Each year I attend the Las Vegas Writers Conference I walk away with tons of inspiration, validation and insight. This year, one moment took me completely by surprise. The last dinner of the conference is reserved for awards given to Henderson Writers Group members who have shown outstanding … Read more about Acceptance and Rejection in a Creative’s World
Do You Know What You Know?
Muses come in all shapes and sizes, at the most unexpected times. When they do come visit, you listen and take action. In this case, a challenging short story project. Challenging because this will probably turn into a Floating World novella instead of an FW short...which, if I start with the … Read more about Do You Know What You Know?
World Building at the Las Vegas Book Festival
This weekend I had the pleasure of hosting a panel at the Las Vegas Book Festival. In attendance were fellow Henderson Writers Group members Paul Atreides and Rick Newberry, with authors/friends Katie Salidas and Alexia Purdy. Linda Weber, president of the HWG, moderated the session. The … Read more about World Building at the Las Vegas Book Festival
What the World Needs Now
Times are hard on everyone. The stories circulating on the social networks have been filled with pain and hate. We have violence between political parties and many more events happening you won't hear about in mainstream news. What saddens me the most is how the outpouring of concern and support … Read more about What the World Needs Now
Love Wins Every Time
Not too long ago, history was made. The LGBT community finally earned the right to what everyone else has—the right to marry exactly who they love. This touched my heart on more than one level, not only for my many friends and people I consider family, but it also echoed some of the underlying … Read more about Love Wins Every Time
If I Could Talk to The Animals
From the time I was little, I loved animals. Didn't matter what kind, though wolves have always had a special place in my heart. I was the kind of kid who watched every episode of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, and made friends with the dogs and cats before the children at my parents' friends' … Read more about If I Could Talk to The Animals
Off Writing
Storm...how fitting. Storms play a prominent part in the next installment of the Pack/Pride's adventures. Emotional storms, natural storms, figurative storms...storms everywhere. Good thing I like me a rollicking, powerful storm. And that's what it's like when the story hits. You feel it … Read more about Off Writing
Are You a SuperPackmate?
Every book has their fandom. There are people who enjoy the stories and characters and eagerly await the next installation on the edge of their seats, wanting...no...needing to know what happens next. Then there are the Superfans, the ones who breathe, eat and sleep (or in some cases, don't sleep … Read more about Are You a SuperPackmate?
Fan-Fic Restrictions: Yay or Nay?
No doubt fans are a driving force behind any story franchise. After all, the term "fan" is derived from "fanatic" and many people are fanatically devoted to their favorite characters. This devotion takes on many shapes and forms. Everything from collecting merchandise, to cosplay, to writing fan … Read more about Fan-Fic Restrictions: Yay or Nay?
Give Your Author Wings
Did you know that each time you write a review for a book, an author gets wings? It's true. Every time Wendi and I get a new review from one of our Packmates, it gives us wings. Just like the Red Bull commercial. We fly, we jump on the bed, we celebrate and our inspiration tank gauge slides over to … Read more about Give Your Author Wings
Are You An Action Hero?
Greetings, Packmates! Each month our ezine, Around the Studio*, has a specific theme. In March our topic was decluttering. In April, it was silence. In May, the topic is action. Each time we choose a topic I'm always astonished how that topic affects our daily lives here in the Studio. After … Read more about Are You An Action Hero?
Going Dark
Have you ever looked at your story and asked yourself, "Where the hell did that come from?" I have. Often. Tau's Pride is turning out to be quite the wild ride. Now, I love dark stories. I love the edge, the thrill of reading them, and I equally enjoy creating antagonists that have that same … Read more about Going Dark