Berzerk

Special Giveaway

Jan Flanders

Real Life Is Stranger

Loree's Lough Down

Confession Corner

Made For Movies

Dogwood

Being a Southern gal from eastern North Carolina where dogwoods bloom every spring with prolific intensity (it is also the state flower), I was immediately interested in Chris Fabry’s story of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption based on the title alone. Lest anyone protest that a reader pick up a book based on a simple word like dogwood, think about how we movie lovers chose the films we see. Sure, star power carries great weight (I’ll probably see every movie starring Russell Crowe), but so does title, whether we realize it or not.

From the moment I finished the first chapter, I saw the silhouette of Crystal’s...

Real Life Is Stranger

SO YOU WANT TO JUMP INTO THE ANIMAL-STORY GENRE?

Ever thought of writing a plot involving an animal? Consider John Grogan’s Marley and Me, a huge best seller published in every form imaginable as well as spawning several children’s books and a big-screen film. Novelist Sara Gruen knows how to build a best seller around an animal, whether it is an elephant (Water for Elephants) or a horse (Riding Lessons). And David Wroblewski’s The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (dogs again) made Oprah swoon.

Jan Flanders (Etiquette)

Fiction Etiquette with a Southern Twist Twisted Southern

A lovely May Day helloooo to all you young heads full of mush! Y’all are in for a treat for Ah am in extra fine fettle today. Spring is in the air, and Ah am feelin’ mah oats, so to speak! Didn’t my darlin’ niece Star do a charmin’ job of takin’ over for me last month—in spite of the fact that she has the misfortune to hail from the North?

Special Giveaway

Robin Lee Hatcher : Help Her Celebrate Her 60th Book!

The year is 1915, and just north of Bethlehem Springs, Morgan McKinley is building the New Hope Health Spa at the site of a natural hot springs in the mountains of Idaho. When you're done reading A Vote of Confidence, you'll wish you could go stay at the resort yourself.

Loree's Lough Down

Beware Faux Instructors

Q: I’m thinking about registering for a writing class, but the price is a little steep for my budget, and I’ve never even heard of this teacher. Any recommendations? A: First, high five to you for wanting to improve your style, your voice, your understanding of the craft by signing up for a class. And your “I’ve never even heard of this teacher” comment tells me that, in addition to your willingness to work at your craft, you’re also a smart shopper.

Confession Corner

Techno Temptation

“Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto . . .” hmm hmm. “You’re wondering who I am . . . machine or mannequin . . .” hmm hmm hmm. “The problem’s plain to see; too much technology . . .” hmm hmm. I wish I could remember the rest of the words. It’s a great song by Dennis DeYoung and Styx. Oh well.

Man, the cobwebs are thick around here! I need a Weed Whacker to clear them out...