Take this time to set new goals-

During this period of sadness, craziness, and disruption, it's a good time to take extra care of yourself. But, also this is an opportune time to reassess where you want to go. I've decided its time for GOALS!

Think of it as New Year's Resolutions. You can start small and build on these little successes, giving you the confidence to grow.
One thing I've discovered for me is that I write the goal down where I can see it. This helps me stay focused.
So when we come out of this, and we will, I'll have some positive things to be proud of.

SCARY TIMES, BUT WE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH TOGETHER

We are all in this together

Fall and Time for New Beginings

                                          FALL is HERE

Lots of new projects bouncing around. But first taking a hike to check out the amazing foliage.

                                          
On my walk, I find a friendly creature to add to my reference library. Here is where you always need a camera and a little notebook to add details and maybe, just maybe, you will find a spark of a story.

Another Fabulous Addition To My Library

 

 

 Wanted to share another book I could not do without as I begin my new novel. 

Excellent substitutes for overused phrases and words now at my fingertips. 

Do you overuse cried, smiled, heart pounded and nodded? See all the better ways to make your characters come to life. 

 

 

 

Kathy Steinemann's book, THE WRITER'S LEXICON is a fascinating read and one of the best books I have found on choosing that perfect word or description your story needs.

Wish me luck, I'm going in!

And a Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a Merry and Blessed Christmas. So are you ready for the New Year?

Yes, 2019- where all your hard work will finally pay off. For sure you are.


Take a big breath, organize your thoughts, dreams and plans and get to work. More hard work? Yes, but it will be so worth it.
It will be an exciting New Year.

Merry Christmas

AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Writing break- Let's draw

Finished a 50,000 word MG and now time for a little R&R. That means drawing time. Yes. time to draw and breathe some. And lots of dog walks.

Writing Craft

Back from a busy break-

Time to share my Writing Craft Books I'm reading and rereading.

Writing Down to the Bones-Goldberg

How to Write a Children's Book- Bine Stock

Story Genius-Cron

On Writing-Stephen King

A Writer's Reference- Hacker

 

And of course, Writing With Pictures- Uri Shulevitz  

My all time favorite- 

 

Summer of Experimenting

It's hot.

It's raining buckets. I'm all alone with my new watercolors, brushes and stretched paper.

 When I'm not painting or drawing; I'm reading every middle grade I can find. And I just finished, THE GIRL THAT DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill. Highly recommended. 

Time to take a breath

The love of my life passed away last November after a hard and difficult fight with Colon Cancer. Such a rough year. It has taken me time to adjust and to regain my footing. I look at everything different now.
Everything.
I started a few projects, at first for therapy and as an escape. Some fell apart, but some have grown and nourished me.
So I'm back and slowly but surely I'll continue with my passion for children's art and literature.
Thanks for waiting.....

Time to Play

Summer. So hard to get everything done.

BEST BOOK EVER ON NOVEL WRITING

Just finished reading STORY GENIUS by Lisa Cron. What a superb book on novel writing. 

She digs deep, getting to the meat of the novel, beginning with your protagonist's misbelief and how this is essential to everything you write. 

She explains how to use scene cards, plot points, and brain storming ideas. Plus so much more. I give it 5 stars and so will you.