I was at the library last week--shocking, I know--and came across a delightful book in the new nonfiction section. Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff Vandermeer has an engaging, whimsical cover, and I had to pick it up. With stunning graphics, author essays, and entertaining chapter subheadings, Wonderbook was…
June!! This year is flying by. It's time to check our progress and post new goals. Who's with me? First, I'll update you on how I did in May. Jill’s May 2018 Goals: Finish drafting the fourth Wyoming Cowboys book. Finalize all promo for Reunited with the Bull Rider. This means…
Whoop! Whoop! And Yeehaw!! My new book, Reunited with the Bull Rider is in stores now! Believe it or not, the original idea that sparked this book was really lame. I knew the characters were exes brought together in Sweet Dreams, but I had no idea why! Unfortunately, the first brainstorming sessions…
Every month I share my new goals and let you know on how I did with my previous month's goals. Here's my update! Jill’s April 2018 Goals: Revise, polish and submit the proposal due later this month. Prep and speak at Researching the Romance symposium sponsored by BGSU’s Browne Pop…
Twenty days! That's how long it will be until my seventh novel, Reunited with the Bull Rider, starts showing up on store shelves! WHEEE!!! To celebrate, I'm hosting a month-long giveaway. Here's what one blessed person will win: Autographed copy of Reunited with the Bull Rider (Wyoming Cowboys Book 2) Autographed copy…
Writing a first draft for me is up and down. It involves wasted minutes (okay, hours) staring at the screen and having no idea what comes next. Then it's manic typing when something so delicious happens I can't get it on the page fast enough. Since first drafts are all…
On Saturday I gave a presentation at the Researching the Romance academic conference (#BGSURomCon18) hosted by the Browne Pop Culture Library at Bowling Green State University, which happens to be the official repository for Romance Writers of America (RWA). It was an amazing conference. I learned so much from professors, university…
On the first Wednesday of each month, I share my monthly goals and encourage you to in the comments. Sorry I'm a week late this month! Before I list my April 2018 goals, I’m reviewing last month’s progress. Last Month: Jill’s March 2018 Goals Start putting promo together for June release.…
For two months I've been letting my exercise goals slide. I haven't given up on them completely, but the 5-6 days a week turned into 2-3 days a week. I noticed other goals of mine flitting away as well. My side writing goals are not getting met, and you know…
One thing I love about internal conflict is that a character recognizes she is emotionally protecting herself from something and thinks she knows why, but as the story progresses, she realizes the reason goes deeper. Until she's willing to be vulnerable and admit the emotional walls she's erected are stifling…