Why Toastmasters? Because Every Story Deserves to Be Told ~ and Heard!

It’s Sunday and like most I’m sitting here at our local coffee shop, trying to figure out what I wanted to write about today. Should I talk about the new books I’ve started writing? I’ve been piecing together ideas for several of them. Maybe the anticipation I’m feeling while waiting for Beta Reader feedback? Or… […]

The Space Between Draft and Done

What’s Next? Recently, my Sweetheart asked, “What are you going to do next while Dangerous Desires is being reviewed?” I smiled because… it’s happening. The rough draft of Dangerous Desires is finally finished, and it will be sent to Beta Readers later today. It’s hard to believe my first novel is only a few steps […]

The Power of Words and the Things We Accidentally Wish For🧞‍♀️🤔🧞

Wow! This weekend totally got away from me — on several levels.Staying up way too late, then napping off and on all day? That kind of rhythm throws everything off. Time feels warped, plans slip through the cracks, and everything starts to feel a little wacky… a little off course… and, honestly, kind of like […]

Midway Milestones and Manuscript Moves

Today, I printed out all the pages of my book that are completed so far.I still have several chapters left to write, but I wanted to get a head start on editing. Yes, I know—it’s considered a big writing “no-no” to edit while you’re still drafting. I’ve heard (and read) it’s better to let the […]

Where the Characters Lead Me: The Final Chapters 📖

Hello and Happy Mid-Week! I almost opened this post with something close to what Lady Whistledown says to greet her readers. For those who may not know, she’s a character from Netflix’s Bridgerton series. I’m a huge fan and often wonder how best to start each week’s blog. I don’t want to bore you—or repeat […]

Jane Austen and Me: An Ongoing Affair with Darcy, Knightley, and More

Jane Austen Again, Again, and Again Last night, I watched two versions of Persuasion, and tonight it’s my favorite version of Mansfield Park. Since I’ve found a Mansfield Park adaptation I actually enjoy, I’ll possibly add in Pride and Prejudice to balance it out. Sunday and Monday nights were dedicated to Emma. It seems there’s […]

Storms, and Storytelling: A Creative Sunday Update!

Happy Sunday, Everyone!It’s a wet, wet day here in Tennessee—well, it has been for a few days now. I’m not sure about you, but I love storms: thunder, lightning, and the whole works. Just not the destruction that can come with them. During storms, I either get sleepy and want to nap the whole day, […]

From Quiet Moments to Big Decisions

After the busy weekend and my last day of class (I was auditing a painting class at Motlow), I’ve had a pretty relaxing week… so far. I’m okay with that, because I know it’s about to get crazy busy again. I’m preparing for the new Toastmasters year, finishing Dangerous Desires, and then beginning the editing […]