>All writers plot to some degree, some just more methodically than others. I’ve always been more of a seat of the pants writer instead of a plotter. The characters show up in my head with their problems and want me to fix them. I’ve tried. Really I have, but some stories just can’t be fixed. I want my next novel …
>A Matter of Perception
>We’re back from a long weekend of visiting family and attending a fun and scrumptious barbecue reception for one of our youngest son’s classmates. Another purpose of the trip was to tackle the “stuff” in the basement of my mother-in-law’s farm home. She recently moved to be near her daughter, and several lifetimes of things were left behind. To keep …
>WHAT I LOVE ABOUT ROAD TRIPS
>There is just something wired into me that loves to get in the car and go somewhere. Even two or three hour jaunts to visit the kids or go to a meeting. Meet someone for lunch. I’ve never minded driving alone, but going with someone is even better. This weekend Max and I are off to visit family and friends …
>What a Wacky World
> I’m reading Write Great Fiction: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. In the chapter on getting plot ideas, tip No. 11 is “Noodling the Newspaper” for snippets that can be turned into plot complications. I’m telling you, the last couple of weeks around here I’d like to add another venue for ideas. Let’s call it “Noodling the Neighborhood.” …
>A Rose Is Not An Orange
> Writers know that sensory details strengthen our prose. Sight, sound, touch, taste, feelings, and smell. Introduce a sensory cue, and the reader becomes more engaged in the story. JoAnn Wray, a very gifted and humorous Tulsa writer, spoke to our local WIN-ACFW group yesterday on this subject. The thing that really got my attention was what she said about …
>Patchwork 101
>I used to make quilts. Baby quilts, lap quilts, king-sized ones, artsy wall hangings, color-coordinated-with-pillows-to-match ensembles. I loved choosing the patterns, the colors, the thrill of taking tiny pieces and crafting something new and beautiful. Yesterday in my water aerobics class, it dawned on me that crafting a quilt is a lot like writing. Now I don’t know why this …
>Trick or Treat
>Ready for the trick or treaters? We only get a few every year, but I bought three bags of our favorite chocolate candy . . . just to be prepared, of course. Also a big bag of Tootsie Pops. They last all year and give just the right amount of satisfaction when you need a little pick-me-up. One of the …
>Interview with Miralee Farrell
> Today I’d like you to meet a new author who has just had her first book, The Other Daughter, published. I am honored to be able to help her spread the word and have her for my guest today at the Cafe. Grab a cup of coffee and join us.Carla: Welcome, Miralee. I enjoyed meeting you at the ACFW …
>Introducing Miralee Ferrell
>On October 30 (this Tuesday), I’ll be hosting Miralee Ferrell for her first-ever Blog Tour. You’ll want to stop by and learn more about this new author as she answers questions about her road to publication. I met Miralee in Dallas at the ACFW conference. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I know you will like her as much as I …
>Happy Feet
> I’ve been in the land of The Backyardigans, Lincoln Logs, and Thomas the Tank Engine for the past few days. Good times with my four-year-old grandsons. Yep, there’s two of them. Identical at first glance, but they have developed their own unique tastes and quirks. One likes a peeled carrot (NOT cut into strips I found out) for lunch …