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Working on the Hard Parts of Self-Publishing
Sometimes self-publishing feels like walking up a long staircase. Each step is another thing to do. Finishing the manuscript is not at the top. As with taking a long flight of stairs, the last few steps can seem the hardest.… Continue reading
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Driftless Thursday: Groundhogs
Yes, I know Groundhog Day is February 2nd. I’ve never seen a groundhog anywhere close to that time. Groundhogs are on my mind this month, however, as we seem to have one living nearby. He’s not terribly shy, at least… Continue reading
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On Journaling, Part 2: Using Journals in My Writing
(This post was previously “Make It Happen,” a guest post on StoreyBook Reviews during the recent virtual book tour. Thanks again to Leslie for her support!) “I woke up with car keys in my hand.” That line appears on the… Continue reading
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Driftless Thursday: Growing Season, with Tomato Variety Picks
May has arrived and the outside chores have started. I’ve learned you really can’t stop weeds in the country but upkeep of the flower gardens isn’t so bad with a little consistency. In the past, I’d go out after breakfast… Continue reading
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On Journaling, Part 1: 365 Journals
In case it isn’t obvious from the cover of Driftless Spirits, a journal is central to the dream that launches Charlotte on her trip: “Write what you know,” as Mark Twain is quoted. I love journals. There are a lot… Continue reading
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Writing Update: Book 2, Draft 2 and Thoughts on POV
I finished the “rewrite” of my first draft (although the saved file name calls is version 8). I mentioned in a previous post that I had a couple big problems to fix based on feedback from beta readers. I really… Continue reading
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Driftless Thursday: Snake Stories
If snakes freak you out, it’s okay to skip this one. It’s not all fawns and rainbows out here in the country. I’ve come to realize harmless snakes get a bad rap. I can’t say I like them, but I… Continue reading
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Two Truths and a Lie
(This was originally my guest post over at Ruff Drafts during the recent blog tour. I like it so much I wanted to repost it on my own site. Thanks again to Debbie De Louise for highlighting Driftless Spirits!) There’s… Continue reading
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First Lines of Tangled Roots (and Subsequent Distractions)
I’m hard at work, crafting the next draft of Tangled Roots to be the best it can be. I’m in love with the first paragraphs (but reserve the right for further edits): “Every storm has a story to tell, if… Continue reading
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Driftless Thursday: Guess the Bird
“What is that bird?” my husband said last Friday. He pointed out our sunroom window at the ground below our bird feeders. I had to admit, I was stumped as well. Here’s who we saw: First hint: It’s a sparrow,… Continue reading
















