Fight For Your Dreams! There are so many great quotes from Robert Kennedy about the power of dreams, and following your dreams, but he is also the one who said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” Which is my note for today. It’s easy to say, dream big or go home. Dreaming is the easy part. It’s the doing that’s the scary part. Achieving dreams takes action—sometimes daring action. But there are also practical steps you can take to ensure your goals get a little closer within reach. 1-Knowledge: Become an expert on your dreams. Figure out what you need to know. What is your subject? What is required? What’s going on in the field…Read More

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Eight For Your Writer Friend

Let’s face it, staring a computer every day can take a toll on your eyes. Or maybe you are a reader, editor, proofer, or reviewer – how are your poor eyes doing? Are you starting to experience a light blur even when you make the text bigger on screen? It might be time for the somewhat dreaded, reading glasses. Funky Reading Glasses or Magnifying Accessories: What they are: A specially treated glass that makes type and other stuff look bigger. Why they’re great: Funky reading glasses are much more fun than a plain pair you pick up at the drugstore. They make you look stylish and feel uber smart. And you can tilt your head to glance over your glances and…Read More

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Five For Your Writer Friend

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Four For Your Writer Friend You’ve written your book, you’re doing promo, you’ve updated your business card, butnow, how do you carry your card or display that shiny new badge of honor to make sure you actually make use it? The Business Card Holder What it is: This is a small holder that sits on your desk or that you can carry in your purse or murse, to display or protect your business card. Why it’s great: For the purse, it means your cards are always in pristine condition and don’t get bent, worn, spotted, etc. As a display on your desk or in your office, it’s a reminder of your accomplishments and can be reflective of your personality and sense…Read More

The difference between a character's need and a character's goal.

Other writers and teachers may differ, but this how I explain it. A need is an internal, emotional driving force for a character, inherent to who they are. A goal is a short term, outward objective that drives the action, and in best of stories, is linked tightly to the character’s inner need. A character “need” is something that is part of who the character is in life – the thing that defines their purpose. Even when I study my family and friends, I can see how all their decisions are driven by that need, and through that filter. It’s not necessarily the only filter, but as an individual, there is usually a very strong one for each of us. In my last…Read More

5 Tips to Write a More Compelling and Memorable Character Are you wondering why your character is not quite standing on her own or driving the plot forward? Have a look at these quick writing tips to see if you can revitalize a weak character and give him or her something worth fighting for! Give them a human need that they require above all things to be happy in life. This might be something like having a purpose or being completely free to do as they want. Perhaps it’s acceptance, belonging, or knowing they are respected or honored. Sometimes it is to protect, or serve justice, or know the truth. Rarely is someone’s ultimate need to be loved. But it might…Read More

Jocelyn Esperanza Albrecht: Optimistic Orphan, black swan, top secret experiment – she can biotransmit enough energy to kill a person, but would she?   Seth: Social outcast, smooth-talking survivor, and a new experiment at Camp Holliwell   Georgie: High school senior, super sleuth, and crusader for justice   Graeme: Software engineer, softhearted protector, and tenacious truth-seeker   Brittany: Georgie’s best friend, expert in snark, and sustainable fashion designer   Alastair: Georgie’s cousin, former Army Ranger, and general badass   Lena: Computer scientist, passionate cryptologist, and pie connoisseur