Category Archives: Writing

Puzzling My Way Through Research

Research is an essential component of all the writing I do. Both my fiction (historical) and nonfiction (science policy) require a lot of upfront research as well as what seems like continuous research during writing and editing. Luckily, I enjoy research. But sometimes it can seem endless. There’s always more to research. I hand-write myContinue reading “Puzzling My Way Through Research”

NaNoWriMo in the Time of COVID

National Novel Writing Month is almost here! But this year feels different… because it is different. Preptober—getting ready for November In NaNo terms, you’re either a planner or a pantser (writing by the seat of your pants with no plan). I’m definitely a planner. In 2018 and 2019, I not only spent time developing detailedContinue reading “NaNoWriMo in the Time of COVID”

Writing in the Time of No Time

It’s August. Five months and counting since quarantine began. Weeks upon weeks of being inside with a husband, an eight-year old, and two cats. And now the heat. Open the door and it feels like an oven blast. Stress. Distance learning, teleworking, global health crisis, injustice, political news that seems to spiral down every day.Continue reading “Writing in the Time of No Time”

Taking the Story from Idea to Draft

I’ve got an idea. Now what? In 2019, I did a full work up of my family history. Due diligence is necessary when researching. There is a lot of garbage online about genealogy. But there is also a lot of great stuff. It’s just a matter of sorting the wheat from the chaff. Cross-referencing andContinue reading “Taking the Story from Idea to Draft”

The Evolution of a Writer, Historical Fiction Edition

I wrote a book. Two, actually. Both historical fiction. Hopefully with more to come. Research is the key to historical fiction I consider research to be my superpower. We all have a superpower. It’s usually something you are good at, but also something you like to do. Did I love to research first or didContinue reading “The Evolution of a Writer, Historical Fiction Edition”