Yes, I used AI to generate a graphic for the blog. Get over it! Today, the third anniversary of Pop’s death, I am quiet. I am reflecting on a journey that took me from a hospital room in Corinth to the depths of a broken heart, and finally, to a place of reclaimed grace. I have fought to be a phoenix rising from the ashes, and today I stand on solid ground. . The First Year: The Battle and the Break The first year was defined by a brutal fight for Pop’s dignity. I had failed

Time travel stories have fascinated readers for decades. They offer a unique way to explore history, imagine futures, and challenge the limits of reality. Writing a good time travel or time slip story requires more than just moving characters through different eras. It demands careful thought about the rules of time, the impact of change, and the characters' emotional journey. This guide will help you create engaging science fiction adventures that capture readers' imaginatio

Dedication: I dedicate this blog to my best friend, Gwenna White Maddox. She and I had the challenging and painful experience of burying a parent on the same day in 2023. For both of us, we navigated the waters of caring for two elderly parents. I am still caregiving for Mama, now in year 12 of her dementia journey. Gwenna, I love you , and I took some of the best things we learned on our journey as caregivers, and I hope this blog helps someone. I love you, Bestie. Holidays

Every novelist knows that writing a story is just the beginning. After the first draft, the manuscript often feels rough, with awkward sentences, unclear ideas, and inconsistent flow. This is where line editing plays a crucial role. It is a vital step that transforms a raw draft into a polished, engaging novel ready for readers. Line editing focuses on the clarity, style, and flow of your writing at the sentence and paragraph level. It goes beyond basic proofreading to improv

Writing historical fiction requires more than imagination. It demands careful research, attention to detail, and respect for the real people and events behind the story. My newest short story focuses on Mary Webster, a woman from 1600s New England who was hanged but survived. This remarkable event inspired me to dig deep into history and bring her story to life. Here, I want to share how I researched Mary Webster’s story, the methods I used, and why keeping an annotated bibli

The Italian sonnet, also known as the Petrarchan sonnet, stands as one of the most enduring and influential poetic forms in Western literature. Its structure and rhythm have shaped poetry for centuries, offering a clear framework for expressing complex emotions and ideas. For poets today, understanding and using the Italian sonnet can open new creative paths while connecting with a rich literary tradition. Handwritten Italian sonnet on aged paper What Defines the Italian Sonn

I'M BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN, but first.... This Blog is dedicated to the late Harvey Wilson: Christian. Friend, Writer. I’m a writer with two feet firmly planted in two different worlds—the traditionally published and the indie press. I'm a hybrid author. Yet, my training began in the pre-digital age: I trained as a journalist when the Internet wasn't even a common word, and concepts like digital publishing, indie writing,  or citizen journalists  were completely foreign. Th