November 7, 2021

NaNoWriMo Day 7: Rethinking the Strong Female Lead

So, as I’ve worked on my own character development, I’ve noticed something in much of the world’s “strong female lead” design. This pattern I’ve seen is this: the “weakening” of women and feminine characters by “masculinizing” the characters in order to have them considered “strong.” Let me explain via some examples.
November 6, 2021

NaNoWriMo 2021 Day 6: Speed Writing Method – How I Write 10,000 Words in Under 4 Hours

Earlier this month, I mentioned my process for writing 10,000 words in less than four hours. I thought I’d give you the full run-down. May it help some of you as you tackle your NaNoWriMo 2021 writing goals this year!
November 4, 2021

NaNoWriMo Day 4: What’s In a Name?

While I am not about to question Shakespeare on his famous line, I am a names person, and that means they are vastly important to me, no matter what the aroma! Names of characters, names of bands, book and song titles…you name it, I’ve got a list of at least three or four hundred ideas.  And the list grows longer every day. Good character names are vital for powerful novels.
November 3, 2021

NaNoWriMo 2021 Day 3 – Here There Be Hurricanes

Every person who writes a novel is crazy. We are the captains of leaky ships who believe the rigging will be mended, the crew will not mutiny, the sky will return. There is something inside us that demands we make sail, that points us directly into the hurricane.
October 25, 2021

NaNo Prep Post 4: NaNoWriMo is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

It’s almost here! NaNoWriMo 2021 is just 6 days away. Oh, that glorious, wondrous time when we put aside all reason and write an entire novel draft in 30 days or less. Here are a few things I do each year to get myself ready, to keep myself motivated, and to get that winner’s badge.
October 24, 2021

A Delicious Twist: Rita’s Review of the Ahmad Lemon-Lime Twist Black Tea

Thus far, each Ahmad tea variety that I’ve tried, I have loved. September’s tea is no exception. The Lemon & Lime Twist is delicious! For any citrus lover who drinks black tea, this is definitely a must try. The fact that it’s affordable is pretty nice, too.