AI and the Art of Character Creation: Visualizing the Voices in My Head
In the intimate dance of storytelling, characters are not just figments of the imagination—they are the heartbeat of our narratives, entities with depth, desires, and destinies. My process of character creation has always been a deep dive into the complexities of personality, an exploration that transcends mere physical descriptions to touch the very essence of […]
Writing My Way Out: Escaping the Media’s Grip and Rediscovering Joy
In an age where the media’s pervasive presence infiltrates every corner of our lives—from the endless scroll on our phones to conversations dominated by the latest headlines—it became increasingly challenging to find a respite from the relentless message that “we’re all doomed.” The media, omnipresent and omnipotent, seemed to cast a long shadow over every […]
Crafting The Future of Storytelling: How I Fell in Love With Live Beta Readers
Hey everyone! I know, I know, it’s been a minute since I posted, but that’s because I’ve been writing up a storm–thanks to these amazing live beta readers! I decided to give this new technique of live readers a try with my latest fantasy book, “A Song of Snow and Shadows,” and it’s totally changed […]
The Adrift World… What comes next?
After finishing the final chapter of ‘The Adrift Series,’ a journey that has been as unpredictable as it has been fulfilling, I find myself both nostalgic and excited. This series, a labor of love, has been a significant part of my life, and I’m deeply grateful to all of you who’ve joined me in this […]
So, you read the entire Adrift Series. But, what was it really about?
Ah, the holidays… that special time of year when I’m attending more and more get-togethers and meeting new people. The minute they discover I’m an author, that good ole’ question about the series always rears its head, “What’s it about?” A million-plus words in this five-book series, and Aunt Marleen isn’t really looking for a […]
Crafting Spaces: An Author’s Ode to Her Craftsman
Today’s post wanders from the beaten path of my usual musings to a place brimming with appreciation and tenderness. It’s a space where I want to pause and honor my husband, the unsung hero behind the scenes of every story I write. In the throes of a writing slump you’re all quite familiar with, I […]
Answers to All Your Questions About the Release of Book 5, The Stars that Call Us Home
Hey there, stargazers and page-turners! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted, mostly because I’ve turned into a bookish mole, burrowing into the mountain of words that is ‘The Stars That Call Us Home’. And let’s just say, trying to perfect this ending has been like trying to thread a needle while riding a […]
Depression and ADHD: An Author’s Battle with Silent Saboteurs
There are days when I find myself staring blankly at the blinking cursor on my computer screen. It’s almost as if that tiny, ever-persistent line is mocking me, challenging my very identity as an author. Those are the days when the ghosts of depression and ADHD rear their heads, obscuring the landscape of my creativity […]
A Heartfelt Update on “The Stars that Call Us Home” – Book 5 of the Adrift Series
Greetings to my cherished readers, The journey through the Adrift Series has been nothing short of a dream, a collective experience that we’ve all embarked upon together. Each installment of this series has been crafted with immense dedication, not only from me but also from every pair of eyes that have dived into its pages. […]
What’s in store for Book 5 of the Adrift Series: The Stars that Call us Home
In this latest installment (set to be released September 30th, 2023), our beloved characters find themselves scattered across the 18th century, each facing unique challenges that will test their resolve and convictions. One group embarks on a daring expedition through colonial America, driven by the quest to locate the elusive George Bennet. Another group grapples […]
