Are you a planner when it comes to writing, or do you fly by the seat of your pants? I’ve asked this question on social media a few times before, and the verdict seems to be about half-and-half. But that’s understandable—we authors are as diverse in our processes as we are in our books. What... Continue Reading →
Writing Outdoors in Spring – How I Refresh my Inspiration in this Refreshing New Season
I don’t know about you, but this winter has felt unaccountably long. Being a Canadian girl, I’m a huge fan of winter. I love everything about it - the outdoor sports, the snowfall, the breathtaking landscapes... I even love the early sunsets and the long, dark nights. So for me to admit that I’d grown... Continue Reading →
Why My Epic Fail Does Not Make Me a Failure
One of the things I love to do in my writing day is take a lunchtime break to walk the dog and listen to a podcast. Recently, on one of the regular podcasts I listen to, author and entrepreneur Jennifer Cohen was being featured, and she said something that made me stop in my tracks.... Continue Reading →
4 Strategies I Use to Avoid Wasting Time Searching for “The Next Big Productivity Hack.”
Let’s talk productivity. Check out YouTube, Instagram, or any social media platform really, and you’ll find more than enough advice on how to be more productive. You’ll find content creators whose whole platforms revolve around how to get more done, how to work smarter, how to increase your output. As a writer, whose entire livelihood... Continue Reading →
Autumn Activities That Keep Me Inspired to Write
Autumn is my absolute favourite time of year. It is the season for which I wait most eagerly, the change in weather and general atmosphere for which I long from the bottom of my soul. The treetops, so vibrant in the sunlight that they are nearly luminescent, never fail to render me awestruck, and dreams... Continue Reading →
Novel Update: Beneath the Surface Chapter 1 (Excerpt)
Good morning, my friends! I am so excited to share my progress with Beneath the Surface, my current work-in-progress (for a book blurb, click here). This is the second book in the Hanley series, and follows my recently released contemporary romance novel, Autumn in Arborwood. This one was a fun one to write. Not only... Continue Reading →
Pride and Prejudice A&E vs. Feature Film – Which One is Better?
Knock me sideways! Did you know there is an active debate amongst Jane Austin fans about which version of Pride and Prejudice is better? I certainly didn’t, but apparently the contenders in the arena are the A&E six-part miniseries starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and the 2005 feature film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew... Continue Reading →
Writers: How to Use Psychology to Make Your Characters Memorable
How many times have you read a book and fallen head over heels in love with a character because something about them just resonated with you? On the flip side, how many times have you read a book and found you wanted to smack the main character upside the head because they were so irredeemably... Continue Reading →
New Release: Autumn in Arborwood
I am thrilled to announce that my first contemporary romance novel, Autumn in Arborwood, is officially available. The long, long months I've spent bringing to life the worlds of my main characters, Jake Hanley and Ryan Mitchell, have come to an end. Will she open Jake's eyes to a world where community and family are... Continue Reading →
Autumn in Arborwood Excerpt – Chapter Six
With only five chapters to go in my upcoming novel, Autumn in Arborwood, I am excited to share an excerpt from the manuscript. SPARKS WILL FLY WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE There is absolutely nowhere on earth that Ryan Mitchell would rather be than at home, in the picturesque town of Arborwood. As General Manager of... Continue Reading →