When I first came up with the idea for Stealing Home, I wasn’t quite sure all of the dynamics for the story. Despite the fact that I had these two characters who were drawn to one another with one having faced a traumatic injury, it still didn’t fit what I…
How to Gain Confidence as a New Writer
Starting out as a writer can feel exciting, intimidating, and overwhelming all at the same time. You may have story ideas, blog post topics, or book dreams sitting in your mind, but the moment you try to put them on the page, doubt creeps in. “What if this isn’t good…
How to Create Characters Readers Actually Care About
A great plot may get readers to open a book, but great characters are what keep them turning pages. Readers do not need every character to be perfect. In fact, they usually prefer the opposite. They want characters who feel real, make mistakes, want something badly, and have something to…
Writing
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10 Romance Tropes Readers Never Get Tired Of
Romance readers may love fresh characters, unique settings, and unexpected twists, but there are certain tropes they return to again and again. A well-loved romance trope is not a shortcut or a cliché when it is written with heart. It is a promise. Readers know the emotional journey they are…
New Releases
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Stealing Home Launch Date Set
My latest book will launch Friday, June 19th! I’m so excited! Yesterday, I almost tackled the delivery guy when he arrived with my box of proof copies. I waited by the door in anticipation to see my latest book arrive in all her glory. When I opened the box, I…
Writing
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What to Do When You Think Your Writing Isn’t Good Enough
Every writer has had the thought at some point: What if my writing just isn’t good enough? Maybe you reread a chapter and all you can see are awkward sentences. Maybe you compare your draft to a published book and feel like you will never measure up. Maybe you have…
Writing
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10 Ways to Make Your Opening Chapter More Compelling
Your opening chapter has one major job: make the reader want to turn the page. It does not have to explain everything. It does not have to introduce every character, every backstory detail, or every piece of worldbuilding. In fact, trying to do too much too soon can slow the…
Writing
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How to Write a Paranormal Romance Readers Will Love
Paranormal romance is one of those genres that gives writers the best of both worlds. You get the emotional pull of romance, the danger and mystery of fantasy, and the freedom to create a world where anything is possible. Werewolves, vampires, witches, ghosts, fae, demons, angels, shifters, psychics, cursed bloodlines,…
Behind the Scenes: How I created my last book
My last book was a labor of learning. For many of you who may have followed my original blog (and I’ll have to see if I can find my back up posts somewhere, although I’m not holding my breath), you will remember that I was learning to write romance. Romance…
How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Writers
Every writer has done it. You sit down to write, open your laptop, and promise yourself today will be productive. Then you see another writer celebrating a book deal, announcing a thousand new email subscribers, posting a perfect writing routine, or sharing a glowing review. Suddenly, your own progress feels…