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How to Build a Book Tree

How to Build a Book Tree

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I'm a holiday decor minimalist. I haven't put up a Christmas tree since adopting pets (because I learned the hard way that cats and Christmas trees don't mix). Instead, I've opted for a novelty Charlie Brown tree and some garland around my fireplace mantel. But I was recently at Cathedral Cafe, a charming little eatery in Fayetteville, W.Va., and was quite taken with their giant book tree. Despite the fact that it's mid-November, I raced home to give it a try myself.  There…

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Writing is Rewriting

Writing is Rewriting

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This whole novel writing without novel selling thing has been a blast, but… For those of you who may be new to my little corner of the Internet, let me catch you up before telling you how I plan to spend my summer rewriting pretty much everything I've ever written. 2008: I started writing my first novel. 2011: I finally finished what I thought was a decent draft of that novel and began querying literary agencies (far too soon, I…

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Stanzas 4: Together We Move On

Stanzas 4: Together We Move On

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This is the fourth entry into Stanzas, a feature on the blog in which I share some of the poetry and lyrics I've written over the years, along with the stories of what inspired them. Together We Move On Don’t be afraid. The stars are rearranging And the moon at night Will lead the way until the dawn. The tears we cry Form a river to the ocean. Leave the past behind you, Together we move on.   A new horizon…

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Books as Baby Shower Gifts

Books as Baby Shower Gifts

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Lately, I’ve found myself immersed in children’s literature. I primarily write Young Adult fiction, so I’m never too far from books with a youthful slant, but I’m talking about even younger than that. As discussed in this post, the cool folks at Read Aloud West Virginia are all about such books right now, and I was excited when their mission spilled over into my day job. Then, I started shopping for a couple of good friends who were expecting their…

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Stanzas 3: Wander

Stanzas 3: Wander

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This is the third entry into Stanzas, a feature on the blog in which I share some of the poetry and lyrics I've written over the years, along with the stories of what inspired them. Wander "Oh, Francis, it's so good to see you," they said. "It's been such a long, long time. Come and sit with us here at the table And stay with us for a while."   Francis sat down and told of his travels, Describing these places…

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Stanzas 2: I Carry On

Stanzas 2: I Carry On

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This is the second entry into a new addition to the blog, called Stanzas, in which I'll be sharing some of the poetry and lyrics I've written over the years, along with the stories of what inspired them.   I Carry On I drive these same roads Back and forth every single day. I could close my eyes And still be able to find my way. I know the scent of coming rain And how the currents sway So why…

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Stanzas 1: Armored

Stanzas 1: Armored

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My first forays into creative writing were as an angsty teenager, when I discovered poetry and lyric writing as a valuable release for the pent up emotion, frustration and confusion that my fourteen-year-old self was muddling through. I’ve always been very private with the writing I did during those times, but recently reread some of those old pieces and thought they deserved to be shared. So I’ve decided to periodically post some here on the blog, under the Stanzas label,…

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What is a #bookie?

What is a #bookie?

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The folks at Read Aloud West Virginia have taken to social media to spread the word about their important mission of creating a state full of readers. They do great things to encourage reading by and to school-age youth, like providing reading packets and books to schools and organizing volunteer reading programs.  Their latest venture to raise awareness about reading is to encourage people to share their favorite children's book with a #bookie – a spin on the ever-popular selfie,…

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Novel Writing Takes How Long?

Novel Writing Takes How Long?

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“The first draft of a book—even a long one—should take no more than three months, the length of a season.” – Stephen King, On Writing Nice advice from Mr. King there, huh? And probably an achievable task if writing is in fact your full-time job. For many of us, especially those of us whose career is still in its relative infancy, that just isn’t the case. Or maybe it’s just me. My first book took three years of on-and-off work…

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Top 10 Books of 2014

Top 10 Books of 2014

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‘Tis the season for “Best of 2014” lists! From The Washington Post to Publishers Weekly, it’s easy to find groupings of the year’s best works scattered all across the Internet. Far be it from me not to join in the fun. So, in random order, here are my 10 favorite books I read this year. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: Nominated for the National Book Award in fiction and a fixture on several Best Of lists this year, this spellbinding…

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