[23 Jun 2010 | No Comment | ]
Building Life-Like Characters through Real-Life Observation

It’s funny how you start to paint a picture of people’s lives when you’ve been around them long enough. I’m talking mostly about strangers here. My husband and I moved across the country, from Utah to Ohio, for the summer, and we now live in an apartment complex full of complete strangers. From my couch, computer desk, or porch, I can easily observe the world as it runs by with my day, and I’ve recently realized just how many pieces I’ve put together about the people in my community—without any conscious effort at all.

Read the full story »

book reviews »

[28 May 2010 | No Comment | ]
Book Review: Cold Skin by Steven Herrick

I’ve had to do way too much digging for interesting books lately, and it came to a head a couple weeks ago, when the only functioning computer at my local library blatantly refused to open its catalog. What is an impatient person to do with such insolent technology? Rummage through thousands of books in hopes of finding an underappreciated gem? Call me crazy, but okay!

what I've learned »

[26 May 2010 | 6 Comments | ]
My Shaky Freelance Beginning and How I Cleared My Head

In January 2010, I subconsciously developed a business plan, one that I hoped would bring me success in the freelance writing world. Of course, not all subconscious plans work out. This plan was one of those.

the writing experience »

[21 May 2010 | 5 Comments | ]
This Little Thing Called Freelancing

It has been just over four weeks since I stepped away from my full-time corporate writing job and entered the realm of the full-time freelance writer. I can’t believe I made it!