The Book Nook: Interview with Rochelle Bilow

The Book Nook: Interview with Rochelle Bilow

I am so excited to share this interview with Rochelle Bilow just ahead of Valentine’s Day. I’m relatively new to the romance genre, but I love it. By definition, we know it’s going to end with a happily ever after…but the fun part is seeing how the characters get there. It’s the journey, not the… Read more »

Why Write a Palate Cleanser?

Ok guys, so full disclosure here, I totally borrowed the term “palate cleanser” from a very gifted writer friend of mine. She’d just finished the final round of edits on her epic Sci-Fi love story, (though she’ll seriously kill me for calling it that). Her female protagonist is a kick-butt, yet deeply complex character, who… Read more »

The Triumph of Two Boys Kissing

The Triumph of Two Boys Kissing

When you look at the cover for Two Boys Kissing, you get a pretty good idea of what this book will be about. Then you read the synopsis on the inside cover and your idea becomes a bit more defined, a bit clearer. Finally, you sit down to read the book, only to discover that… Read more »

Why Do Speculative Things Matter?

Why Do Speculative Things Matter?

What exactly is a speculative matter? What exactly does speculative mean? Why does speculative matter? First, let us look at Merriam-Webster: Speculative, Adjective, spec·​u·​la·​tive, There is a third definition but, as it refers to financial matters, we can ignore that one. I think the first two are what we are looking for. Speculative fiction has… Read more »

#5onFri: Five Ways Numbers Can Improve Your Writing Life

#5onFri: Five Ways Numbers Can Improve Your Writing Life

Many writers claim to have number phobia. They are happy to wrangle with words, but as soon as mentions of math slip into conversation, they bolt, desperate to return to safer terrain.  I’m one of the math-loving few in the writing community.  I’ve always been a numbers nerd, and I love looking at data in… Read more »

What I Learned about Publishing with a Small Press

What I Learned about Publishing with a Small Press

My novel, The Miraculous Flight of Owen Leach, was published by Apprentice House Press in April 2022. I didn’t necessarily think I’d land with a small press, but I’m not sorry I did. I signed with an agent just before I finished my MFA program. She spent the next couple of years trying to sell… Read more »

Four Plot Twist Ideas to Get Your Act II Going

Four Plot Twist Ideas to Get Your Act II Going

Happy New Year beautiful people on the Internet! I hope 2023 is treating you right and you are ready to finish that novel before the end of this year. Admittedly, I did not have much time to work on my WIP last year. Most of it came out of the frustration I felt every time… Read more »