I don't remember when I first became fascinated with the Oregon/California trail, but it has been an ingrained interest for possibly decades. One of the very first full book ideas that I came up with after I decided I wanted to be a writer (around 8-years-old) was that of a rich, entitled girl whose family… Continue reading Traveling the California Trail
A Writer’s Goals
As anyone who knows me at all is aware, I am generally the type of person who has New Year goals/resolutions/intentions (whichever your preferred phraseology is) planned out well in advance. By the time New Year hits, I know without a doubt what I want to accomplish that year. This year, for the first time… Continue reading A Writer’s Goals
Perspective: Half Empty or Half Full?
So, I am well aware I missed two weeks worth of posts--believe me, Chadwick won't leave me alone about it. But I have good excuses! Well, okay excuses. The week before last. . .well, I was just tired after and in between the holidays and had no energy left to expend on a post. And… Continue reading Perspective: Half Empty or Half Full?
A Season of Miracles
All of us kids sat soberly on the couch, looking at our rather distraught parents. They took a breath, looked at each other, and then back at all. . . eightish?...of us. Then, "I'm so sorry, but we can't afford gifts this Christmas." It wasn't the first time, nor the last time, we were told… Continue reading A Season of Miracles
A Letter from Chadwick
Last week, Chadwick wrote me a letter. I was laying in bed, staring at the ceiling fan, and suddenly, there it was. I thought I'd share it with you all: Dear Jacinta, I just wanted to congratulate you on sending that manuscript into that small publisher who promised to get back to you next week.… Continue reading A Letter from Chadwick
The Bane of Writers
I submitted the first five pages of my manuscript to a contest that included obtaining feedback from "experienced writers". Overall, one loved it, one hated it, and one thought it a good start that needed work. **headdesk** There was, however, one specific sentence that garnered comments from all three judges: "He may not be good… Continue reading The Bane of Writers
Introducing Chadwick
So, today, I would like to introduce you, my readers, to someone who is near and . . .well, not quite dear. . .to my heart. He has been with me for as long as I can remember and, following a fruitful discussion with my husband on our 18+ hour car ride to Oklahoma, has… Continue reading Introducing Chadwick
Winning NaNoWriMo
I know - I abandoned all of you halfway through the month! Sorry. . . but on the bright side, despite all my constant complaints about falling behind, I WON! And for perhaps the first time, I finished AHEAD OF TIME! I completed 50k words on Saturday, and, perhaps the biggest miracle of all, I… Continue reading Winning NaNoWriMo
Once Upon a Short Story
I am pleased to say I am well on my way to catching up from the weekend. Yesterday I wrote approximately 3,500 words! Today I intend to do the same...though I have successfully avoided writing all day and it is already 3:30. I have, however, submitted another short story to another magazine and sent out… Continue reading Once Upon a Short Story
Behind the Word Count. . . Again
My goal on Friday was to catch up on my word count. AND I DID! Over 4,000 words later, I was completely caught up. And then, of course, came the weekend. We had an Operation Christmas Child Packing Party on Saturday (packed 95 boxes!), which means I didn't write anything that day and, because I… Continue reading Behind the Word Count. . . Again
