Blogging about my books, the writing process, mindset, and anything else I feel like sharing.
Medicine and Miracles in the High Desert: My Life Among the Navajo People by Erica M. Elliott, M.D. is a memoir that reads like a suspense novel—what a gripping page turner! When I read the book description for Medicine and Miracles in the High Desert, I thought it sounded like a fascinating read. As it turned out, it was that and so much more!
Read MoreHi everyone! Today I have something fun to share…a special chance to win some help with your writing bills. Awesome, right?
Some of you may know Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi of Writers Helping Writers. Well, today they are releasing a new book, and I’m part of their street team. I’m handing the blog over to them so they can tell you about their Writer’s Showcase event, new book, and a great freebie to check out. Read on!
Read MoreTo win readers over we need to write characters so authentic they feel like real people. How do we do this? By brainstorming a character’s backstory, personality, needs, desires, and their day-to-day world. Lucky for us, one aspect of their daily life is a goldmine of characterization: the type of work they do.
Think about it: a job can reveal personality, skills, beliefs, fears, desires, and more, which is why Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi created The Occupation Thesaurus, a writing guide that profiles 124 possible careers and the story-worthy information that goes with each. To help with this project, I’m sharing my experience as a floral designer/florist below, in case this career is a perfect fit for your character!
Read More*Guest post by Sarah Stonich
You know that new heart-hugging ‘care’ emoji added to Facebook since the pandemic? It seems like it’s doing double duty these past weeks. As I sit to write this post, my city, Minneapolis is in the news every day. The neighborhood south of where I now live was decimated after peaceful rallies protesting George Floyd's murder were infiltrated and inflamed by outsiders; looters, and misguided bad actors. This murder-by-police has enlivened a movement–one that is spreading from a humble neighborhood to the attention of millions across cultures, borders, and time zones.
Read MoreI'm a list maker. When I saw Alexandra's book, The Checklist Book, I knew I had to read it. Sometimes I think I make lists just for the sake of making a list. Other times, I'll make a list, and then I don't follow it and end up doing other things.
One of the big things I learned from reading Alexandra's book is why certain checklists don't work for me. It’s the same reason I make a list then don’t follow it!
Read MorePeople feel the intention behind your work. They feel the big message. They feel the heart and spirit. They feel the vulnerability and courage. That’s what they remember.
Not the fact that you spelled “the” as “teh” on page 42.
Read MoreI was about 12 or 13-years old when I read a book about high-performance athletes and how they get to Olympic level. I was a competitive figure skater and wanted to make it to nationals. Sadly, I can’t remember the name of that book, but it was fascinating.
One of the things I started doing was playing my solo music before bed, closing my eyes, and visualizing completing a perfect performance. That year was one of my best in terms of how I placed at competitions. While I never made it to nationals, I did make it to provincials that year.
Read MoreHi, I'm Michelle! Writing is a passion of mine. I love to entertain and educate through my writing. I started out writing about business and money and have moved on to thrillers and picture books.
Spending time with family is what I'm all about. Life's too short!
I have two amazing sons who love Lego and ninjas...and TV (sigh)!! We read a ton of storybooks to make up for the TV thing. One of the best ways to explain things is through stories of course.
If it was up to me, I'd have chips and dip for dinner every night with a super dark chocolate bar to round out the meal...and maybe an apple! It's a good thing I've got kids and a husband. They keep me responsible (and healthy).
