Happy Anniversary!

writer's life

Hi, friends! Today marks one year that I’ve been posting on Substack. What a year, eh? In honor of the occasion, I’m reposting my very first post. I didn’t meet the every Saturday goal, as I’m now posting on Sunday. Other than that, I think I’ve held made true on those promises made one year ago.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments and until next time, bubbles up!

Greetings and Welcome!

Hi, folks! Welcome to my Substack. That’s something I never thought I’d say. So, lesson number one - Never Say Never! I appreciate you stopping by. And to make it worth your while, I’m going to share with you what we’ll I’ll be rambling about in my teeny-tiny corner of the internet.

I’ve been writing regularly since 2011, and in that time have published 18 novels (one a bestseller!), a short story, and contributed an essay to an anthology about writing. I’ve also blogged, been active on more social media platforms than I can remember, and have co-hosted a writing webcast. I’ve also seen a lot of people enter the writing gig. And a lot of them leave.

I’ve done and seen stuff over the years. You don’t stick around that long without learning a few things. Some of it good and some of it not so good. So, I got it in my head that maybe I could put those experiences to use by sharing them with others.

That’s what I’m going to do here. I’ll talk about the craft of writing—things like plotting, point of view, characterization, and showing instead of telling.

I’ll also get into the business of writing. Do you need an agent? Which career path—traditional, indie, or hybrid—is best for you? Whether to write a series a one off?

Most importantly, we’ll get into the community of writing. Why do we do it? How do we keep going when the going gets rough? Where can we find and build a support network? Like it says at the top, writing can be a lonely gig, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here for you—to share in the celebrations as well as commiserate over the low points.

Because I’ve been there.

I’ll also be sharing with you all updates on my writing. What new stories are coming down the pipe, what appearances I’ll be making, and what’s the latest from It’s Bookish Time TV.

The plan is to post every Saturday. I'm pretty sure my somewhat chaotic mind can maintain that schedule. This Substack will always be free. We’re in this writing thing together, after all. And, hey, if you like the content, I’d be ever so grateful if you’d check out my books. Thanks again for visiting. Bubbles up!

What’s the latest from It’s Bookish Time TV:

On Thursday, March 13, my partner in bookish crime Sarah E. Burr and I hosted the incomparable mystery author Linda Norlander on The Bookish Hour. We discussed her upcoming release, And the Lake Will Take Them, surviving Minnesota winters, and writing about grief, among other things. Check it out here: The Bookish Hour - Linda Norlander

As a reward for making it to the end, here’s a photo of my writing supervisor, Maria.

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