First Cup of Coffee – August 19, 2025

Why finding where the story starts is *always* one of the most difficult challenges in writing, why I firmly believe you shouldn’t get critiques from people who love you, and new developments on AMONG THE THORNS.



First Cup of Coffee – July 1, 2025

Balancing working on a revision while heading into full-blown celebratory release week, having good friends coming to join in, and dealing with related fire drills. Also, a peek at the audiobook of NEVER THE ROSES!





First Cup of Coffee – June 27, 2025

I’m going on book tour! Lots of burbling about that and this Cinderella ticket. Also a deep dive into how we decided on book titles (Spoiler: don’t get attached!) and fun insights into yesterday’s editorial meeting.



First Cup of Coffee – June 20, 2025

On titles and why authors have to resist being clever and remember SEO rules. Also where the reign of social media influencers is taking us, the trad-wife fetish, and how to retain your humanity through it all.



First Cup of Coffee – March 14, 2025

Regarding manuscript length and (seriously) what traditional publishing does and does not require, but signs that a book is really too long. (See pacing.) Also knowing when rewriting is FAR better than revising, and new earrings!



First Cup of Coffee – February 7, 2025

The RELUCTANT WIZARD audiobook is available wide! Preorder NEVER THE ROSES at B&N for 35% off today only! Also, my editorial meeting, participation in VOW for Girls, and the unbearable loudness of casita-building.



First Cup of Coffee – January 31 2025

All about my Marketing & Publicity meeting with Tor/Bramble, my upcoming editorial meeting and how creative angst is just a fact of life and never goes away. Also, two more books/series out on submission and can I finish STRANGE FAMILIAR in time???



First Cup of Coffee – June 17, 2024

Updates on edits on NEVER THE ROSES, the ups and downs of maternity leave, women supporting women, the amazing show UNBELIEVABLE that I want you all to watch, and the enduring pain of asking for endorsement quotes.