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 familyContinue 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 timeContinue 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. AndContinue 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 toldContinue 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 goodContinue 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, hasContinue 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, IContinue 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 outContinue 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 IContinue reading "Behind the Word Count. . . Again"
Forest Idylls 