionnaires, working with my publicist on promotion materials and ideas, I finally broke down and cleaned house today. You see, I’m normally a tidy person. I don’t care for clutter. Hate walking barefoot across dirty floors. So, it’s quite unusual for me to let my housework go for any length …
Let’s Pretend
Don’t you love this photo? Who doesn’t want to be a fairy princess? I grew up on a sheep ranch in southern Idaho. Often, my busy mother would shoo my sister and me outside to play. A heavy list of chores needed done without us around her feet complaining, “I’m bored.” Didn’t take us long to come up with ways …
An Author’s Stress Relief
Today hits the eight-week mark prior to when my debut novel, MOTHER OF PEARL, lands on store bookshelves. After months of writing the manuscript, negotiating the contract, edits, cover design, promo videos, website building, blogging . . . now the real work starts. The M word. MARKETING. Thank goodness I have one of the best publicists in the business …
Where the Books Are
I’m often asked where I find good books. So, I thought I’d share my favorite venues. SHE READS This on-line book club, started and run by Marybeth Whalen and Ariel Lawhon, often promotes debut novelists who are not receiving the attention they deserve. Readers who join She Reads receive a number of benefits, including: Connection with other readers on the She Reads blog and …
When a Writer Cooks Breakfast
“Honey, do you want your egg yolks yellow as the sun and flowing like a river? Or, would you prefer your breakfast scrambled with emotion, clinging to a plate of security?” Husband grunts from behind newspaper. “If I had more time, I’d grapple with a richly complex frittata, ripe with contradictions where strong-willed yolks unite with timid artichoke and …
Fifty Shades of Black and White
I recently became aware of the popularity of the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY book series by E.L. James. Some report this novel is selling close to a million copies daily. Especially since media outlets everywhere are featuring the author and her work. Normally, I do a happy dance any time I hear readers are buying and enjoying a new novel. This …
What Do You Delight In?
Recently, my husband and I had the joy of watching our fourteen-month-old grandson for the evening. Little Peanut is at that adorable “just toddling” stage. We took him outside and blew soap bubbles. I wish I could capture the wonder on his face in words. That little guy was just pure DELIGHTED! I had a little delight of my own …
Post a Teaser
Yesterday, Julie Kibler, author of CALLING ME HOME, St. Martin’s Press, 2013, invited me to participate in a Blog Teaser. She said I had to do this: 1. Go to the 77th page of your book. 2. Count down 7 lines. 3. Copy the 7 sentences that follow, and post them. 4. Tag 7 other authors. So, here goes with …