Unable to Read in America
I entered the second grade unable to read. My teacher that year, Miss Beck, recalled for many years later how I introduced myself to her by saying, “My name is…
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Back On Track with Wilder’s Backpack Drive
For the first time in two years, I was once again able to contribute to the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s annual Tools for School Success Backpack Drive. I was a…
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Patti LaBelle and the McBride Sisters Talk Cookbooks, Cooking and Wine
The second book featured in the McBride Sisters Wine and Book Club was the 20th Anniversary Edition of Patti LaBelle’s cookbook, LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About. To get in…
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Why Authors Write
I am not a famous author, nor do I expect to be one. I write because I love telling stories. I have had the opportunity to publish two novels to…
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An Interview with Educator, Editor, and ‘The Memory of Orchids’ Author, Cherri Randall
I had the opportunity to interview educator, editor, and author Cherri Randall, and it was fascinating. She has written numerous essays and the novel, The Memory of Orchids. She also…
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The Gift of Creativity
I recently participated in a seminar titled Women Leading Change presented by Planting People Growing Justice founder, Dr. Artika Tyner. There are three main components we’ve discussed as a group…
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Celebrating Juneteenth and Building a Future of Equality and Fairness
It wasn’t until about ten years ago that I first began hearing of Juneteenth celebrations being held on June 19th each year. But I had no idea of the historical…
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Salvation Station National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Two Categories
I am thrilled to share the news that Salvation Station was a finalist in two categories of the 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards (NIEAs). The NIEAs celebrate independent publishing…
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Mystery and Remembrance
Memorial Day is celebrated by many Americans as a remembrance and thank you to those men and women who served in the military. For those without any military connections, it…
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Celebrating National Get Caught Reading Month
It’s National Get Caught Reading Month! I’m celebrating with a special offer on my Salvation Station ebook. Get it on Amazon for .99 cents through May 24! Find it here.…
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Black Girl Magic Book Club Welcomes Author Dawnie Walton
I recently participated in the inaugural Black Girl Magic Book Club sponsored by the McBride Sisters, Robin and Andrea, whose Black Girl Magic wines are some of the best-selling in…
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Honoring the Matriarch of Our Family and Our Family History This Mother’s Day
My mother and her 23-year-old granddaughter, my niece Lauren Schleich, have spent the past few months sorting through boxes of family photographs and sorting them into a chronological familial history…
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Of Mystery and History: An Interview with Author Jess Montgomery
I met mystery novelist Jess Montgomery at the mystery/crime writers’ convention Bouchercon in 2019. Like many of the authors I interview, Jess populates her books with intelligent, strong, independent female…
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‘We Tore Down the Forest’ Showcases the Poetry of Youth Wise Beyond Their Years
Each year, COMPAS, a Minnesota-based non-profit education organization that teaches through art produces an anthology of student writing. This year’s anthology is titled We Tore Down the Forest. As we all…
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Celebrating National Poetry Month, Amanda Gorman and ‘The Hill We Climb’
In celebration of Poetry Month, I’m sharing the stunning poem read by Amanda Gorman at the January Presidential Inauguration. A wise 22 years of age at the time (she turned…
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‘Darkness and Grace’ Q&A with Author Kathryn Schleich
Inspired by real-life events, Darkness and Grace is a compelling story of the Pierson family as they discover that neither their money nor their considerable influence can keep them safe from…
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Celebrating My Mother’s Role In Changing Women’s History
On this final day of Women’s History Month, I want to recognize my mother, Louise, who is celebrating her 86th Birthday today and had a part in changing history for…
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Why I Had to Fracture the Fairytale By Jody Smith
In continued celebration of Women’s History Month, author Jody Smith (she wrote the inspirational and beautiful feminist fairytale, Princess Monroe and Her Happily Ever After) explains why the fairytales too…
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Author Jody Smith Finds Her Happily Ever After
In celebration of Women’s History Month, I interviewed Jody Smith, author of the inspirational and beautiful feminist fairytale, Princess Monroe and Her Happily Ever After. She shared a bit about…
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Black Girl Magic Wine and Book Club
An exciting event during Women’s History Month is the Black Girl Magic Wine and Book Club. Robin and Andrea McBride, founders of McBride Sisters Wine, have come up with a…
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Celebrating Women’s History Month 2021
Each year in March, the United States celebrates Women’s History Month to highlight women’s many achievements in all walks of life. This year is special and groundbreaking as Kamala Harris…
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Black Girl Magic Wine Tasting
On the Monday after Valentine’s Day, I participated in a Zoom wine tasting hosted by McBride Sisters Wine, with special guest, Tren’ness Woods. What a fun way to learn about…
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Black History Month – Celebrating Local Black-Owned Businesses
Black History Month is great time to recognized Black-owned businesses. I have created two lists – national businesses (featured in a previous blog) and businesses that are locally owned in…
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KIVA Micro Loans Support Black-Owned Businesses
A very easy way to support Black businesses, both in the United States and around the world is through the nonprofit KIVA. Founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco,…
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Black History Month – Celebrating National Black-Owned Businesses
In celebration of Black History Month, it’s a great time to recognized Black-owned businesses. I have divided the list into those that are national and businesses that are locally owned…
Read MoreExciting Publication News
I am thrilled to announce that in spring 2021, my novel, Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace, will be published by a local publisher. Inspired by true events, the domestic…
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My Personal Commitment to Education
This January, I made the final contribution to the Inspiring a Vision of Learning endowment I set up with the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation in 2017. Its purpose is to…
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Goals and Aspirations for 2021
For someone who spent the holidays here in Minnesota rather than risking going to my family’s in Nebraska, I have no excuse for being late with my first post of…
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How To Write Your Book: Scenes
The final and fifth step of authors Anne Perry and Victoria Zackheim’s master class on How to Write Your Book dealt with the art of writing the scene. Like a…
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How to Write Your Book: Plot
Thus far I’ve blogged about outlining your book, character development, and character arcs. The fourth element that poet/author Victoria Zackheim and international best selling historical novelist Anne Perry covered in…
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2020 Gifts for Writers
For this year’s Gifts for Writers list, I’ve curated a wealth of unique gifts that are affordable, usable, make a statement, or are just plain fun. Black Women Writer’s Mug…
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What I’m Thankful For
For everyone, 2020 probably can’t end fast enough. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll in human life and changed the way we go about existing. But I am…
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‘Justice Makes a Difference’ Wins 2020 MN Authors Award
Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esq., written by Dr. Artika Tyner and her mother, Jacklyn Milton, won the 2020 Minnesota Author Project Award (Communities Create).…
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My Favorite Mysteries
Just in time for Halloween, I’ve come up with a list of my favorite mysteries. Not all are of the traditional mystery genre (or even fiction), but they’re gripping mysteries…
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How to Write Your Book: Character Arcs
Poet Victoria Zackheim and best-selling mystery novelist Anne Perry covered character arcs in their master class, “How to Write Your Book,” and addressed two important points. First, what the character…
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I’m Committing to NaNoWriMo In 2020
I haven’t participated in a while, but in 2020 I’m committing to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) coming up in November. Unlike past years, I have an idea for a…
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Get Out the Vote
During one of the most raucous national election seasons in American history, I am trying to do my part by volunteering to write letters for the Vote Forward organization. With…
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How to Write Your Book: Outlining
During the San Francisco Writers Conference in February, I attended an amazing master class given by poet and author Victoria Zackheim and international best-selling mystery novelist, Anne Perry. The course,…
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Talking with Author Jeanine DeHoney
Jeanine DeHoney is an accomplished author. She is a regular contributor to WOW: Women On Writing blog The Muffin, has an extensive portfolio as a freelance writer, and has published…
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How to Write Your Book: Character Development
In their master class on how to write your book, historical mystery novelist Anne Perry and author/poet Victoria Zackheim addressed crucial elements in developing your book’s characters. One of the first…
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Publishing Popular Fiction
Even as a published author, I’m not always sure of what genre(s) a work fits into. That was definitely true with Salvation Station. There’s the murder/mystery aspect, suspense, and religious…
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Supporting Black Businesses
The need to support Black-owned businesses in local communities and across the country began to gain traction at the start of the pandemic as these businesses were most significantly impacted…
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After The Storm
The horrific death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers in May galvanized protesters and understandable outrage in response to the systemic racism that exists in my…
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A Book Reviewer’s Creativity
In August, this was posted by a reviewer who had just gotten her copy of Salvation Station: I just received my book in the mail and let me tell you,…
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My Publishing Journey – What I Learned
In the end, my publicist, Chris Olsen, who did a lot of ‘talking me down’ from walking away, and constantly offered encouragement, was correct that everything would work out. I…
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Judging a Book By Its Cover
Seemingly everyone has commented on Salvation Station’s cover and how creepy it is. The adage that ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover’ is often true, but in this…
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My Publishing Journey – Part 3
Connecting with book reviewers is an important strategy in book publicity. Reviews generate awareness for your book title and help move it up in search engines. One of the ways…
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Stranger Than Fiction
The process of selling my former home and building and moving into a new one turned out to be more stressful than I could have possibly imagined. On Sunday, August…
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My Publishing Journey – Part 2
My publishing journey took the right turn when I signed with She Writes Press in December 2018. But I didn’t do so blindly. I talked with people who had worked…
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My Publishing Journey – Part 1
Every author’s journey to publication is different. I’ve written a 3-part blog sharing my road to getting Salvation Station published in April 2020 with the hope that other authors can…
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Why HGTV and Zillow Are Fiction
Building a new home is said to be an extremely stressful undertaking, but that process was wonderful. It was selling my current home that nearly sent me on the road…
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Whether Submitting a Manuscript or Selling a House, Growing a Thick Skin Is a Must
I’ve written several recent posts comparing selling my home to writing. With my house on the market, I’ve had numerous showings. Through this process I’ve realized that the feedback after…
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No Change, No Justice, No Peace
The killing must stop. George Floyd is the Minneapolis man murdered two weeks ago by a racist white cop, as other equally guilty law enforcement officers stood watch. Mr. Floyd…
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So You Want To Become a Supreme Court Justice?
My friend and fellow author, Dr. Artika Tyner has released another children’s book, So You Want To Become a Supreme Court Justice? What I absolutely love about Dr. Tyner’s books…
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Building a House Is a Lot Like Writing a Book
When I decided to build a new home, I quickly saw the similarities between designing the space and writing a book, or any other artistic endeavor. Why? Because you are…
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Writing About Family Can Be a Tricky Business
Writing about family can be a like walking a tightrope – one slip can lead to a painful fall in the form of upset parents, siblings, etc. I’ve read two…
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Mother’s Day in the COVID-19 Era
Mother’s Day is bound to be a lot different than in past years. There will be less of taking mom out to brunch to celebrate as many restaurants remain closed…
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The Surprising Similarities of Working with a Home Stager and a Book Agent/Editor
Recently I shared that there are a lot of similarities between building a new house and writing. Selecting everything from paint colors to countertops to woodwork in my new home…
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Talking with Award-Winning Author Renee Roberson
I have read Renee Roberson’s great columns in The Muffin, the official blog of WOW! Women On Writing. She is an award-winning author and magazine editor. Kathryn Schleich: Where did…
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Salvation Station Officially Launches
I’m excited to announce that Salvation Station officially launched Tuesday, April 14. With the coronavirus vastly altering the model of in-person book launches, readings, etc. by moving them into the…
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How COVID-19 Has Changed Authors Lives
Before COVID-19 dramatically altered the lives of so many including authors, I knew next to nothing about online technology such as Facebook Live and ZOOM. As the virus spreads and…
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Weird Al Prevails in Crazy Times
Who doesn’t need some humor and joy in the midst of the chronavirus pandemic? My youngest brother, David, is a huge Weird Al Yankovic fan. In early January of 2020…
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Celebrating the Works of COMPAS’s Women’s Writing Program Poets During National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month. One of the organizations I support is COMPAS, whose mission is to “deliver creative experiences that unleash the potential in all of us.” A program…
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Master Pitch Theater
While attending the San Francisco Writer’s Conference (SFWC) in February, I took two Master Classes with industry professionals both of which were extremely beneficial. The first, Master Pitch Theater with…
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Keep Calm and Read On
With the release of Salvation Station days away, I had a bookstore appearance scheduled for April 18 and the main launch party was planned for April 23. Both of these…
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Kathryn Schleich’s Book Launch Party
This party has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. Details will be shared as soon as it is rescheduled. Kathryn Schleich is hosting a party to celebrate the April publication…
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Pros and Cons of Using A Pen Name
Many of the world’s best known authors have used pen names. Among them: Stephen King using Richard Bachman, J.K. Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith, and Helen Goff penning Mary Poppins…
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Getting Chills From Mystery/Thriller Author D.M. Pulley
D.M. Pulley is the author of five books. In 2014, Pulley won the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for her mystery novel, The Dead Key. Since then she has sold over a…
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San Francisco Writers Conference
This week I’m heading off to my second writing conference, this time in beautiful San Francisco, site of the annual San Francisco Writers Conference. One thing I’m really excited about…
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Author Artika Tyner Is a Winner in Promoting Diversity in Books
Congratulations to prolific author, Dr. Artika Tyner, who was named the winner of third place in the 2019 African American Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest. Dr. Tyner’s entry was…
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The Art of the Red Herring
The use of the red herring is rich in mystery, suspense and thriller stories. Red herrings are a fact or an idea to distract readers and/or characters from the mystery…
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True Confessions of Law Enforcement Regarding Fiction
During Boucheron in Dallas this fall, one of my favorite panel discussions covered the portrayal of law enforcement in fiction, whether it be books, movies, or television. This panel contained…
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Conversing with Author, Playwrite, Teacher, Activist Marcie Rendon
Marcie Rendon is an author of true crime, fiction and non-fiction, a playwright, and an award-winning poet. Besides all that, she is an instructor and editor in the Women’s Writing…
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2020 Writing and Life Goals
The advent of every new year for me is a combination of a blank slate and works in progress I want to complete. That include both aspirations to meet as…
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Salvation Station | A Novel by Kathryn Schleich
Coming in April 2020! When committed female police captain Linda Turner, haunted by the murders of two small children and their pastor father, becomes obsessed with solving the harrowing case,…
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Nebraska Christmas
While I don’t have many holiday traditions, over Christmas when I visit Nebraska for two weeks, we celebrate with several. When I arrive at my mother’s house there are tons…
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Keep Readers Turning the Pages
I went to many panels at Boucheron 2019, and the majority were extremely beneficial. The discussion on authors keeping their readers engaged didn’t just apply to crime, mystery, suspense, or…
Read MoreWhat James Patterson and I Share
James Patterson, the world’s bestselling author (well over 350 million copies) and I have something in common – a belief that literacy is crucial for the success of everyone. Patterson…
Read MoreGifts for Your Favorite Author
‘Tis the season for gift giving. As in past years, I’m sharing a few gift ideas for the writer in your life, based on the types of things that tickle…
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Creating My Own Thanksgiving Traditions and Being Grateful
Many families have Thanksgiving traditions, but since my divorce in 2011 I’ve had to figure out the holiday for myself. With Thanksgiving and Christmas being so close together, I wait…
Read MoreShe Writes Publisher Brooke Warner Speaks on Her Mission to Change Publishing
She Writes publisher, Brooke Warner, took time from her many duties as wearer of numerous hats to chat with me about her experience in the book world and what she…
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Writing Encompasses Many Elements
The advice from many authors is simple and straight forward: Write every day. My personal goal is to write 500 words per day on my newest novel. If I don’t…
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Bouchercon – Great Author Learning Experience
First, I had to learn how to actually pronounce Bouchercon. It’s pronounced like voucher only with a “B” instead of a “V” and for a moment I thought perhaps it…
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Bouchercon – First Impressions
I arrived in Dallas earlier today to attend the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention. It’s the 50th anniversary of the conference, which in itself is exciting. I picked up my name…
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James Patterson, Literacy, and Kids
I am really looking forward to attending the gala at the Bouchercon convention and hearing James Patterson speak on his dedication to literacy and higher education. The event will raise…
Read MoreLosing Myself in Great Crime Books
Indulging my love of mystery and crime, I just finished reading the true crime novel, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara. The author became obsessed with finding…
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All Ready for Bouchercon
Being the planner that I am, I went through the schedule of Bouchercon panels, talks, and classes. By the time I was done, I have 17 events to attend over…
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Sisters In Crime At Bouchercon
All of my fiction books focus on some aspect of crime and criminal behavior. I’m fascinated with it, particularly crimes committed by women. Part of my fascination stems from my…
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Talking Romance and Writing with Cara Lockwood
Cara Lockwood, USA Today best-selling novelist, has edited several of my short stories and also worked on Salvation Station. We had a great conversation about writing, romance, plagiarism, and what…
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Why Literacy Is a Fundamental Human Right
Literacy should be viewed as a fundamental human right anywhere in the world. Every person is deserving of the ability to read and write—the foundation of knowledge. Just looking at…
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A Great Success – Wilder Backpack Campaign
I have always believed that if children don’t have the proper school supplies to begin the new year, it will be extremely difficult for them to catch up with classmates.…
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What’s Wrong With Just Being Dead?
I’ve become obsessed with the fact that it is no longer appropriate in our culture to use the words that someone has “died” or is “dead.” I understand that language…
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In English, Crazy Animals Abound
Apparently, there are a lot of crazy animals in the English language. I’m focusing mostly on phrases I heard growing up in Nebraska. I want to understand what, exactly, makes…
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Tips for a Successful School Supply Drive
As I have done in past years, I’m volunteering with the Amherst H. Wilder Tools for Schools supply drive, which helps ensure kids have the supplies they need to succeed…
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Best Writing Advice I’ve Received
One of the questions I like to ask authors I’m interviewing is to share the best writing advice they’ve ever received. The responses are always enlightening—a beneficial take away of…
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Visiting with PEN America Award Winner Angela Ajayi
Author Angela Ajayi’s gorgeous and haunting short story, Galina, was one of twelve winners published in the inaugural anthology in the Pen America Best Debut Short Stories for 2017. The…
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Hamilton and History
When my niece, Lauren and I visited New York City this past spring, one of the plays on our “must see” list was the mega hit, and 2016 winner of…
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Dealing With Injury As A Writer
This past Memorial Day, a perfect storm of events came together causing me to be injured. My Pilates instructor and I mixed up our dates, and I didn’t have training.…
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Chatting With Gila Green
Busy author Gila Green has written several fiction books, traveled the world, and teaches courses for WOW-Women On Writing. She grew up in Ottawa, Canada, then moved to Israel for…
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A City of Eight Million Stories
There used to be an old TV show that began with the opening, “In a city of eight million stories…” referring to New York City. My niece, Lauren, and I…
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Stealing Works and Ideas Is Just That
In February a full blown plagiarism scandal erupted in the romance novel industry. Alerted by an astute reader, historical romance novelist Courtney Milan discovered much of her 2012 book, The…
Read MoreWhat Are Your Plans This Summer?
Writing coach, editor, and children’s book/YA author, Margo Dill, is hosting the Easy Peasy Summer Plans writing contest. To enter just tell Margo your exciting plans for these balmy and…
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Overused Words That Drive Me Crazy
A friend asked me to review a marketing blurb for her business. She wanted to know if the words proposed by the marketing company were overused. The word was awesome…
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Another Kind of Mother
As we observe Mother’s Day this weekend, there are many kinds of mothers to recognize. My own experience is slightly different as it involved the raising of a sibling. When…
Read MoreA Conversation with Poet and Novelist Tasslyn Magnusson
Award winning Minnesota poet Tasslyn Magnusson recently took time out from her busy schedule to discuss writing, entering contests, and a very impressive 38% acceptance rate in 2018. If that…
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Disney Knows How To Tell a Story
This past March, my neighbor Caryn and I ventured to Disney World for a week. We screamed like an 8-year-old on many, many roller coasters, met princesses, saw animals up…
Read MoreTen Poems That Inspire Me
As I continue to celebrate National Poetry Month, I’m sharing my ten favorite poems and why they speak to me. I’m also including the one poem I have disliked since…
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An Interesting Way to Celebrate National Poetry Month
Celebrate poetry month in April by doing something poetry related every day. The organization that founded the observance, Poets.org, offers a great list of 30 activities. One such idea is…
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Celebrating Children’s Book Day
In observance of Children’s Book Day today, April 2, I’m sharing my three favorites. My first favorite children’s book is Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (who happened to be…
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My Favorite Poets
April is National Poetry Month, which I’ll be celebrating on the blog throughout this month. I will be completely honest – while I have studied poetry, it is not something…
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Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence
As we wrap up another Women’s History Month, I thought it would be interesting to share with you that the National Women’s History Alliance has selected its “Visionary Women: Champions…
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The Most Influential Women in My Life
As National Women’s History Month comes to a close, I’m sharing the women who have influenced me the most throughout my life. I’ve divided them into two categories: Famous women…
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My Favorite Female Authors
As we continue to celebrate National Women’s History Month, I’m sharing my favorite female authors and why they inspire me. Jane Harper – I discovered Harper after reading a review…
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Best Irish Books
For a country with a population of just 4 million people, Ireland’s literary contributions are enormous. In observance of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve cherry picked a few of my favorite Irish novels from a list Laura Hampson created for the London Evening Standard in March 2018.
Taking On Tucker Carlson
I am immensely proud of my youngest brother, David Schleich, who took up Tucker Carlson’s offer after his vile and misogynistic comments released March 13. Tucker said, “Anyone who disagrees…
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Sweating Like A Pig
The phrase “sweat like a pig” means to sweat profusely. The problem is, pigs sweat very little and roll in the mud to cool down. They do so because a…
Read MoreE.B. White on His Routine and Distractions
A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper. -E.B. White Besides giving authors some of the best writing advice…
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My Favorite Female Political Figures
In celebration of National Women’s History Month, I’m sharing my favorite female politicians and why they inspire me. Like all politicians, each of these women have her detractors, but it…
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Happy International Women’s Day!
Today, March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day. Like many celebrations of this type, International Women’s Day reminds us that we’ve come such a long way and that we still…
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National Grammar Day
National Grammar Day, observed on March 4 each year, was established in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough, the founder of the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar. The day’s motto…
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Kicking Off Women’s History Month: Interview with Sarah Dale
Sarah Dale is a wearer of many, many hats. She’s an author, mom, partner, daughter, step-mom, friend, dog-walker, cat-appreciator, word-lover, think-thinker, picture-taker, always-learner, library book balancer, living in Nebraska, and just trying to get things done.
Revising and Editing
There’s a saying that revising work is what most writers spend their time doing. It’s true. But what’s the difference between revising and editing? They are not the same thing…
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Read Across America Day
Observed in conjunction with Theodor Geisel’s (aka Dr. Seuss) birthday on March 2, Read Across America Day promotes reading, particularly among children and young adults. Schools, libraries, and community centers…
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Are Posts Truly Dumb?
Dumb as a post means someone who is very stupid, like a fence post. A phrase with a meaning that is commonly understood by speakers of the language, but that is often…
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Further or Farther?
My mother asked about the difference between further and farther on my last visit to Nebraska, and honestly, I didn’t know the answer. Turns out that the difference and confusion…
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Celebrate The Power of Ghana
Dr. Artika Tyner and her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, are excited to announce a special 2019 trip to Ghana. President Akufo-Addo declared 2019 “The Year of Return.”…
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Susan B. Anthony Day
February 15 marks the birth of Susan B. Anthony, one of the most important women in American history. Anthony spent her life fighting for women’s right to vote and equality…
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5 Best Selling Romance Novels
Valentine’s Day is all about romance. But besides flowers, chocolates, and a night out, romance novels fit right in. Instead of writing a subjective list of Best Romance Novels, I…
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Black History Month – The Black Migrations
The origins of Black History Month can be traced back to September of 1915. That year, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for…
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Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Children’s reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr, from Jump Into a Book,and Mia Wenjen, from PragmaticMom, have teamed up to create an ambitious—and much needed —national event: Multicultural Children’s Book Day. The first…
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Fun, Useful Facts – Writers and Their Routines
“A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” E.B. White. This is the first of multiple articles on famous writers…
Read MoreThesaurus Day
What writer can survive without a good thesaurus? Probably very few. Finding a variety of words that mean the same thing cuts down on repetition which makes for dull, unimaginative…
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Slept Like A Log – Really?
Since logs really don’t sleep (at least as far as we know ….), where did the phrase, “Slept like a log” originate? The answer might surprise you. The phrase “Slept…
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Interview with author Camille Faye
Author Camille Faye is a world traveler, experienced journalist, writing teacher, wife, mother, and author of the paranormal romance books, The Voodoo Butterfly Series, which developed from her experience of…
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What Are Your Writing Goals for 2019?
The beginning of a fresh year is a great time to reassess your priorities and make a list of what you want to accomplish over the following year. These goals…
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Organizing Your Writing Space
Organizing your writing space so that it is clean and efficient doesn’t have to occur at the beginning of the new year – it can happen anytime. I place it…
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10 Query Letter Checklist Points
After writing over 100 query letters for my crime/mystery novel, Salvation Station, I’ve learned quite a lot, about writing the perfect query. I’ve had success publishing short stories, and all…
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Remembering My Dad
December 2018 marked what would have been the 86th birthday of my father, Gerald. He very unexpectedly passed away in 2005 at the age of 72, but my family celebrates…
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Favorite Christmas Books
I went searching for Christmas stories, in hopes of finding books or short stories that aren’t necessarily well known and penned by authors one might not associate with the holiday.…
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Word of 2018: Misinformation
The word of the year for 2018 speaks to the times we live in. Every year, candidates for Word of the Year are debated and one is eventually chosen that is judged to reflect the…
Read MoreObserving National Letter Writing Day
On December 7, National Letter Writing Day is observed by many, including me. It’s something which may be a dying form of communication. I believe letters are important for several…
Read MoreAre You Sure the Problem is Show, Don’t Tell?
By Guest Blogger Gila Green ‘Show don’t tell’ is common advice. It’s been unpacked in dozens of blogs. Luckily, this won’t be one of them. That’s because it’s repeated so…
Read MoreMore Holiday Gifts for Writers
Looking for something special for the writer in your life? I’ve added a few more writer’s gifts. Or, treat yourself. Either way these gifts aren’t just for the holidays. All…
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What I’m Thankful For
As we celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, the holiday is always time to remember what we have to be thankful for. My personal list for 2018: Even as America…
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I Love to Write Day
Celebrated on November 15, I Love to Write Day is not just for published authors. This special day is celebrated by many different organizations – schools, community halls, churches, and even shopping…
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A Writer’s Paradise in Frayssinet, France
I visited France this past October, staying in the very small village of Frayssinet. A truly remarkable experience, it was both an artist’s retreat where we expanded our creative horizons…
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The Glories of Challenging Yourself
Having recently returned from 11 spectacular days writing and painting in the southwestern countryside of France, I had the opportunity to push myself in both areas. I have little to…
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Overcoming Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block (or colygraphia) is defined as the limited capacity to begin or persist in working on a section or article of writing. The trouble is credited mainly to psychological aspects but…
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Metonyme: A Figure of Speech
Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe writing is my passion, simply because I was taught so little grammar that many parts are foreign to me. Assuming I am not…
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Be Media Savvy – Media Literacy Week
In this era of “fake news” and hostility towards the world media in all forms, the concept of “media literacy” is more imperative than ever. Held in conjunction with Canada’s…
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November Is Family Literacy Month
Being able to read and write is one of my core beliefs. Afterall, if you can’t read most likely you cannot write. The month of November is National Family Literacy…
Read MoreCelebrate National Authors Day
Every year on November 1, millions of people celebrate authors and the books that they write on National Author’s Day. Sue Cole promoted the observance of National Authors Day after…
Read MoreDr. Artika Tyner Releases Third Children’s Book
Prolific author, Dr. Artika Tyner’s is introducing her third children’s book, Joey and Grandpa Johnson’s Day in Rondo, a story committed to celebrating the Rondo neighborhood and black culture. The vibrant,…
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Three Types of People to Watch Out for In Your Writing Life – Type 3
By Guest Blogger Margo Dill This is the third in a series of three guest posts on the negative people to watch out for in your writing life. This post…
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Three Types of People to Watch Out for In Your Writing Life – Type 2
By Guest Blogger Margo Dill This is the second in a series of three guest posts on the negative people to watch out for in your writing life. This post…
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Three Types of People to Watch Out for In Your Writing Life – Type 1
By Guest Blogger Margo Dill This is the first in a series of three guest posts on the negative people to watch out for in your writing life. This post…
Read MoreHow to Use Ellipsis
When I’ve submitted manuscripts to professional editors, an issue that has come up in my writing is the proper use of the ellipsis (. . .). Let’s start with the…
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A Closer Look at Amazing Africa: A to Z
In December of 2016, Dr. Artika Tyner and her mother, Jacklyn Milton published the children’s book, Justice Makes a Difference, the story of a young girl, who with the help…
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An All-New Words to Write By Enews Reveal
Those who know me well recall that I owned a freelance business for eight years called Words to Write By. These days, I am busy writing books, volunteering my time…
Read MoreNational Dictionary Day
Where would we writers be without the dictionary? National Dictionary Day is October 16 and we can celebrate by learning a little history about Noah Webster (although I personally prefer…
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Scared Out of My Wits
As Halloween approaches, scary movies for the season abound. But what about frightening books that left an indelible impression on you, that even as the story is recounted, shivers race…
Read MoreConnecting With Your Query
By Guest Blogger Bethany Masone Harar I’m in a long-term relationship with the query letter. Like any relationship, we have our ups and downs. In the past, we’ve shared moments of…
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5 Things to Look for in a Writing Coach
By Guest Blogger Margo Dill Writers need all kinds of support on their way to publication. From editors to beta readers to critique group members, these individuals provide feedback to…
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Ready, Set, Write!
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is just around the corner. In 2017, 468,104 participants from six continents set out to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. Having done…
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12 Tips to Get The Author Web Site You Want
Developing an author web site is a very personal undertaking. Having had three in the past, this last incarnation wasn’t a good fit – for me as an author or…
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Still Fighting to be Heard
Christine Blasey Ford is telling the truth. How can I be so sure? As a child, I was sexually assaulted. The very white, old, and the predominantly male members on…
Read MoreBest Places to Cozy Up with a Glass of Wine and a Good Book
Imagine it’s a beautiful summer evening, you’re cozied up on the patio of a restaurant with a glass of wine and good book in hand. Doesn’t that sound amazing? It…
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Banned Books Week Interview
With the annual observance of Banned Books Week, September 23-29, 2018, Lincoln (Nebraska) Public Librarian and author, Sarah Dale, offers her insights on the challenges and implications of where books…
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Banning Books Silences Stories
Banned Books Week, the annual celebration of the freedom to read, is being held September 23-29. The 2018 theme, “Banning Books Silences Stories,” is a reminder that everyone needs to…
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PPGJ Presents A Community Celebration
Since its founding in 2014, Planting People, Growing Justice™ (PPGJ) has been the guiding principle of Dr. Artika Tyner’s leadership development and community engagement work. This model developed by Dr.…
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A New Look for a New Day
Welcome to my redesigned website! After talking with visitors, one thing mentioned repeatedly was the difficulty of finding current blogs, resources, or other pertinent materials. With that in mind, the…
Read MoreA Few of My Favorite Resources for Writers – Part 2
With the launch of a revised site, I wanted to provide authors with a few more of my favorite sites. If you know of sites that benefit writers, be sure…
Read MoreA Few of My Favorite Resources for Writers – Part 1
I’ve compiled a one-stop shop of valuable resources for writers of fiction and non-fiction—check out the complete list of resources here. Some blogs and sites are well established, but I’ll always…
Read MoreInternational Literacy Day
Since 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights,…
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National Book Lovers Day
Bibliophiles unite! If you don’t know what that is, a bibliophile is a person who has a great appreciation for or collects books. Observed each year on August 9, National…
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Tools for Success in School
It may be hard to believe, but following the Fourth of July, the back to school supplies appear, heralding autumn and a new school year. Every child deserves the necessary supplies…
Read MoreAmazing Africa: A to Z
In keeping with her mission of providing children’s books with people of color and the gift of literacy, Dr. Artika Tyner and Monica Habia have co-authored a new children’s book…
Read MoreOnline Workshops & Resources for Writers (Part 2)
Like the Gotham Writers Workshops, the organization, WOW! Women on Writing offers a variety of writing classes. Rather than a bricks and mortar organization, WOW! is a global magazine, designed…
Read MoreRegional Publishers – Pros and Cons
By Guest Blogger Margo Dill Have you ever considered submitting your manuscript to a regional publisher? YA author Margo Dill published her books through regional publishers. Here she discusses the…
Read MoreOnline Workshops & Resources for Writers (Part 1)
One of the first things writers should know (if you don’t already) is that family members and friends are not the best places to get feedback on your writing. If…
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Declaration of Independence: Writers and Fun Facts
As we celebrate Independence Day, the Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents ever written in American history. But, do you know who its authors were? Thomas…
Read MoreJustice Becomes Best Seller
Since its launch in December 2017, Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter Esquire is making quite the impact. The first children’s book by authors Dr. Artika…
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Author Interview with Cathy C. Hall
Cathy C. Hall is a children’s book author, essayist, freelancer, journalist, and humorist who has found additional success writing books for the Korean educational market, teaching children English. Besides having…
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Euphemisms: Covering Up an Often Ugly Truth
The definition of a euphemism is a polite, vague word or phrase that is used in place of word or phrase that might be considered offensive, harsh, unpleasant or inappropriate…
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The Writer Who Went Too Far
By Guest Blogger Cathy C. Hall This post first appeared on the WOW! The Women On Writing Blog, The Muffin, on May 17th. Want to land an agent? Cathy details…
Read MoreWhy I Write Crime/Mystery Novels
There are many great crime story authors, whether they write true-life such as Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled detective novels, Dame Agatha Christie, known for her detective…
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Best Coffee Shops for Writers in the Twin Cities
Sometimes coffee from a pot just won’t cut it and we crave more to fuel our creativity and stay productive. These local coffee shops in the Twin Cities offer more…
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New Pages Found in Anne Frank’s Diary
Had she survived, Anne Frank would have turned 88 on June 12. The Diary of Anne Frank has been read by millions around the world. I remember vividly the difficulties…
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Apostrophe As a Figure of Speech
Another grammar lesson just learned – an apostrophe is not just the punctuation mark that shows possession or ownership, as well as indicating when a letter has been omitted in…
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Celebrate African American Music Month with These Books
A great site, Black Children’s Books and Authors, celebrates African American Music Appreciation during the month of June with 19 books covering aspects of black music and its powerful cultural…
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Don’t Catch the Smug Bug
Not to be a Negative Nellie, but I have found as an author, that when I lower my expectations, the more success I have. But, if I submit a piece…
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I Completed Pre-Summer 21 Day Reading Challenge
Reading for at least 20 minutes every day may not be difficult for voracious readers. But for me, it was a challenge, one I’m proud to admit I just completed.…
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Women’s Jail Creative Writing Program
Late last year, I saw an article in my local paper about a creative writing program for female inmates in three area county jails. At the jail in my county,…
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When Gender Terms Offend
I have a dear friend, Amanda, who is server in a local restaurant. College educated and in her early thirties, waitressing is a temporary path to paying the bills. She…
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Benefits of an Arts Education
Congress recognized the vital role the arts play in American culture, and not only retained, but increased funding in 2019 budget. Instead of phasing out the National Endowment for the…
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Mothers, Rebels, and Heroines
My mother, Louise, grew up a product of the 1940s and 50s. For most women, they did what they were told and conformed to society’s expectations of the day. There…
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Cinco de Mayo
Saturday is Cinco de Mayo. In researching the holiday (skills writers should be very good at) I learned what Cinco de Mayo really commemorates. Like many Americans, I always thought…
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World Press Freedom Day
Each year, the fundamental principles of freedom of the press are celebrated on May 3rd. The purpose of World Press Freedom Day is to evaluate press freedom around the world,…
Read MoreAuthor Interview with C. Hope Clark
C. Hope Clark’s career as an author spans all types of writing – freelancing, the non-fiction book, The Shy Writer, and two mystery series centering on strong, Southern heroines. Besides…
Read MoreStill Time to Join Pre-Summer Reading Challenge
There is still time to sign-up for Margo Dill’s pre-summer reading challenge! What a great way to kick off the lazy, hazy days of summer by reading to kids, starting…
Read MoreJoin Margo Dill’s Pre-Summer Reading Challenge for Kids and Adults
Most libraries have a summer reading challenge–St. Louis County has a great one each year. Katie and I have participated for several years, and we plan to again this year.…
Read MoreNewberry Sin Blog Tour
This is a a great link from author C. Hope Clark’s trailer, detailing her blog tour to promote her fourth Carolina Slade mystery, Newberry Sin. It’s an eye-catching and informative…
Read MoreThe Best Notebooks to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
In an age of technology, physical notebooks can seem ancient. However, putting pen to paper can be a great outlet for getting your thoughts out and even therapeutic. Here are…
Read More22 Earth Day Writing Prompts
What could be more useful for writers on Earth Day than writing prompts tackling issues such as protecting the environment, increasing use of public transportation, using fewer resources, or recycling?…
Read MoreVolunteer at Writer’s Conferences
Continuing the celebration of National Volunteer Week, I found this terrific post from Cathy C. Hall, a children’s book author and contributor to the WOW! Women On Writing Blog, The…
Read MoreWhy I Volunteer
April 15 – 22 is National Volunteer Week. I volunteer in a number of capacities – supporting literacy and providing children with the right equipment to begin school are two…
Read MoreThe Sunshine Blogger Awards
Margo Dill, a wonderful YA author, writing coach, and editor nominated me for the Sunshine Bloggers Award, a great game that is sure to give more blogging ideas. The game…
Read MoreNational Scrabble Day
The game of Scrabble has its own national day, observed on April 13. It wasn’t invented by a writer but by an amateur artist and unemployed architect. Alfred Mosher Butts…
Read MoreNational Library Week Interview
Continuing the week-long observance of National Library Week, I’m writing a longer blog post/interview with Sarah Dale, a long-time librarian at the Lincoln City Libraries in my hometown of Lincoln,…
Read MoreNational Library Week 2018
Librarians have long been trailblazers when it comes to issues like equity of access and intellectual freedom; beyond that, their services and expertise help lead people to achieve their goals…
Read MoreInternational Children’s Book Day
Every year on April 2nd (Hans Christian Anderson’s birthday) the International Board On Books For Young People (IBBY) celebrates International Children’s Book Day. Founded in 1967, the day’s goal is…
Read MoreApril Is Poetry Month
Observed each April, National Poetry Month the largest literary commemoration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and,…
Read MoreUW Madison Writers’ Institute – Last Call!
The University of Wisconsin Madison 29th Annual Writing Institute runs from Thursday, April 12 through Sunday, April 15. There’s still time to register, especially if you close by. The Writing…
Read MoreWhen Friends and Family Expect Writing or Editing for Free
Perhaps you’ve experienced this scenario as well – a friend or family member ask you to “revise” something for them. In my case, no one asks me if I’d be…
Read MoreThree Submission Programs Used by Literary Journals – Literistic
This is the final part of the three- part series on submittal systems. Founded in 2015, Literistic is one the newest services available. Literistic Literistic is a submission system for…
Read MoreThree Submission Programs for Literary Journals – Submission Manager
This is the second in a three-part series reviewing Content Submission Services (CMS). Submission Manager Submission Manager is a second popular submission system and unlike Submittable (which can be used…
Read MoreThree Submission Programs for Literary Journals – Submittable
Technology continues to impact the submission to literary journals in positive ways, with more and more organizations using contest management systems (CMS) to streamline the process for both editors and…
Read MoreIrish Authors
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I chose 10 Irish authors of note to recognize. The endeavor was educational, as I didn’t know several were Irish. There’s no order or…
Read MoreBringing Back the Lost Art of Writing Letters
Recently I found a box of old letters from my Dad and Mom written while I was in college at Iowa State and during my first foray to Minnesota. I…
Read MoreWomen I Admire
In honor of National Women’s History Month, I have six women who in various ways are changing the world one woman at a time. Michelle Obama –admire Michelle for many…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Friendly Critique
When I visited NYC this fall, one of the reasons for my trip was a review of my novel manuscript. I won the review in a silent auction through the…
Read MoreAuthors Who Started Later in Life
While I’ve published short stories, magazine, and Internet articles, besides self-publishing an academic book, I have not published with traditional or digital methods. Not that self-publishing is bad, there is…
Read MoreWhat I’ve Learned in 60 Years
This week I’m turning sixty, and although it’s a bit of a shock to realize I’ve been around six decades, there are pluses too. The saying “with age comes wisdom”…
Read MoreRead Across America Day
Launched in 1998 the National Education Association (NEA) Read Across America was created to celebrate the joys of reading while motivating children to read more. Research has shown that children…
Read MoreNational Women’s History Month
March is National Women’s History Month, an event that reminds us how often women’s achievements have been left out of America’s history. The mission of the National Women’s History Project…
Read MoreOther African American Military Firsts
As Black History Month is celebrated, here are just a few of the countless barrier breakers who have proudly served throughout our nation’s history. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. served as…
Read MoreYou Can Decide the Future of Net Neutrality
Tomorrow, Tuesday February 27, the U.S. Senate votes on the future of Net Neutrality. Either the freedom of the Internet is preserved and people just like you and me can…
Read MoreCreators of Justice Makes a Difference: A Writer’s Interview
Dr. Artika Tyner, Esq. and her mother, Jacklyn Milton, are co-authors of the new children’s book, Justice Makes a Difference. The book follows Justice, who learns through her grandmother’s books…
Read MoreLiteracy and Civil Rights
In August of 2017, a group of five former Detroit public school students filed a Federal lawsuit alleging that the schools failed to protect their civil rights, because they failed…
Read MoreComma’s Save Lives!
The correct use of commas seems to be disappearing. Yes, I know language is becoming more casual, but commas are probably one of the most important aspects in grammar. I…
Read MoreSaving Net Neutrality
We should be very afraid. Corporate America is intent on casting Net Neutrality aside, giving them control to decide what we see and don’t see, control the speeds at which…
Read MoreAfrican American in World War II
African Americans served bravely and with distinction in every theater of World War II, while simultaneously struggling for their own civil rights from “the world’s greatest democracy.” Although the United…
Read MoreMost Romantic Books – Reader’s Choice
Happy Valentine’s Day! The responses of reader favorite romantic books ranges from the classics to the modern era. The results: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. More than a few…
Read MoreUW-Madison’s 29th Annual Writers’ Institute
The UW-Madison Writers’ Institute is now in its 29th year. Much of its success has to do with you – our writing community. Many of our writers have attended previous Writers’ institutes,…
Read MoreReturn to Teaching Civics
Two recent articles believe the hostile attitudes toward the press are related to the fact that education in civics in no longer taught in grades K-12 and in college. One…
Read MoreAfrican Americans in the Civil War
In 1862, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation opened the door for African Americans to enlist in the Union Army. Although many had wanted to join the war effort earlier, they were…
Read MoreState of the First Amendment 2017
Each year the First Amendment Center of the Newseum Institute conducts a State of the First Amendment survey, which examines Americans views on freedom of speech, the press, assembly, petition,…
Read MoreBlack History Month 2018
February is Black History Month, and the theme in 2018 is African Americans in the Time of War. There will be several posts this month regarding the valor of African…
Read MoreLove and History – Best February Books Contest
Originally, this post was going to be a call for “Most Romantic Books” in observance of Valentine’s Day. But, February is also Black History Month, with the theme of Black…
Read MoreWe Are Not Invisible
The General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly was being held the week after I departed New York City this past September. Foreign dignitaries from the world over began…
Read MoreThreatening the First Amendment
The current political climate has not been a good one for the First Amendment, especially Freedom of the Press. Most recently, of course, is the attempt by the President to…
Read MoreYour Copyrighted Works Downloaded Without Your Permission
I had heard about the concept of an “Open Library” on the Internet several years ago. I thought my book, Hollywood and Catholic Women was protected because I had copyrighted…
Read MoreIlliteracy and Incarceration in America
The statistics are bleak: Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. The 4th grade is…
Read More“We Must Not Confuse Dissent with Disloyalty” Edward R. Morrow
On my recent trip to New York City, I visited The Paley Broadcasting Center for Media. As a journalism major, I was hoping to view the history of CBS news…
Read MoreReclaiming Your Writing Life
As almost every author knows, a writer’s life can suck. The rejections pile up, and you start to doubt your abilities, and whether you possess an iota of talent. With…
Read MoreAuthor Interview with Margo Dill
Margo L. Dill is a YA and children’s book author living in St. Louis, Missouri. I have had the pleasure of working with Margo as an editor on my book,…
Read More“Justice Makes A Difference” Book Launch
Superheroes filled the Daybreak book store in Minneapolis in early December for the launch of Justice Makes a Difference, The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, by Dr. Artika Tyner and…
Read MoreIntroducing The “Words to Write By” Blog
Launched in December 2017 as part of my author web site, Words to Write By will cover all types of issues related to empowering women through written expression. Not all…
Read MoreStart the New Year Off Write!
Mark your calendar for the University Wisconsin’s 29th Annual Writers’ Institute, held in Madison from April 12 – 15, 2018. The event is open to the public, with this year’s…
Read More10 Excellent Holiday Gifts For Writers
These writing gifts don’t necessarily have to be given during the holidays. If there’s a special writer in your life, this list offers 10 gifts that can work just as…
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