First Cup of Coffee – December 9, 2024

Sharing some excellent, exciting news on NEVER THE ROSES, along with an unexpected challenge of having a pen name, a tip on developing an author signature, and how we don’t have to do something we don’t want to do.



First Cup of Coffee – December 6, 2024

I’m finishing A ROSE IN THE MIRROR today!! On story structure, beats, and how this strange book has been spot-on. Also, the long-game, how a writing career can go wrong and instead shooting for a sustainable life as an author.



First Cup of Coffee – December 2, 2024

A cover reveal today of STRANGE FAMILIAR! Also a discussion of Avenger’s Endgame and my epiphany on the strategic element that elevates a fight/battle scene from mutual bashing to epic storytelling.



First Cup of Coffee – November 25, 2024

On Yog’s Law – that money must flow to the creator – and why paying a company to publish your books is a terrible idea. Also, why your creativity will beat “AI” and how you can make a living as a creator.



First Cup of Coffee – November 22, 2024

On giving ourselves permission to give less than 100% (or more) effort to tasks and projects that aren’t our priority. Insights I gained from Becca Syme’s Author Business Summit, sustainability of all our efforts, and taking time off.



First Cup of Coffee – November 18, 2024

Instead of writing what you know? Write what you are. Other thoughts on revision, integrity, and a story about a guy I knew back in my peer counseling days in college who behaved badly toward women. Warning: abrupt stop. Instead of hitting pause, I hit the stop button, but I was done anyway, so… you just don’t get the usual sign-off today. But I will talk to you all on Friday. You all take care 💙



First Cup of Coffee – November 15, 2024

Some reflections on the nature of good and evil and what my definitions are. Also, how yoga teaches banishing the destructive emotions of fear and anger and replacing them with joy and love. And how I’m practicing non-violence.



First Cup of Coffee – November 11, 2024

My hot brilliant mess that I’m revising from the beginning today, with some reflections on how a focused crit can solve everything. Also, “women telling men what to do” and how I’m feeling moving forward politically.



First Cup of Coffee – November 8, 2024

A story about internet trolls and boys on the playground in grade school – and how they have the same tactics. On not succumbing to their bullying and remembering that they’re trying to use fear as a tool.



First Cup of Coffee – November 4, 2024

Thoughts on storytelling, why we tell stories, the definition of success and if after our deaths counts, Carrie Vaughn’s THE NATURALIST SOCIETY, the role of ARCs and critique, and how to know when to stop revising and send to an editor.