If you’ve been writing for a while, you may notice characters come fluttering into your head out of nowhere, full of personality and ready to go. But when that doesn’t happen, how do you go about putting together a main character? Character possibilities are everywhere: grocery stores, church, school—even your own house. Characters are easy…
Sometimes, the thing that comes first for me when I’m writing is a first line. But that can make it difficult to weave a story around. Then, I might have to kill my darling first line and start over. Sad. So what should come first? It’s kind of like planning a party. Do you start…
Who among us hasn’t reached for the bag of pretzels or a cookie when they were hungry instead of slicing some chicken or putting a few spoons of cottage cheese in a bowl? The pretzels are so easy! Not to confuse things, but pretzels are low-hanging fruit. When chatting with a friend, we often reach…
(Good morning. I wrote this post prior to the devastation of the fires in Southern California. My heart goes out to all of you who live there or know someone dealing with this tragedy. I have donated to the Pasadena Human Society and the California Fire Foundation.) Between books and paper notes, my desk has…
The decorations and gifts are put away, the twinkle lights are down, and just like that, the new year is underway. I do love the new year. It’s like standing at the top of a snowy hill, with no footprints marring the pristine whiteness. It’s just waiting for me to walk on it or make…
As we say goodbye to 2024, remember all the good things you did, all that you accomplished, all the preparation you did that allowed you to end up here, now. Until next time, ~ Gail Countdown: 2 days left of 2024 Before you go, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list, below:
This week, my hope is that you are enjoying the little moments that are quietly presenting themselves to you. A warm home, The love of your family, friends, beloved pets, Sweet thoughts of those you’ve loved and lost, Homecomings and hugs, Something warm to drink while surrounded by tiny lights, The magical aroma of baking…
Have all those plans and goals and resolutions we made in January come to fruition? What? You mean, you haven’t completed all your lofty goals? I haven’t completed all of mine either. I read somewhere that a goal is simply a goal post, something to shoot for. If you make it, fantastic. If you don’t,…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. La, la, la, la! Yes, holiday book season! It’s that time of year when it’s almost mandatory to sit with a good story, a mug of something warm, and perhaps a child nearby or just the child in you. (Aww.) Reading during this season makes all your…
Ever since middle school, I’ve wanted to be a writer. In seventh grade, I wrote a story for Mrs. Dahlen, my language arts teacher (although I think we just called them English teachers back then), which she read and returned with a note on top written in red pen that said, “This is really good….
