Why I Have to Map Out My books
Last month, I jumped into writing the first draft of my WIP (work-in-progress) with little planning. I figured that after doing this fourteen times, surely it had gotten easier and I could rely on my instincts. It was like biting into an apple that I didn’t know was made of bronze. So I spent the last few […]
The Serendipitous Origins of The Secrets of Good People
The circumstances of how The Secrets of Good People came to be still blow my hair back every time I think of them. In August 2020, I hosted a release party for my novel An Unfinished Story at our friends’ restaurant called Grace in Pass-a-Grille, Florida, where my family and I lived at the time […]
Book Club Questions – An Echo in Time
1. At the end of the first chapter—after Patrick breaks up with Charli—what friendly advice would you offer?2. Do you think Charli is self-sabotaging because of a lack of self-esteem? Is it a common trait for women? She considers it a foregone conclusion that she will fail at everything. Do you know anyone like that?3. Have you […]
Books I Love
As I abandon my physical library for a more minimalist approach to life, I’ve missed seeing my favorite books on the shelf. Seeing the spines of those works that have touched my heart, thumbing through to my favorite passages, and revisiting the characters that became my friends and enemies was a delightful pleasure. To that […]
Book Club Questions – The Stars Don’t Lie
My Inspiration for The Stars Don’t Lie
This novel is deeply personal. Can I tell you why? About ten years ago, I had the great pleasure of connecting with the fabulous author, proud Texan, and supremely talented English teacher, Leila Meacham. For some reason, she decided to take me on as her student, and we established a lovely relationship, communicating via the […]
Book Recommendations: If you like Boo Walker…
If you like Boo Walker books, what else should you read? I reached out to the readers of my newsletter and asked for their favorite books of recent years. Below are the ones that came up time and time again. Reader beware: If you go any further, you’ll get pulled into a book-shopping spree of […]
Book Club Questions – A Spanish Sunrise
A Spanish Sunrise Book Club Questions (A tasting menu could include olives, good olive oil (oliveoillovers.com), Marconi almonds, Spanish wines, crispy bread etc. Possibly a Fideuà or Paella.) Who has been to Spain? Which parts? What were your impressions? Who were your favorite characters? Who were your least favorite characters? Discuss the journey of grieving. […]
Book Club Questions – The Singing Trees
Read Boo’s blog post (click here) on how he came to tell the story of The Singing Trees and discuss. How do you feel about Annalisa’s desire to be out of her hometown and away from Nonna? Talk about how the relationship between Nonna and Annalisa. Talk about Annalisa’s growth in these ways: - her […]
The Origins of The Singing Trees
You might be wondering about the roots of my latest novel, as it’s definitely a bit different than stories I’ve told in the past. Well, here goes… About two years ago, I was submitting ideas to Lake Union for possible publication. I had my first one, An Unfinished Story, alive and well in my head. […]
Relentlessness, Otis, and the Batman Signal
I’m about a third through the first draft of my new novel, A SPANISH SUNRISE, and things are coming alive in my head. Today, I wrote an important scene that kicks my characters, Baxter and Mia, into act two, which is akin to Luke Skywalker leaving Tantooine after discovering his aunt and uncle have been […]
Always Be Therapizing
I have an addiction to self-help books. In fact, I probably need a self-help book about my addiction. Honestly, I don’t see how any of you make it without them, though I’m the first one to admit I’m a little behind on the evolutionary ladder. As long as I have some guidance, I’ve got life […]
Maybe the Best Book I’ve Ever Read…
What’s the best book you’ve ever read? When did you realize it? One page in or halfway through? And honestly, with so many out there, can you really have just one? Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow found me in November, and I knew I’d be forever changed as a writer and reader after only […]
