Red Room Where the Writers Are

how to write when you don't have time to write »

Hey Seattle-area writers!

On Tod Goldberg and this month's RWA chapter meeting... »

One of the best things I did after selling my novel is to join the Romance Writers of America organization, both the national group and

Know thyself, characters »

I'm reading a book with a truly irritating main character, but I'm sticking with it, largely because the character knows his behavior is awful and would like to change it, but finds himself trapped

Books as comfort food »

It wasn't so long ago that my nightstand was literally tipping over from the stack of books piled upon it.

THE BUSINESS OF BOOKS, with novelist Seth Greenland »

Dusting off my pearls »

As a literal debutante I'd be well past my expiration date, but as a member of the group blog ("grog") The Debutante Ball (http://www.thedebutanteball.com), I am ageless.

Injustice and your DNA »

Imagine being arrested for a crime you didn't commit, a serious crime, maybe one in which you could lose your life if you're convicted.

In good company »

A novel's midlife crisis »

The writer W. Somerset Maugham said, "There are three rules for writing a novel.

Nothing To Do With Literature, But Funny Nonetheless »

I know this has nothing to do with writing, but I thought it was funny and wanted to share. Back to more serious writerly stuff tomorrow. 

Summer Reading Part Two »

Here is my summer reading list. It's a hodgepodge of books with something for everyone.

Summer Reading  »

So I thought it would be nice to list a few of my favorite books to read for the summer.

It's Just Me! »

Okay, so I have to be honest about something. From the beginning of my writing career, I have come in contact with some wonderful people.

Under the influence? »

So I'm here at Red Room now, and I'm supposed to identify my authorial influences.I hesitate. I hesitate, because I don't know.

Patience »

I know I said that I would write a long Blog the other day, but as is often the case, time slips away and I find myself occupied with something else.

Fast, cheap and dirty »

   In summer, I like my reading fast and cheap and dirty. Do my own books fit the bill?

What Else Is New »

Just heard from my agent: a publisher she recently sent my latest children's picture book to, has just turned it down. Crap!

Why? »

I have a problem with saying "no." I always have.

Back To Blogging »

Life stops when my husband doesn't go to work. Don't get me wrong, I love him to bits, but he completely ruins my routine.

In Praise of Writing Friends »

The history of my writing starts with a purse.

The Two Minute Rule »

(From Murderati - May 26, 2006)

Welcome to the Real World »

So about a week ago I attended my very first book signing.

Oh, Canada! »

I need to get something off my chest. I'm all for Canadian pride, but Canadian Idol is an absolute embarrassment.

The Truth Is... »

The truth is, life as a writer is nothing like I imagined it would be. When I was in my teens I used to think that a writer's life consisted of excitement, romance and adventure.

MultiCulti bouillabaisse »

I saw this definition of a multicultural novel in the paper a while ago...

Naming »

In the first novella of Paul Theroux’s new The Elephanta Suite, he introduces the Blundens. Already I see them blundering. Should I?

If You Build It, Will They Come? »

At Left Coast Crime in Denver recently, I had the wonderful fortune of moderating a panel on the creative process titled “Where Ideas Come From.” Imagining the four delightful, witty, smart women on the panel (Donna Anderson, Jane Cleland, Alex Sokoloff and Penny Warner) might have an even greater affinity for the analogy than I, I suggested writing books, mysteries, is a little like being pregnant. The germ of an idea gets planted in a writer’s mind and gestates.

On Your Way to the Incinerator »

If you think writers are born rather than made and brilliant writing is recognized immediately, those rejection slips for your novel—or story or nonfiction query, or (he

Nice girl, but her father was a little odd... »

I can’t watch the footage of the

Rose Among Thorns »

The Charm School has gone through a few iterations in its lifetime. I thought you'd like to see the genesis of this book from the outside in.

A Fresh Start »

I took a big step yesterday.

Just Great! »

So, as I mentioned a few days ago, I have been working on the revisions for my new middle grade novel.

Daddy Take My Kidney, Lover Take My Heart »

That’s the working title of

Is 2008 the Year for Your Novel? »

Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu is one way to say “Happy New Year” in Japanese.

The Jung and the Restless: Writing Necessary Things »

a dream weekend... »

Readers often tell me they wish they could visit Willow Lake, because it's such a beautiful place in my books. Well, thanks to my publisher, here's your shot.

Last Man Blogging »

To be honest, I never thought I would blog, although I have to admit I've always been attracted to the word.