Research and the Modern Writer
This has got to be the best time in the history of the world to be a writer. Not only are there a thousand different outlets for sharing the written word, it’s also the most information-rich generation of all time. Duh. Everyone knows this. But it makes writing so much more fun! I can, on […]
Why I Write About Makeovers
Hi. My name is Jennifer and I’m a lazy personal groomer. Sometimes I think I need a support group because I absolutely hate doing my hair and makeup. Yeah, I make the effort every day–sometimes not until 3 in the afternoon–but it’s not something I look forward to or enjoy. I find myself feeling a […]
200 People Who Have Looked Inside My Brain
So, a week ago I spent the whole day talking to Mr. Murphy and Mr. Osmond’s English classes at the local high school. About 200 kids are reading BIG IN JAPAN as part of their curriculum this year. Whoa, right? It was partway through the day when I realized: These people have all looked inside […]
Announcing the Release Dates of the Ripple Effect Romance Series
I’m delighted to have been included in a collaborative series of clean romance novels debuting this spring. It’s called the “Ripple Effect Romance” series. The idea is that in each book, a character from the next makes an appearance. They’re tied together, but only loosely, like a ripple in a pond. Mine, IMMERSED, is #6 […]
Saving Money in the New Year (With a Good Husband)
So, Christmas spending was wild and crazy. I needed to bounce back from that, but then my Kitchen-Aid stand mixer sort of broke its neck, and my ice maker in my fridge went seriously berserk. We’re talking a frozen waterfall–almost something I can imagine Sting writing lyrics about, with a dead salmon in it, but […]
Should I Get an Agent? Take this Quiz!
Do you need an agent? Well, it depends on what your publishing goals are. Take this little test. I get asked this question all the time by writing friends who are getting ready to publish. It’s a good question. Literary agents are one of those publishing business mysteries. These eight questions might help you determine […]
New Motto: Start Slow and Taper Off
So, I ran in this race this summer. It was only a 5K, but it was at a much higher altitude than I live at, and it was kind of…killer. Yeah, I ended up running it faster than last year, but it’s still dang slow. Tonight I finally checked the results (five months later). There […]
Post Office Frowny Face
I hate going to the post office. Have I ever mentioned that? It’s not that our local PO has a long line or is a long drive away or is an unattractive building. Just the opposite on all counts. It’s never more than a 7 minute wait. It’s a 5 minute drive. Easy parking right outside. […]
Hulu and the 10-Second “Life” Rewind
True confession: We watch Hulu. That is how we waste our valuable time. In the last few weeks our version has added a feature with a little button, an arrow at the end of a curly tail. It’s a 10-second rewind. If you missed what the caption said in the Korean drama you’ve been glued […]
Too Busy to Write?
Actually, as much as I do love, love, love to write, there are seasons for everything. Right now is by necessity my season to be the mom. Luckily, it’s my favorite season. Like autumn is. I just love wearing great boots and a cozy sweater. It’s the best. This past weekend I had a super […]
