It’s May– Mental Health Awareness Month– and I’m thinking about the beautiful cover of Taylor Before and After, illustrated by Rachel Suggs, on which there’s a break in the clouds above Taylor. In this intimate, honest interview, I discuss depression, desperation, empowerment, hope, and what matters more than anything.
Interview with Roundabout Books Bend’s beloved bookshop, Roundabout Books, and I chat about the unique structure/format of Taylor Before and After. We talk rhythm, sounds, and analysis. Sometimes we write with our brain, and sometimes we go with our gut, or intuition. Toward the end, I surprise the live audience with how long I’ve been…
The 3 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Became An Author Take edits; Use those edits to survive competition in the industry; Be patient while you wait, because things take a long time; Find your people; And know that someday, someone will tell you your words changed her forever. My YouTube Channel
RE’VISION—Taking Another Look At Writing Most authors spend far more time revising a story than on crafting the first draft. What does ‘RE-vision’ mean? This short segment inspires writers to be brave in taking a second (even third) look at writing. Whether we love or hate revision, it’s a huge part of the process. Giggle…
The Villain! For World Read Aloud Day A story’s villain is smart and complicated. She is powerful (even subtly), manipulative, and driven by a motive. She also has her own vulnerabilities. In this segment, I read from page 47 of Taylor Before and After, in which the villain Brielle persuades Taylor to do something out…
In Taylor Before and After, When Taylor opens the school bully’s locker, she’s surprised by what she finds. The inside appears opposite of the life Brielle shows other people she’s living. When I wrote this scene, I thought about who we are when no one is looking. An open door is a peek into someone’s…
Check out my YouTube Channel Story, setting, character– In short clips, I explore elements of the writing process, and expand on certain scenes. I talk about what isn’t visible, and lead viewers to their own connections and predictions. My YouTube Channel
