While I'm writing I pop up now and again to do household chores. This morning I was moving clothes from the washer to the dryer. First I had to pick off all the pieces of tissue that had partially dissolved in the wash and where stuck all over the pants and shirts.Sigh. No matter how carefully I search every pocket, I still miss a tissue or two.Ideas are like that. They pop up in the most unexpected places. They get all clingy and refuse to go … [Read more...] about Where Ideas Come From–Mole Removal 101
Cut Crop and Die
Taking Criticism (Kate, Are You There?)
I never, ever wanted to watch Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), but now I'm hooked. My reason for not wanting to be a viewer is simple: I love to dance. Therefore, watching other people having a good time is like...torture. I spend every minute wishing I was dancing along!(Check out the dancing scene in Cut, Crop & Die. I had to tone it down some, but that's me, bay-bee.)Lately, I've been watching DWTS and thinking about criticism. It's always hard … [Read more...] about Taking Criticism (Kate, Are You There?)
What's New in My Life?
It's certainly been a year to remember. In May, Paper, Scissors, Death was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel. The list of novelists over the years who have been nominated include Mary Higgins Clarke, Jan Burke, and Janet Evanovich. I mean, really, how could you be in better company?Cut, Crop & Die was released in June 2009, but the release was quickly overshadowed by word that my mother had terminal cancer.My mom died in … [Read more...] about What's New in My Life?
Queenie D's Review of Cut, Crop & Die
It's not often you get reviewed by royalty. Queenie D gives her take on Cut, Crop & Die here http://www.book-club-queen.com/cut.htmlHere's an interview we did together: http://www.book-club-queen.com/cut.htmlI must admit, I shared a lot more about my characters with Queenie than I have in the past. I'm curious to hear what my fans think about my future plans.After we corresponded by email, I learned she and I are almost neighbors! So I'm … [Read more...] about Queenie D's Review of Cut, Crop & Die
70 Library Holds on Cut, Crop & Die
That's me and Marsha Ramey, from Sachs Library here in Chesterfield. Marsha was kind enough to set up a meeting with her book club, a lovely group of ladies. Here's an email from an attendee:> Joanna,> Thank you for your lively and informative talk with all of us at> Sach's Library on Wednesday,the 15th of July.> It was so interesting to hear about the publishing industry and your> own personal experiences as an author.> And what fun your Kiki … [Read more...] about 70 Library Holds on Cut, Crop & Die
Tools for Overcoming Writer's Block
Last night I posted 15 essays on writing at www.youpublish.com/joannaslanThese were originally monthly columns for an online magazine called "Graceful Bee," but I'm now making them available for a short time for anyone who needs a gentle boost to get writing. Although written for scrapbookers, the ideas and concepts could inspire any writer. Often, when I'm working on a book, I dig through my personal bag of experiences to find raw materials. I … [Read more...] about Tools for Overcoming Writer's Block
