My in-laws visited a few months ago and kindly planted a lovely little garden next to my “thinking spot” where I do much of my planning, reading, writing and, well…thinking.  As summer approaches the flowers are thriving, the colors ranging from fiery orange to royal purple to cottony white. 

When I recently noticed several lush new leaves had miraculously sprouted up in the garden, I rushed to email my mother-in-law and tell her that the sunflower seeds she’d plant had finally decided to make an appearance. Unfortunately, she responded that the rapidly growing leaves we're actually weeds that had crept over from the next-door neighbor’s yard.  (What can I say? I’m a writer, not a gardener).

​My disappointment was short-lived however as I pulled out the impostors the next morning and realized that the delicately designed harmony of the little garden had been restored. The enlightening (and vaguely embarrassing) episode reminded me of the temptation writers have to allow word weeds (unplanned and inelegant words, phrases, and descriptions) to creep into our work. And now, when I sit in my thinking spot plotting out my next book, it’s a timely reminder that a story, like a garden, requires careful pruning. 

​Virginia Woolf’s essay A Room of One’s Own still resonates with writers around the world 90 years after first publication in 1929. Finding my own room to write meant turning my back porch into an “outdoor writing studio” and the corner of my living room into a “writer’s nook.” My “reading corner” and thinking chair” also helped me create my very own writing world. I always love to see the writing rooms, spaces, studios, nooks, corners and spots that other writers have created for themselves

​After recent world events it’s more important than ever to celebrate #WorldBookDay. Books can open hearts and minds to other cultures and beliefs, and books still fill me with hope for better days to come.

​I was excited to be accepted as a new general member of Romance Writers of America and thrilled to receive my welcome packet in the mail. Can't wait to get involved with the @romancewriters community!  

Today is the last day for the Amazon Countdown Deal for The Lovely Here and Now.  Visit Amazon Purchase page for special offer price of $2.99!

Happy to announce that the audio version of The Lovely Here and Now is available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes. View Here.

I'm happy to see reader feedback coming in for my new book, The Lovely Here and Now, and so grateful to readers that take time to offer positive feedback. It's incredibly motivating to know that a reader has enjoyed my book!