I am endlessly fascinated by the writing process of other writers. I'm curious about how they do what they do, where they get their ideas, how long their process takes. The later reason is probably why I'm so curious, not because I'm looking for a shortcut (spoiler alert: there isn't one) but, because I'm looking for a process that's more efficient than mine. I'm not sure I can even describe my process as a process. Its more haphazard, like being blindfolded and throwing darts at a target I cannot see. Dangerous stuff. I'd accomplish so much more if my process was more clearly defined -- at least that's what I keep telling myself. In reality, the only way to get it done is to do just that, get it done. Hands to the keyboard and write. So, without further adieu, here's my contribution to the #MyWritingProcess blog tour: What am I working on? I'm working on the first novel that I plan to finish. I've started many that are no longer than a page or two and one … [Read more...]
How The Funeral Dress Inspired Me to Write A Novel This November
Confession: I have not read The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore, the From Left to Write October book club selection. I fully intended to when I signed up to read it and write a post inspired by it. But, between writing assignments, book reviews and motherhood, I haven't had a chance to even crack the spine. The Funeral Dress is about a young mother who takes it upon herself to sew a dress for her mentor when that woman suddenly dies. There was something about the plot and the small town setting that stirred a story in me. So, I've decided to participate in my second National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this November. For years, I have been talking about writing a novel. Just talking about it. For. Years. I've started several, and by started I mean I've written a page or two here and there. The most fiction I ever wrote was 75 pages for a grad school class seven years ago. That novel is still languishing unfinished. This November, I am going to write 50,000 … [Read more...]
Jauntaroo The Best Job Around the World
I applied to be Jauntaroo's Chief World Explorer, which means traveling the world in 2014 and getting paid to write about it. Sign. Me. Up. Its a dream job, for sure, but its also a contest; the top 50 videos, determined by number of likes, will advance to the next phase of the competition. Voting is simple. Just click like on my video once every 24 hours from every device that you own with internet access. No registration is required. My goal is 1000 likes. I'm at 80 this morning. Please LIKE my video and share it with your friends. Thank you so very much! What's your dream job? Let me know in the comments below. … [Read more...]
My USA Today Debut
Very excited to share my first article for USA Today. Its about what's new and notable -- or hot -- in Washington, D.C. And right now, what's hot is the 14th Street Corridor and its bustling foodie scene. I've also been working on a lot of food content for a new USA Today Travel web site as well as some cruise-related content for USA Today Travel's 10Best.com. Stay tuned! What are your favorite restaurants in Washington, D.C.? Share them with me in the comments below. … [Read more...]
Saying Goodbye to Maryland Life Magazine
Saying goodbye is never easy. Six years ago, I faced a tough decision. Well, tough for me. I had to decide if I was going to attend the Iowa Summer Writer's Workshop or accept a job at a new magazine. I opted for the later. As much as I wanted to go to Iowa -- attending that prestigious writing program is still a dream -- I couldn't pass up full-time employment to spend the summer writing amidst cornfields. So I chose the practical option. And I haven't regretted that decision for one single moment (but I did frame my acceptance letter from the University of Iowa). However, today, I'm saying goodbye to Maryland Life magazine. Not because I want to but because I have to. Today, Maryland Life magazine will cease publication. I am sad. That's for certain. I've shed many tears and will probably shed a few more. I have loved this job. Correction: I LOVE this job. It's my passion. I get to write and edit and travel and be creative. Its been a dream. What … [Read more...]
