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“No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this.” - George Washington, 1790 Ever wonder where an author gets an idea for a story? The idea for Buried Deception came in 2005 when my family took a three week homeschool tour up the East coast. Mount Vernon was one of our stops. I loved everything about Mount Vernon in the... [Read more of this review]

“For I know the plans I have for you,†declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.†Jeremiah 29:11 NIV It seems that if a writer isn’t writing, then she’s waiting… Waiting to get edits back from a critique partner.Waiting to hear from a potential agent or editor. Waiting... [Read more of this review]

With taxes about a month away, many writers are confused as to what expenses are tax deductible. When it comes to your automobile, here are some guidelines. Automobile Expenses for Writers Driving to the local office store to purchase writing supplies can generate a tax deduction with proper documentation. This is what you need to know. The miles that... [Read more of this review]

So you’ve got a book coming out and the marketing director at your publisher calls you up, very excited about your book. You’re excited too, until she tells you all the things she wants you to do to promote your book. Put up a web site. Create a blog. Make a Facebook fan page and hang out there. Get active on Google Plus. Starting tweeting.... [Read more of this review]

When I was a kid, I had a pretty stiff case of childhood asthma. I couldn’t run much, and because my dad was a Turkish immigrant and never played baseball or football, he never coached me to hone my skills in those regards (they still remain latent to this day). Consequently, I was usually the last one to get picked for teams during gym class. This... [Read more of this review]

One of the visions of Writer…Interrupted is to give the voiceless a voice. You don’t have to be an expert in writing to write for Writer…Interrupted. What you do have to have is heart and a voice that reaches out beyond the page…and a willingness to share it with the world. If you think you’re up to the task, drop me a... [Read more of this review]

Ernest Hemingway famously said that the problem with completing his classic novel A Farewell to Arms was “getting the words right.†The sentiment resonates with every writer once in a while. Sometimes the words don’t come. The blank page mocks. The perfect phrase dances away, teasing and frustrating from the edge of consciousness. Creativity feels,... [Read more of this review]

My grandkids and I have been busy with all kinds of science fun this month – from one grandchild’s science fair projects to another’s computer lessons that are part of his Christian home schooling program. Much of it has been fun. Working with them as much as I do, I often learn new things myself – an excellent way to “exercise”... [Read more of this review]

Business Meals for Writers Writers may choose to meet with their agents over lunch or they might arrange to meet a subject to interview at a local bagel shop.  The cost of the meal can be a tax deduction with proper purpose and documentation. 1. The primary purpose of your business meal must be related to your writing business. 2. You must conduct... [Read more of this review]

Does the lack of privacy keep you from writing? In a recent web class I learned more about the unique way I learn, write and study. I had to laugh but I’m in a stage of life where my natural needs in the way of office space (private, quiet, creatively decorated) aren’t an option. With five kiddo’s it is always loud, never private... [Read more of this review]

The psalmist claimed that we live “in a dry and weary land where there is no water†(Psa. 63:1). I think he was simply saying that we humans need more than this world has to offer—that we all long for something beyond this place (which means nothing on this planet can satisfy our hopes and expectations). Bottom line: on some level our life will... [Read more of this review]

I’ve never felt like I fit. Growing up in the 70s and 80s on Long Island, New York, I didn’t know anyone whose parents (or grandparents) were divorced except mine. I didn’t know any other kids who had to visit there dad on the weekend instead of doing fun stuff with friends. And I didn’t know any other kids whose mother pulled... [Read more of this review]

I looked up at our black walnut tree and cringed. This winter we’ve been denuding it of all its green “finger thick†limbs, donating pounds and pounds of them to a good cause—a friend’s alternative cancer therapies. Evidently one of the natural approaches she is trying involves drinking a tea made from young black walnut tree twigs. But in... [Read more of this review]

Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?†But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. ~1 Corinthians 2:15-16 Writer’s block, now that is an interruption of great difficulty for writers. What if... [Read more of this review]

The phrase, “If I knew then what I know now…” is applicable to my life in many ways. There are many things I wish I could tell young Stephanie. Like that bangs are not a good look for you. Nor are shorts-overalls   Or, “You should not wear that hat.”   Or that making a scrapbook of Backstreet Boys pictures... [Read more of this review]