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Hello! You’ll find posts here for readers, writers, and anyone interested in life. Check out the categories to the right for your favorite topics, or just start browsing. Sometimes I throw in a recipe or a poem, share my writer’s life, or tell you how I came up with one of your favorite characters. I’ll announce contests and share pics from events. Sometimes I delve into how to handle tough political, social or religious topics in your own books if you’re a writer, or share what I learn about the ever-evolving world of publishing. Whatever the topic, I promise to do my best not to waste your time. There’s enough clutter online without my adding to it.
I love to hear from readers, so feel free to comment on any post or write to me directly through the Contact page.
New OC Writers Column
Thanks to O. C. Writers for inviting me to do a monthly article about Writers Craft. They are giving me pretty free rein, which I appreciate, so you never know what topics will pop up! If there is something you'd like to explore, let me know. This opportunity is an...
NetGalley 5-Star Review
"The beginning of what is sure to be an amazing series!! Logan was a kick ass heroine! I look forward to reading the rest of the novels included in this series!" - Megan Heenan 29-year old Megan Heenan of Henderson, Nevada reviews Science Fiction, Mystery and...
New 5-Star Review from Canada!
I love it when librarians like my books. See what Ontario librarian, Shannon Terril, has to say about why she enjoyed SHATTERED: Logan Book 1, in her recent review on NetGalley: "There was something so engaging..." Thanks for the 5-stars, Shannon! There was something...
Discovering Scrivener
TECHNOLOGY AND I HAVE A TORTURED HISTORY. I'm old enough to not only remember the computer revolution of the 70's, but worked in the messy heart of it in Silicone Valley during those tumultuous years. I am totally old school. I went from using a Selectric typewriter...
HOW MANY POV’s?
QUESTION: "How many points of view can my novel have?" ANSWER: "As many as you can handle...well." That last word is the kicker. The skilled author of an epic, historic novel could let us get inside 20 different characters' heads, but most of us aren't Tolstoy, nor...
Mrs. Mommy Booknerd
MRS. MOMMY BOOKNERD'S Showcase and Interview with me. Emily Lewis did a great job featuring the first two books of my Logan McKenna series, SHATTERED and FOREST PARK, then made me really think by asking me some great questions during our interview. Find out why I...
New Audio Release
Leonor Woodworth did such an excellent job narrating FOREST PARK, we snagged her to read SHATTERED: Logan Book 1. Just released on Amazon and Audible. Check out the sample.
Do I Need an Editor?
DO I NEED AN EDITOR? Good question. Short answer? It depends. Are you self-publishing or looking for an agent? How much help does your manuscript need? (There are many levels of editing-each with different costs) Before you even think about hiring an editor, do what...
Speaker Tags and Action Beats
LESS IS MORE. Words to live by, particularly when writing dialogue. In her article, How Not to Use Speaker Tags and Action Beats, K. M. Weiland gives some good tips on keeping your dialogue brief, to the point, and moving your story forward. Another great resource:...
Head Hopping
UNTIL MY FIRST BOOK WAS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED, I'd never heard of head hopping, and definitely didn't know it was a sin. If you're not sure whether you're doing it...read on! So what is head hopping and why should you avoid it? Head hopping is when a writer jumps or...
About Valerie
A self-admitted book addict, Valerie was the kid with the flashlight under her pillow. A life of travel with exposure to many different cultures led to a pervasive interest in people, with degrees & teaching credentials in Cultural Anthropology & English. Logan McKenna Series
