Dreamstime Stock Photos © Judy Ben Joud Yesterday, while walking my dog, Rascal, the crows seemed to be in a frenzy, hopping around, squawking their heads off. Hearing their raucous chatter reminded me of how I'm just the opposite. Unless I know a person very well, it's hard for me to open up and talk. I've heard other authors are also like me, semi-recluses, more relaxed sitting at their computers than in the company of live people. When it comes to sharing any of my accomplishments, I'm more comfortable doing so online. Still, it doesn't come easy. I go through the motions, but am not exactly thrilled about expanding on what I've done. I much prefer bragging about someone else. Since I suspect I'm not the only one out there who hates to crow, I'll make it easy for you. I invite each person who reads this blog to crow about one thing you've accomplished. If you're not a writer, you can always mention something else, like getting a...

Romance novels were, and still are, in some circles referred to as "bodice rippers." Early romances often depicted pirates, or other invaders capturing unsuspecting females, and taking liberties with them. Despite their obvious mistreatment, for some odd reason, the captives fell in love with their captors. Governesses were swept off their feet, and readily succumbed to the advances of the Lords of the Manor. In those days, dark, brooding Alpha heroes dominated the romance scene, and the poor weak heroines didn't stand a chance against their animal magnetism. Along with the growth of women's rights, romance novels underwent a change. Spunky, clever heroines are now in, no matter what their stations in life. Vapid, helpless ones somewhere along the line evolve into strong, thinking women. Those who are inept in some ways often possess special talents to compensate for their flaws. A case in point is Zoe, my heroine in Her Handyman . She's a klutz in som...

Thanks, Internet Friends! If I'm at home alone, I don't have to feel lonely. That's because with a few clicks of the keyboard, I can connect with friends I know and those yet to be discovered. Because this is a month for giving thanks, I thought I'd offer a huge thank you to my many friends on the Internet. Whether they be in e-groups, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media, I can't begin to count how many wonderful people I've met and bonded with. Some are writers who not only share their journeys to and after publication, but also bits and pieces of what's happening in their personal lives. From connecting with my writing friends I've learned so much more about the publishing world than I ever would have figured out on my own. I've also gained friendships with those who appreciate writers and books, and are all too happy to offer encouragement and praise, often when it's badly needed. On the Internet, I can read a hodgepo...

Considering that I'm now retired, you'd think I'd have plenty of time on my hands. Still, I have what some might say is a surprising fear, others not. My fear is not getting everything done when it needs to be done. I have lists everywhere of what I need to do that day, the next and other dates as well. I have a calendar to tell me the guests for my blogs, whether they've sent in their information, and whether I've set everything up yet. Still, sometimes I forget to check the calendar, because it gets buried beneath the lists and important notes on my desk. I'm so bombarded with e-mails and blogs and social media sites to check each day, it seems time slips by so fast that I don't know where it went. God forbid if I had a full-time day job, because being an author has become a vast encompassing and time consuming operation. Maybe I bite off too much, but it seems that every author I know does the same. Not only that, somehow they manage, while I seem t...

It's that time of month again for What's Your Answer . Today's questions are based on The Blood-Red Pencil's topic for October, which is Fear . It's easy to participate. I'll present three questions and my answers. You can answer one or more of them. One answer means you get more room to expand on your answer. For more than one, please limit your space for each. Only one website or blog link, please. My questions and answers are: Q: When you start a book, are you afraid your inspiration will vanish and you'll never make it to that last page? A:  Yes. I usually have an idea how a book will begin and how it will end, but I need to count on my imagination and perseverance to fill in the blanks. I've never written an entire book while in the flow, but wish I could. At times I have to force my mind to think plots through, and ask myself if what I've written makes sense. Q: After you've finished a manuscript and it's about to be relea...

Today, we're continuing the What's Your Answer feature by exploring this month's theme about writing and grammar books. I'll pose questions and offer my answers. Then, it's your turn to answer one or more of the questions in the comment section. If you answer one, you're welcome to expand. More than one means curbing your answers. You're welcome to include one website or blog link as well. My Questions: Have you bought or read any writing or grammar books lately?  No, I'm afraid not. For many years, I subscribed to Writers Digest Club where I purchased a book a month. Almost all of them were in some way related to writing or grammar. I've got a full library of such books, but have not read one of them from cover to cover. That said, they're a great security blanket. Do you recommend any new writing or grammar books? I don't own an edition, but I've heard lots of good things about the Chicago Manual of Style, which is frequently u...