::whispers:: hello. In the biggest ghost move I've ever pulled, I disappeared from social media earlier this year. I feel like I have some splainin' to do. The beginning of 2020, even before the pandemic, was a turbulent time for me. I went through a lot of personal ups and downs that were all consuming … Continue reading Where Have I Been
Tag: books
Gratitude
I promise I will start a series of writing tip posts soon but, reflecting on this weekend, I wanted to talk about gratitude. This past Saturday, I was a part of the Take 190 Book and Art Festival in Killeen, Texas. It was such a wonderful experience. I arrived early and sipped on a latte … Continue reading Gratitude
Show, Don’t Tell
This is the ultimate phrase, isn’t it? I remember hearing it over and over in grade school; I remember seeing it scrawled in red pen throughout my college papers. Why is this so hard, and what can we do to improve upon it? This topic was actually requested by a Twitter friend. I promise to … Continue reading Show, Don’t Tell
I Can See You Through Your Book
I'M NO post-modern critic. I believe a book is a communication tool, and the reader's job is to connect with the author's intent above all else. Still, I can't help but vary my analytical approach and delve into the realm of psychological criticism from time to time. When I read a book, I often find … Continue reading I Can See You Through Your Book
The Big 10k Giveaway Winner and Other News
Deep breath. I can’t believe the time is finally here. I am not screaming this, it’s coming out in a calm elation, a wave of unexpected, joyous peace. Something you may not know about me - I love gift giving. I remember the first time I got a one hundred dollar bill, I think I … Continue reading The Big 10k Giveaway Winner and Other News
I Would, But I Can’t
I would say I’m going to get so much done tonight. I would say the words are going to flow freely. I would say my mind is teeming with ideas, and they are going to race to the page to see who can get used first. I would say it hasn’t been a long day. … Continue reading I Would, But I Can’t
Improve Your Craft
No, I'm not talking about the movie, The Craft, I’m talking about your writing, and I promise today isn’t a ramble. There's real advice in here, so saddle up and hang on. One thing you can do to improve your writing is lots of reading. Read inside of your genre, read outside of your genre … Continue reading Improve Your Craft
How Do I Write Like a Writer?
This, of course, is the million dollar question. How do I write? How do I write well? How do I write like a real writer? I am going to do my best to explain how to become a real writer over these next few paragraphs, though I am afraid it won't be exactly as you … Continue reading How Do I Write Like a Writer?
The Heart of the Matter
Why do we write? That is a very open ended question with answers that are unique to each individual. Some write to tell the story, some to evoke a response, some to pass the time, and of course, there is always the lingering thought, “One day I could be rich and famous.” But really, why … Continue reading The Heart of the Matter
Why You Should Read Blood Drops by WB Welch
WELL HELLO, everybody. My name is Tory and this is my very first blog entry. If you're reading this I'm sure you're familiar with my frantic and neurotic tweets, my overuse of heart emojis, and what I'm sure you characterize as an obsession with author WB Welch and her collection of short stories, Blood Drops. … Continue reading Why You Should Read Blood Drops by WB Welch