Love The Skin You’re In

I write first thing in the morning.  The upside is that it’s easier to get into that creative flow state because my brain is rested and ready to go. The downside is I often find myself distracted through the day by the issues the characters are facing. I’m finishing up the Scythian Legacy, the second book in the Scythian series … Read More

Fighting Imposter Syndrome

According to dictionary.com, imposter syndrome is defined as “anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one’s accomplishments to luck or other external forces.” I define it as one giant mind fuck. I’ve struggled with it for years. First in music, then teaching, and now as a writer. My … Read More

The Little Things

Last Saturday, I stood at the Cincinnati International Airport, confounded as to how I missed a flight that hadn’t even taken off yet. I mean, I got up a 3:45 a.m., was out the door by 4:10, and I made it to Cincy two hours before like a good little rule-follower. The first hurdle was the fact that CVG, the … Read More

Five Things Successful Authors Do

This past decade has seen a ton of changes in the bookish world. Technology assured indie authors had a voice at the table, and Amazon turned the publishing industry on its ear. We saw the end of great brick-and-mortar stores while digital books rose at unprecedented rates. Gone were the gatekeepers of old, and in their place a new paradigm. … Read More

Oh, Good Lord–Coconut Brown Butter Short Bread Cookies

Most of you know that I’ve sworn off sugar. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, but let’s be honest, sometimes a girl just needs a cookie! When I volunteered to make sweet treats for a retirement reception, I figured it was time to look for something unique and original that sugar-loving people could enjoy as well. (Finding desserts that … Read More

Understanding Equality

As you know, The Scythian Trials, the first book in the new series, debuts this month. The origin of the story stems from an article about a burial ground discovered in Romania, which was believed to be remains of Amazon warriors. These women lived autonomously in villages and sought male companionship for procreation purposes only. I became fascinated with the … Read More

When Words Fail

My great grandmother always said the more we love, the more we grieve. Damned if she wasn’t right. It’s the emotional equivalent of Newton’s third law (for every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction). Now, I feel things deeply. Love. Loss. Betrayal. It goes to the center of me, straight through, wrapping around my heart. I used to hate … Read More