I've seen it time and time again, in manuscripts I'm editing and even books I'm reading. Such a small word, such a pesky problem! The word "only" conveys a powerful sentiment. "Only" can mean the difference between "one more cookie" and "only one more cookie." "Only" can even change "the … [Read more...]
My Favorite Books of 2018–and What I’ll Do Differently Next Year
Someone once asked if I read too much. Nope. At the beginning of each year, I challenge myself to read a set number of books. (I love using Goodreads' Reading Challenge for this!) This year was no different, and I'm even exceeding my original goal of 25. I'm on track to finish 40 books this … [Read more...]
Letters Home to 16th-Century England
In this newest fiction release, an epistolary short story, revisit the characters of the original series—and meet a new character you might have otherwise missed. This was originally supposed to be a fun writing experiment. I love novellas and short stories but never thought I could write one. … [Read more...]
What No One Will Tell You About Buying a Fixer Upper
Don't do it. No, I'm serious. Yes, I'm smiling as I write this, but seriously: Don't buy that fixer upper unless you're ready to spend hours upon hours ripping out nasty old carpet, getting dirtier than you've been since that week doing mission work in Costa Rica when you were 19. Ripping up not … [Read more...]