Self or Hybrid Publishing?

I used to be annoyed when the first response from anyone, upon finding out that I was a writer, was that they also wanted to write a book someday. I would smile and nod while thinking (yes, I admit it, very judgmentally) about how they had no idea what being a writer, or even writingContinue reading "Self or Hybrid Publishing?"

Bloomers and Perspectives

I think one of the least talked-about trials of a writer is figuring out which WIP to actually work on. I've been intending to work on Picture of the Past (PoP) for the last three weeks, but in reality, I've mostly worked on some research. . . and Drawn Into Love. This week, though, IContinue reading "Bloomers and Perspectives"

Avoiding Writing – Again

I had SO MANY good intentions last week! I was going to read three books on the Oregon/California trail, prep Drawn Into Love (DIL) for additional submissions, AND begin editing Picture of the Past (PoP). Would you like to know what I actually accomplished? One short California trail book, looking over the first two chaptersContinue reading "Avoiding Writing – Again"

Traveling the California Trail

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"