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 – October 14, 2024

A continuation of my intensive breakdown of the language “coaches” use to entice you to spend your money, why their “guarantees” mean nothing, truth and lies about passive income, and sustaining a career as an author.



First Cup of Coffee – September 27, 2024

On the story structure that utilizes characters that represent heart, mind, and body. Also, how to know when to listen to critique and then making the judgment call of folding information into a story without slowing pace.



First Cup of Coffee – September 20, 2024

Some tough love today! I explain how no one will ever care about your writing career as much as you do and how other people will always be happy to suck up your time and energy. Also, exciting news on NEVER THE ROSES!




First Cup of Coffee – September 6, 2024

Why so many authors end up “trunking” their first novel, why it’s often not only a good idea, but inevitable – and how to know if you should. Also, garbage data, The Fall, and The Riddle Master of Hed (and why I think I bounced off of it as a kid).



First Cup of Coffee – August 26, 2024

My wonderful weekend at Bubonicon and exciting news about next year’s con. Also, thoughts on more experienced authors giving advice to newbies, how to be honest without stomping on their dreams, and a story of my own newbie dream-crushing.



First Cup of Coffee – August 9, 2024

Recent revelations on ghostwriting, using metrics for good, rain gauges, gardening, JD Vance’s memoir, the real meaning of “bemused” and whether everyone has one great novel or flower arrangement in them.



First Cup of Coffee – July 8, 2024

On knife-throwing and yoga – and why the process is the most important part, not the goal. Also, “rules” for submitting to traditional publishing, talent vs. discipline, gardening, and having the bandwidth to take on new projects.



First Cup of Coffee – June 14, 2024

More cats-will-happen-drama in my life. Also, traditional publishing, why an agent is such a great asset, and how it never gets easier handing edits and critique, and how deciding how/if to incorporate suggestions is a spectrum.



First Cup of Coffee – April 22, 2024

Owning your process and still being open to learning from what others do to sustain productive creativity and aggressively refill the well. Some data on BookBub Featured Deals and release strategy, too.