Obviously, the hardest part of writing a mystery is creating a believable and intriguing mystery to be solved. The same stories are told over and over again, wrapped in different packaging – so it can be tedious or challenging to come up with something new. So, I thought I’d offer some fun writing prompts inContinue reading “4 Cozy Mystery Writing Prompts”
When You Just Need Some Good News
I don’t have to tell you that the world is in a quagmire of chaos right now. But I might have to remind you that there are still good things going on in the world today in the midst of all this. I do a weekly post for a platform I contribute to, targeting trendingContinue reading “When You Just Need Some Good News”
5 Writing Prompts for Fantasy Stories
In my writing group lately, we’ve been using prompts and games to work on our craft each meeting. I thought I would create a few prompts in multiple genres this summer for fellow writers looking for a boost in creativity.
DIY: Scalp-Soothing Homemade Shampoo
DIY isn’t really a hobby of mine – much as I’d love it to be – but I have been getting more and more into natural, homemade everything. Specifically, I’m eliminating shampoo because I have a very sensitive scalp. For about a year, I had a store-bought shampoo I could use, but it’s recently beenContinue reading “DIY: Scalp-Soothing Homemade Shampoo”
8 of the Best Classic Light Reads This Summer
If you love reading, and always have, you probably have a number of favorites from your childhood like I have.
Why I Take Both a Morning and an Evening Walk Each Day
Even though I’m a runner who hits the gym most nights at about 8 or 9pm (or at least I did until lock-downs), I take walks twice daily whenever possible. When I first get up and right before the sun goes down, I’m out there, stalking through the snow or meandering a sun-kissed trail throughContinue reading “Why I Take Both a Morning and an Evening Walk Each Day”
From Stranger to Running Inspiration
In Memoriam of Elizabeth Lynn Glovier, my best friend and “bosom buddy” Anne of Green Gables was my favorite book series as a child. It might still be, actually. And though I’ve always had deep, beautiful friendships, I didn’t really understand the kind of friendship that Anne and Diana had – though I did longContinue reading “From Stranger to Running Inspiration”
Creating a Fairy Garden on My Balcony
Chicago weather seems to finally think it’s just possible that it could be spring. Yes. We’re late to the game. But we usually are. During the Stay-at-Home orders, a lot of us are finding different things we can do to keep creatively busy while still getting some fresh air and not exposing ourselves or ourContinue reading “Creating a Fairy Garden on My Balcony”
Underused Resources in the Writing World: Sensitivity Readers
Recently, I wrote a personal essay for Tor.com, involving sensitive topics. I’m well aware of the challenges of writing about sensitive issues like mental health and suicide – which are in this story. I’ve written on them many times before. I asked a friend who I know has understanding in these things. She carefully evaluatedContinue reading “Underused Resources in the Writing World: Sensitivity Readers”
The Unexpected Challenge of Writing for Publications
Thanks to the slower economy and chaos the world is in, I have had more time to write for publications, yet had fewer clients giving assignments. In one way, this has been great. I recently had two articles accepted at dream publications! With a third semi-dream pub in the works. But it does remind meContinue reading “The Unexpected Challenge of Writing for Publications”
Rita Mock-Pike 