Category: Uncategorized

Not too long ago, I met a few writer friends for coffee. A topic came up that many writers avoid. But we tackled it anyway. When is it time to bench your manuscript? When do you know your manuscript will never be ready for the big game? When do you decide with finality that it… Continue reading When It’s Time to Bench a Manuscript

Hey Guys, So, over the summer I had the great fortune of celebrating my Aunt and Uncle’s 50th Wedding Anniversary aboard a yacht. Yes, a yacht. It was a dinner cruise in the Boston Harbor, not a week long jaunt in the Riviera, but hey, it was still a YACHT. And it was definitely as… Continue reading Characters Have Feelings Too

Hey Guys! It’s September. Can you even believe it? I mean what the heck. Did someone flip the calendar pages faster this summer? Seriously. What’s the deal? I didn’t even have a chance to acknowledge my blog’s birthday. Not even a mention on the site—and that’s so sad!! So… Happy 3rd Birthday to Swirl and… Continue reading Swirl and Spark is 3 Years Old!

I'm branching out. For all of you parents of high school seniors, this post is for you... Writers love to write. They also love to help revise and polish the writing of others as well. And I'm no exception! Over the last few years, I've  assisted countless high school students with their college admissions essays.  For… Continue reading College Essay Assistance

  Hey Guys! How are you all?? It's been soooooo long since I’ve checked in with you. Obviously. I mean, yikes! I never intended to take a break from blogging. As I said back in May, life had gotten a little busy and I guess one week turned into two and two months turned into… Continue reading Writer’s Block? No… Blogger’s Block

Hey Guys, I thought I check in with all of you. It’s been awhile! I wish I had a fantastic writing post to bring you today, but I don’t…and I feel so bad about that. May has gotten the best of me. Busy. Busy. And More Busy. But I can give you an update about… Continue reading Writing in May

Dear Future Reader, I’m writing this letter today to express the words that so many writers like me want to say to you: I’m sorry it’s taking me so long to get my book into your hands! I’m trying—really, I am! Now you may not know that you’re waiting to read my book. You may… Continue reading An Open Letter to My Future Reader

Hey guys! I hope that if you celebrate Easter, it was a special day for you…and that it served to wake you up. The winter months can be long and dreary, even dismal. The shorter cold days will do that to you, I suppose. But with the arrival of spring and all the brightness and… Continue reading Overcoming the Sequel Struggle

Even though I write middle grade and adore reading middle grade books, some of my favorite books are YA. Like, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins…and Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant—the book I’m reading now, by Veronica Roth. And 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Oh and Speak and Catalyst by Laurie… Continue reading Why I’ll Never Write YA