I’ve had a busy year. Though 2019 isn’t nearly over, it has been one of the busiest years of my life as I planned my wedding, got married, and purchased my first home. Writing time suffered at the mercy of my hectic schedule and at times I considered abandoning one dream at the expense of […]

I’ve watched the movie Baby Boom dozens of times. It isn’t only the great 80s music that draws me in, though that is definitely a big plus! There is much to love about this throwback romantic comedy, but the part that really hits home for me is the main character, J.C. Wyatt’s determination to make it

I’ve always dreamed of living in a more secluded area than the one in which I grew up. The yard I played in as a child was full of trees, many of which collapsed during hurricanes. The same was true of our neighbors’ yards, and though living in the suburbs isn’t exactly the same as

Throughout my lifetime, my mind has often been at work, creating a story. I did this long before I ever identified as a writer. But it wasn’t until I’d written my first full-length novel when I realized how truly exciting writing can be. There is a feeling of empowerment which derives from creating a world

Have you ever read a novel in which the very twisted villain played a prominent role and thought, “I can’t put this book down!  Does that make me weird?” I can honestly say I’ve been there more times than I can count! Villains, for me, are what give a story its excitement. I imagine I’m

I’ve just returned from Manchester Vermont, where I spent a glorious weekend skiing, snow-shoeing and reconnecting with nature–something that we residents of New Jersey tend to shy away from doing during the hard months of winter. No, I’m not a skier, and my 80 year old ski instructor would certainly attest to that! But, I

There’s nothing quite as romantic about reading a good Christmas story at Christmas time. Or is there? Many authors choose to write novels centered around a particular holiday or time of year. Doing so can breathe new life into a story, and it may offer the reader something of a guideline suggesting when the story

A popular discussion has spurred among authors, regarding how difficult it is to make sales nowadays. I’ve spoken with other writers in ongoing conversation over the last decade, talking about ways that we can improve our marketing skills but never have I known so many authors to have the same concerns, nor have those concerns

It is New Year’s Eve, and though this post will not go live until next week, I am excited to have completed the final story that I will read in 2018, Forbidden Love, the debut novel of friend and fellow author Diana Rose. This story, which showcases a Romeo and Juliet trope got me thinking

I don’t recall the title of the first romance novel I ever read.  I have only a vague memory of the book’s premise.  But one thing I do remember was that the title was a historic romance. If you read romance novels regularly, if you attend writers conferences or if you keep up with what’s