Time for another update about PINING FOR YOU. This is train car 22. It plays a major role in Pining for You. I still haven't ridden in it yet, but hope to soon. In this post I'm talking about love. I mean, it’s a romance novel, it was bound to come up, right? Many romance novels, including my own, follow a similar pattern of how the main characters fall in love. Slow burns are popular and feel both authentic and filled with excitement and tension. I especially like an enemies

Time for another update! PINING FOR YOU is in draft form and currently with my agent and beta readers. I'm hearing good things so far.  I wanted to share another beautiful picture of Jim Thorpe that I took while pondering my recent writing journey. I had quite the view. It was near the Asa Packer Mansion, which I have yet to tour. The experience of writing this book has altered my mindset in ways I'm still comprehending. As my fellow writers and authors know, writing is a ful

Time for an update! I finished my newest novel last week. I did some edits and then spent the weekend decompressing. The first picture is me about to ride the scenic train in Jim Thorpe. It's my favorite, and there are multiple scenes that take place on the train in my new book. The second is me in the Dimmick Memorial Library in Jim Thorpe contemplating that I completed a draft in 2 1/2 weeks and I've never felt this excited about a book. Okay, I'm also in complete awe of th

I must give another quick update about the newest book I'm working on. As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm writing at breakneck speed. At this rate I believe I will be finished with a first draft next week. That will mean I wrote the novel in two and a half weeks. It's more than a record for me. It's unbelievable. I've never had a book pour out of me like this. It's truly been a wild ride. Now..more details. This book is a love story, yes, but it's also about personal gro

Writing update! I know, it's been a while. My life has been chaotic. My apologies.  I've started writing a new book, and I haven't felt like this since I wrote Season Tickets after my mom's death. This is a book straight from my heart and it's pouring out of me. It mostly takes place in the Poconos, including Jim Thorpe, PA. If you haven't been, go. It's a magical place. I would live there in a heartbeat. As many of you know, I have a love for the Appalachian trails. My very

Do you know how to kiss a girl?

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m an author of young adult novels and a college professor. My family and I recently went through a...

Good morning, friends and listeners, With two episodes left of Season 5, we've suspended production on new episodes. As many of you know,...

In episode 10, Melissa and Jeni talk to Kriti Khare about book blogging. Listen to the audio podcast here: EPISODE 10 - Book Blogging...

In episode 9, Melissa and Jeni talk to Denise Williams and Allison Ashley about critique partners. Listen to the audio podcast here:...