Start with a mirror, of course, but don't do as I did. I bought a mirror in a frame with a beveled edge. That meant an uneven surface for gluing shells. Buy a flat frame. Glue on the shells. Yes, it's that easy. Here are a few tips. (Learn from my mistakes!)1. Sort your shells in advance. I rinse mine with tap water and set them on paper towels to dry. Then I sort them into plastic baggies with ziplock tops. Having them sorted makes it much … [Read more...] about Directions for Making a Shell Mirror
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I Start Knowing Nothing: An Interview with Rhys Bowen
Rhys Bowen will be appearing at the Love Is Murder Conference in Chicago, Feb. 4-6, 2011. For more information go to www.loveismurder.net 1. Murphy's Law starts with a wonderful first sentence: "That mouth of yours will be getting you into big trouble one day." In fact, all of your books start with a super first line. Any hints about how you make that happen? I spend a lot of time thinking about the first line. I think it's so important where … [Read more...] about I Start Knowing Nothing: An Interview with Rhys Bowen
The Christmas Eve That Changed Him–and a Free Book Giveaway
Note: Doug Brendel and I have been friends now for nearly forty years. He's one of the smartest, kindest people I know. He might also be the bravest. For years now, he and his wife have been traveling to Belarus to minister to people. His newest book is called, "Why I Quit the Church." I asked him to share a post with us, and I think you'll be impressed by what you read. Doug's honesty comes through, shining like a star atop a Christmas tree. His … [Read more...] about The Christmas Eve That Changed Him–and a Free Book Giveaway
That Creative Urge
I've decided that I simply have to have a shell covered mirror for the bedroom of my new home in Florida. So I've been shopping. Online. In person. In catalogs. The prices of such mirrors are reasonable until you get to a certain size, the size I need.I was in a retail store the other day, talking with the owner, who happens to be a friend of my sister Jane. Jane seems to know everyone in southern Florida! I told the owner what I wanted. She had … [Read more...] about That Creative Urge
I Believe in Instinct: An Interview with Jon Land
Jon Land will be appearing at the Love Is Murder Conference in Chicago, Feb. 4-6, 2011. For more information go to www.loveismurder.net 1. Your books are very complex with multiple points of view and several story lines running through them. How do you plan them out? What strategies and techniques can you share? Great question to start with … [Read more...] about I Believe in Instinct: An Interview with Jon Land
Suggestions for Being a More Productive Writer
Melva Gifford took these notes on a presentation by Kevin J. Anderson that was available through Dave Farland's website. I thought there were some great ideas here.Presentation by Kevin J. Anderson on Nov. 10, 20101. Shut up and write. You can't wait to write until the muse hits. Think of your writing as a job. Brandon Anderson had a night job as a clerk at a hotel when he first started out as a writer.2. Defy the empty page: If you can't get … [Read more...] about Suggestions for Being a More Productive Writer
