At first I resisted text-ese and slang, but I started thinking about Shakespeare and how he created so many words we use daily, and I changed my mind. I think some of the new words floating about--LOL, Whazzup?, whodunit, chillaxing--are pretty cool.How inventive was Shakespeare? One site lists 1,700 words that Shakespeare first used in his works. These include:* accommodation* amazement* courtship* countless* frugal* fitful* lonely* majestic* … [Read more...] about Whazzup? Thoughts about Words and a Link
Interview with Joan Johnston
Note: Joan Johnston is one of the authors who will be appearing at Love Is Murder, Feb. 4-6, 2011, in Chicago.1. Joan, you are an incredibly prolific writer as well as a successful one. Tell us about your habits as an author. Can you share any tips for staying focused and productive? You've said you write one book at a time. Do you work on other ideas, but only write one at a time? It seems like you must have a lot in the hopper, as well as what … [Read more...] about Interview with Joan Johnston
Now Available on Kindle!
I know you've been waiting, and so have I! So I'm pleased to announce that Photo, Snap, Shot is now available on Kindle. Yes, now you can read Photo, Snap, Shot in whatever size font suits you. You can carry it in your purse along with all my other books, and you won't even have to struggle under the weight of three books...because you can upload Photo, Snap, Shot in your Kindle. Enjoy! I'm doing my own little happy dance here in my office!You … [Read more...] about Now Available on Kindle!
Cork Stamps and a Contest
Lately I've had fun experimenting with cork stamps. I carve them myself from corks leftover from wine and champagne bottles.Here's what one looks like:Here's how to make your own:1. Sand your cork so that the face of it is as flat as possible.2. Choose a simple shape. If you don't trust your art ability, find a small clip art image. Either glue it to your cork or draw it on the flat edge of the cork with a felt tip marker.3. Carve out the image. … [Read more...] about Cork Stamps and a Contest
Decorating Composition Notebooks
This is a perfect time of year to buy composition notebooks at a great price. Big box chains like Walmart and Target, as well as drugstores like Rite Aid and CVS, all have these notebooks at reduced prices.I suggest you grab a handful and have a notebook decorating party.Above are a few of my faves. (Starting upper left, going clockwise)1. Nana--I started with a red background color on the front and back. Tip: Lightly sand your notebook cover to … [Read more...] about Decorating Composition Notebooks
It's My Story, Damn It! — An Interview with F. Paul Wilson
F. Paul Wilson will be appearing at the Love Is Murder Conference, Feb. 4-6, in Chicago. 1. Paul, you've said you don't believe in gore on the page. You prefer to make the gross/horrific stuff happen in the reader's head. Would you tell us more about that and why it works so well?I tend to go by the maxim that less, if done properly, is more. I've been through med school and a rotating internship that included surgery. I've dissected a human … [Read more...] about It's My Story, Damn It! — An Interview with F. Paul Wilson
