Spotlight on Matt Peterson — #anwaconf16

We're getting down to the wire here. Just 23 short days till conference time! Be sure to take a look at the door prizes and contest. This week we will be spotlighting Matt Peterson. He will be teaching COPYWRITING: THE PERFECT "DAY JOB" FOR WRITERS. Check out both his websites here and here. Enjoy!

What is the first childhood memory that comes to mind? (That you’re willing to share of course)

I vividly remember living on a lake in Virginia when I was 4 years old. Most of my memories from that time period center around that backyard. I remember always getting my kite stuck in the same tree, fervently trying to dig to China with my little gardening kit, and watching my pet duck Quacky lose a battle with the neighbor's dog. All three of those memories are decidedly "failures," but I guess I never saw it that way. Life is good when you're surrounded by people you love and fresh cut green grass.

What made you decide to become a writer?

I always loved writing, but usually I only wrote papers for school. I always tried to add some personality and a unique voice into those papers, to varying levels of success. After majoring in English Literature, I decided to start my own copywriting business which entailed writing marketing pieces for businesses. Again, to varying levels of success (some people don't like personality, apparently).

When I began working at a software company as a copywriter, a coworker challenged me to write fiction. I discovered that I was able to put that personality and voice to work however I wanted, and I loved it! That's when I really started writing and thinking about getting published.

What's your favorite thing to write?

I love to write realistic fiction, especially middle grade and young adult. I feel like I can relate to a lot of what they go through, and those memories are very bright in my mind. I love sports, adventure, and relationships...so those are the things that come out in my writing.

What method do you use to write?

I'm not the most efficient writer, because I overthink everything. I'm a perfectionist and have a hard time moving on in the writing process. So I usually just sludge through chapter by chapter until I'm done. I'm sure this is the reason I don't have more finished works. I'm open to suggestions!

What was the book first and latest book you've read?

The first book I remember LOVING was Henry and the Clubhouse by Beverly Clearly. I remember buying it with my own money at Sears, and I still have it today. The most recent book I read was Into Thin Air by John Krakauer. I am fascinated with Everest and any quest that involves nature. 

What is something you wish you would have known going into the writing world?

I really wish I would have known about all the groups (like ANWA) that are out there to support writers. I had a great group of friends that encouraged me and read my manuscript, but it would have been nice to hear stories of success and failure from others who have been there. It's a lonely world, and only after I was published did I discover all the fun groups out there.

If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself?

I would tell myself: "you are better than you think!" I spent so much time doubting myself and hiding my creativity that I probably lost a lot of time and momentum. Funny thing is, I still have those same thoughts. So I guess I need to remind myself again and again. Good Amazon reviews help, though. :)

What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

Write stories that you love to tell. I see a lot of authors try to write something that simply fits a perceived "market," and it's not really something they enjoy (or maybe aren't even good at). You can tell when you read a story if the author is really into it. And if you write things that make you happy, everything else will fall into place. 

Spotlight on Tamara Passey — @tamarapassey #anwaconf16

I can't believe how quickly conference time is approaching! Have you registered yet? There are some amazing door prizes too. Be sure to take a look and check out the contest we'll be having to help the wonderful authors who have donated for us.

This week's spotlight is Tamara Passey. She will be teaching FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS PUBLISH JUNK. Be sure to check out her website. Enjoy!

What's your favorite thing to write?

I enjoy writing the same kind of stories that I like to read—ones that grab my interest and won’t let me go until I finish. Even though I like to outline and plot my scenes before I write them, I still have moments where the story will take a turn I didn’t expect and it spurs me on see what my characters will do and what will happen.

What was the book first and latest book you've read?

A recent memorable work of fiction I read was Peace like a River (Leif Enger). It left me wondering where I’ve been all my life that I hadn’t found it sooner. A book I read on writing was Write Your Novel from the Middle (James Scott Bell). And at the top of my “I-can’t-wait-to-read” list is The Truth about Fragile Things (Regina Sirois).

If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself?

The short list of advice I’d give myself would have to include to start sooner at thinking of my writing as legitimate. And to not doubt myself. I don’t know that I would have listened-but that’s what I would have told my younger self. And probably to start my index-card file of observations, quotes, and story lines and ideas much sooner.  

What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

You’re an artist. No matter what you write, your creativity can bless countless lives if you take the time to learn your craft. Stay curious, stay humble. And while you are pursuing your own dreams, remember to take an interest in—and even care about—the dreams of those around you. The finish line is a happier place when we help each other cross it.

Spotlight on Melanie Jacobson — #anwaconf16

Wow! 39 days until conference. There are still more door prizes being added. Be sure to check them out here, and make sure you're registered. This week's spotlight is Melanie Jacobson. She will be teaching PUSH HER OFF THE ROOF: ESCALATING THE STAKES and FIRST DRAFTING: THE ONE THING THAT WILL BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY OVERNIGHT (AND A FEW OTHERS THAT HELP). They sound like amazing classes. Here's a list of all the other classes being offered. Make sure to stop by Melanie's website to see all the books she's written and some more fun facts about her. Enjoy this spotlight!

What made you decide to become a writer?

I grew up in a tradition of Southern storytellers and both of my grandmothers dabbled in poetry, so I think it's in my blood. I've loved stories for as long as I can remember. When we went through the heavenly talent line, some people got singing or dancing or drawing. I got words. So I try to use them.

What's your favorite thing to write?

I like escapist stories, a little on the light side. Definitely heavy doses of humor and healthy doses of heart.

What method do you use to write?

I used to be a total pantser, but I found I was ovewriting and having to cut so much out while I wandered around my manuscripts trying to find a story that I decided I need to learn to outline. Now I lay out a list of scenes on about 25-30 notecards, then write for about five minutes each day about what my scene is going to be, longhand in one of the million notebooks I have lying around. Then I tackle the scene on my laptop and it all comes to me pretty fast. I've gone from an average of 6 months to more like 4 months to finish a manuscript. 

What was the book first and latest book you've read?

I'm currently reading The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. But I'm rarely reading less than two books at once, so I'm also reading Morgan Matson's new summer book, a fun YA story. 

What is something you wish you would have known going into the writing world?

I wish I'd known that there was no way around suffering for your art if you want to tell the best stories you can. And for me the suffering is just the hard, hard work, not so much any emotional pain. But if I'd understood how hard I'd have to work to get the best writing out of myself, I'd have starting doing that hard work sooner. 

If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself? 

I'd say not to be in such a rush to get published. Spend the time getting good. 

What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

If some part of you doesn't still love the work--even when it's hard--then walk away from it. If you're meant to be a writer, it will call you back when you're ready. But if you're only quitting because you feel like you don't have time for hard work in your life right now, and you still love storytelling, you will pay for that in unhappiness while you push down a side of yourself that needs to be honored. It's a hard balance, but whichever way gives you a greater sense of relief is the correct choice. 

Spotlight on Annette Lyon —#anwaconf16 @AnnetteLyon

46 days until conference! Have you registered yet? Door prizes keep trickling in. Be sure to see the new additions here. This week's spotlight is Annette Lyon. She will be teaching SELF-EDITING AND REVISION: DIG DEEP TO LEARN THE NIT-PICKY STUFF—AND MAKE THE BEST IMPRESSION (2 HR INTENSIVE) and HOW SCRIVENER TOTALLY ROCKS AND WILL MAKE YOUR WRITING EASIER AND FASTER. Be sure to check out her blog and books. Enjoy her spotlight!

*What is the first childhood memory that comes to mind? 

I remember taking family bike rides to the library when I was just a little kid. My two older siblings had their own bikes. I rode on this little seat at the back of my dad’s bike, and my baby sister on essentially an infant seat strapped to the front of my mom’s bike. (Looking back with modern safety standards, I’m stunned that such seats were ever sold—and that we all survived to adulthood!) I remember not being able to see very well but trusting my dad, and then stopping for ice cream at a place where they always put a little red plastic animal shape on top—I remember the monkey in particular. I was talking with one of my sisters the other day and realized that the animals on the ice cream are one of her early memories too! I couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4.

*What made you decide to become a writer?

I’m one of the weird ones who wanted to be a writer at a young age, ever since reading Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle. My first stories were about rodents (first mice, then hamsters). Eventually my interest in subject matter shifted (thank goodness!), but my passion for writing fiction never has. Something else that inspired me early on was watching my big sister write stories in a notebook. Big sisters, of course, of super cool, so I felt cool doing whatever she did. But I caught the bug, kept writing on my own, and never stopped. 

*What's your favorite thing to write?

Fiction, although what kind has shifted over the years. The longer I write, the more my work has leaned more and more into women’s fiction. I really enjoy exploring life, relationships, and tough but fascinating subjects. I used to publish romances primarily, both contemporary and historical, but looking back even at my earliest books, I’ve always had some thread of women’s fiction in my writing. I just didn’t know I was a WF writer until I got a bit older and had more life experience, I guess!

*What method do you use to write?

I can’t write longhand—my handwriting becomes a mess after a few minutes, to the point that even I can’t read it. I was a secretary in college, so I type pretty fast, and typing helps me keep up with the story in my head. I usually draft in Scrivener and do revisions and editing in Word. 

*What was the book first and latest book you've read?

I’m always in the middle of several books, but one I recently finished is Wreckage, by Emily Bleeker. It’s rare that I can’t put a book down; being both an editor and having ADD, I generally have no trouble setting even a great book aside for a spell, but this one kept drawing me back. Excellent women’s fiction!

*What is something you wish you would have known going into the writing world?

Sometimes I wish I would have known just how long it would take to break in, or how hard it can be, but on the other hand, if I’d known all of that, I might have decided not to keep going—and I’d never wish that on myself. I guess I wish I’d known how supportive awesome the writing community is. Writing can be so solitary, and at times you feel very alone, which can be a recipe for depression, especially during the inevitable down times. My closest friends, the ones I turn to in times of both sadness and celebration, all came into my life because of writing. 

*If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself?

Find a critique group as soon as you can. I joined one in January of 2000, four and a half years after I began writing seriously—and had racked up a bunch of rejections. The first manuscript I took through the critique process was quickly accepted and published. I attribute the huge improvement in my writing—and the speed of that improvement–to finally getting the right feedback!

*What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

Read a lot. Write even more. Really study the craft: go to conferences, read writing books and magazines and blogs. Not only will you learn a ton, but you’ll also find friends who understand you—and who can become part of your support and critique network. 

Which leads to the advice I'd give myself: Get solid feedback. Not the kind that says, “I loved it!” but the kind that gives you a place to go. (WHY did you love it? What am I doing right? What parts are weak? Where could I do better?) Solid, trustworthy critique partners are worth their weight in gold. You probably won’t agree with everything they say—and that’s fine; it’s your story—but getting outside opinions and learning to critique others will do more to improve your writing than any other single thing.

Spotlight on Janette Rallison — #anwaconf16 @janetterallison

Conference is fast approaching! Have you registered yet? There are so many amazing authors who will be sharing their wealth of knowledge with us. This week we are spotlighting Janette Rallison! She will be teaching SCENE STRUCTURE: WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE YOUR WRITING WORK ALL NOVEL ALL. Be sure to check out her books here, and if you're around she's having a book launch on Aug 23 for WRONG SIDE OF MAGIC. Stop on by to see her. Enjoy!

*What is the first childhood memory that comes to mind? (That you’re willing to share of course)

Although this isn't my first childhood memory, it's probably the most telling of my future career. When I was a small child, my parents took me to see Fantasia. I asked them nonstop to explain what was going on and kept asking what had happened to the last characters. My parents did their best to explain that Fantasia wasn't really a story, it was just cartoons doing stuff to classical music. I didn't believe them. I was sure there had to be some story. When it became clear there wasn't, I hated the movie. I still remember the feeling of being cheated. Even back then, I knew the necessity of a plot.

*What made you decide to become a writer?

An abundance of optimism. I mean really, why else would any of us spend years writing stories with the expectation that other people will want to pay to read the stuff we make up? It's a good thing we're all such optimists or no one would have anything to read.

*What's your favorite thing to write?

Romance. I must be a hopeless romantic because whether I'm writing fantasy, sci fi, or contemporary I always seem to put a romance in the story.

*What method do you use to write?

I come up with a basic plot--or at least a premise for one--and then I sit down and start writing. I'm a slow writer. I average 200-400 words an hour, and that's not for polished writing. I usually skip over description on the first draft and just leave myself notes to add it later. Don't ask why I'm so slow. I don't know. You'd think after twenty years of doing this that I'd be faster. But no.

*What was the book first and latest book you've read?

The first books that I read were The Little House on the Prairie series. The last book I've read is The Wright Brothers.

*What is something you wish you would have known going into the writing world?

I wish I'd known more about marketing. I still don't do as much of it as I should. (One of the curses of being a slow writer--it eats up all your time.)

*If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself?

Write what you want to write, not what your editors want you to write. 

*What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

Learn as much about the craft as you can and don't stop learning.

Spotlight on Michelle Wilson @authormwilson #anwaconf16

One week closer to conference! Are you registered yet? Check out our door prize page for the latest additions.

This week we are spotlighting Michelle Wilson. She will be teaching GETTING TO THE HEART OF NON-FICTION and team teaching CONQUERING THE DEVILS IN A WRITER'S MIND with J. Scott Savage. Be sure to check out her website and keep an eye out for her newest book coming out in August. Enjoy her interview!

What is the first childhood memory that comes to mind? (That you’re willing to share of course)

My first memory ever is walking through a field behind my Josie with my brothers when I was three. My mother had bought me a pair of brown boots that reached my knees. The dry grass had no power of me and my new footwear. I was invincible. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my foot. The cause: a rogue nail had penetrated the once-thought invisible rubber sole of my new Payless boots. My devastation was only made worse when I had to get a tetanus shot because the nail was rusty. So, so sad. Lol. 

What made you decide to become a writer?

I don't think I ever chose to be a writer. I just was. Ever since I can remember ice written: poetry, songs, stories, lists, thoughts, letters, a journal since I was thirteen. I have always loved putting pen to paper and breathing life to the things in my head. I realized I was writer about eight years ago when I started to blog, and I decided to commit to writing as a career in October 2012 at my first writers retreat- the ANWA Northwest retreat.  I sat in the swing my second evening there after most had gone to bed, thoughts and feelings swam through my mind and heart. Then came an excited feeling at the idea that maybe I could do this; I could write. Then it came- I decided to give writing all I had. It was a seminal moment in my life. One I'll never forget. 

What's your favorite thing to write?

Inspirational nonfiction flexed by women's fiction. 

What method do you use to write?

I eat copious amounts of chocolate. Type stuff. Think it's crap. Delete stuff. Eat more chocolate. Type more stuff. Then rinse and repeat until I hand off to my editor. Simple, really. 

What was the book first and latest book you've read?

The Wizard of Oz. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen 

What is something you wish you would have known going into the writing world?

That writing is messy and publishing is really hard. 

If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself?

Don't let anyone determined how good or bad you feel about your writing. Reviews and opinions of others are just that: opinions. 

Believe you're supposed to do this and don't let anyone ruin wiring for you. 

And get up and walk more. Writing is a sedentary exercise. Couple that with my previously-mentioned copious amounts of chocolate and the risk for mass growth becomes very real. Lol. 

What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

Write what you love and love that you write. 

Spotlight on Jennifer Moore — @jennythebrave @anwaconf

Welcome back. We're getting closer and closer to conference time. Be sure to check out the new door prizes here.

This week's spotlight is Jennifer Moore! She will be teaching RESEARCH: WHAT'S THE POINT? and ELEMENTS OF SWOON-WORTHY ROMANCE at the conference. Check out her bio with additional FAQ's here and her amazing books, some of which she's generously donated as door prizes. Find out which ones here. Enjoy!

These are the questions we asked, and Jennifer's response is below.

*What is the first childhood memory that comes to mind? (That you’re willing to share of course) 

*What made you decide to become a writer?

*What's your favorite thing to write?

*What method do you use to write? 

*What was the book first and latest book you've read?

*What is something you wish you would have known going into the writing world?

*If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself? 

*What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

My first childhood memory is of my dad reading to me. He would hold me in his big easy chair and read to me all the time--according to my mom--just whatever he was reading, he would do it aloud. So, sports page, bills, the Economist. I remember sitting on his lap listening to his voice. So, I've always associated words and reading with love. And books have been my escape, my hobby, my obsession ever since. I think that's why I wanted to be a writer, because I read so much. And because I love stories and characters and books. I'm pretty shy around real people, so that's my comfort zone. 

I love to write romance, not because I'm a woman or because it's just a girly escape, but because I think relationships are the most important thing we have. I especially like historical. Because I love history--especially history that involves ships. So, I guess that's my answer to what I like to write best--shippy romances.

The latest book I read was a non-fiction about Scottish customs. The title is something like "From the Cradle to the Grave." A research book, and it was really interesting.

 

And as far as advice, I'd tell people in every step of the writing journey to enjoy it. There's something so wonderful about not being published and being able to write whatever you want with no deadline. Then it's wonderful, too to have your first book come out. And all the ones after. I wish I'd spent less time worrying about whether I'd ever be published and just enjoyed it. And also, write what you love, not what you think will sell. I spent a lot of time writing books that I was sure would sell because I'd researched what agents and publishers were looking for. But when I put that all aside and wrote the story that was in my heart--a shippy romance--that's when I was happiest, and it showed in the story.

And what method do I use? I outline, but loosely. I like to allow myself a little room for discovery. But I do have the story pretty well mapped out before I start.

Spotlight on Randy Lindsay — @Randsay @anwaconf

First off, Happy 4th of July. I hope we all remember the freedoms we enjoy (like the freedom to write what we want to write), and those who sacrificed for us to have said freedoms.

Please jump on over to the door prize page and check out the new door prizes that have been donated.

And last but not least, this weeks spotlight . . . Randy Lindsay! He will be teaching JUMPSTART YOUR CREATIVE JUICES WORKSHOP and KEEP 'EM READING at the conference in September. Be sure to check out his website, his book, as well as amazing writing prompts he has on his website. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter. Check out his awesome interview below and keep an eye out for a guest post from him soon. Don't forget to register for conference and Enjoy!

*What is the first childhood memory that comes to mind? (That you’re willing to share of course)

When I was very small, my father and I were outside and I spotted some railroad tracks. I went to see what they were just as a train arrived. The train blew its whistle and I ran back to my father as fast as I could, my heart pounding like it was going to push itself out of my chest. 

*What made you decide to become a writer?

Aliens from space visited me one evening and told me that the world would end if I didn't write the greatest story ever told. Not really. I read a book that I didn't like and thought I could write a better one.

*What's your favorite thing to write?

I'm fascinated with ideas involving angels and devils. I like to write stories that take place in either of their realms. 

*What method do you use to write?

I plot my stories before I write them. I use both The Writer's Journey and Save the Cat to give me ideas of what scenes should be in the story and then I string them together. 

*What was the book first and latest book you've read?

My first book was The White Mountains by John Christopher and my latest book was The 13th Reality by James Dashner. 

  

*What is something you wish you would have known going into the writing world?

The importance of writing what you love. 

*If you could travel back in time to when you began your writing career, what would be the advice you would give yourself?

Don't get distracted. Make a plan. Stick with it. 

I wrote my first two books. Then I designed a card game, wrote a musical, and looked into doing voice acting. At this point, I have two novels I want to publish and realize that I only have enough time and energy to do one of them.  

*What would you tell any writer at any stage in their writing?

Enjoy the journey. You don't need to sell as many books as Stephen King to be happy with your success. 

If you happen to be Stephen King, then all I can say is, "Congratulations, you made it."

Spotlight on C.J. Anaya — @cjanaya21 @anwaconf

Today we are spotlighting C. J. Anaya. She is an Amazon bestselling author of young adult and adult romance. She will be teaching Guerrilla Marketing: Launching Your Book to Bestseller Status at the conference. Check out her bio here and books. And don't forget her website which has many good resources for authors. Below is a blog post C. J. shared with us. Enjoy!

I’ve had many people ask me what I love about literature, and why do I love to read? What inspired me to become a writer, why do I love to write, and what are my favorite things to write about? 

To sleuth out the answers to these fantastic questions, we'll have to delve into the mind of an impressionable, ten-year-old girl, and discover what first propelled her toward the written word. My answer to this question is simple, really.

It's all about Nancy Drew.

The first book I remember falling in love with was my grandmother's copy of The Haunted Bridge, a Nancy Drew mystery by Carolyn Keene, a pen name for the many authors of the Nancy Drew Mystery Series.

Be still my little heart. There really was nothing more exciting than embarking upon a journey with hip, smart, beautiful, and sophisticated Nancy as she expertly weaved her way through shady characters, dangerous adventures, and less than honest eye witness accounts in order to discover the truth. She was a strong female character who gave me the kind of courage that I think every little girl is in desperate need of these days.

I had an idea that perhaps I could be as outgoing, determined, and intelligent in whatever I decided to pursue because Nancy Drew did it every day. I stuck to mysteries until my high school English courses introduced me to literary greats such as Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Mary Shelly, and Harper Lee. From these individuals and their stories, I learned that first impressions are not always reliable when assessing one’s character, high school drama is really "much ado about nothing", morbid creations can enthrall and thrill, and hatred for people based on race, gender, or cultural differences is a sad reminder of the frailties of mankind and the mistakes our history tends to repeat.

Most of all, I learned that I will forever be drawn to fierce, intelligent, courageous women.

Jane Austen authored many romantic comedies that delved into the manners and every day intricacies of the gentry. She dared to write during a time when females were encouraged to look ornamental on the arms of their spouses. The name, Jane Austen, was never printed on any of her books during her lifetime, though she dared to challenge and ridicule the niceties of polite society and their never ending attempts at matching suitable gentlemen with suitable gentlewomen. She revealed the unvarnished truth, and reveled in it, despite the troubling confinements society placed upon her gender.

Mary Higgins Clark dared to broach the subject of sexual abuse in her novel Where Are The Children? She wrote this book during a time when society was uncomfortable with the subject matter and refused to address it as a real issue, though sexual abuse was just as prevalent then as it is today. She is the perfect example of an author willing to push the boundaries by revealing truth when most preferred to give blind eyes and deaf ears.

Anne Frank, though she never knew it when she lived, is the author of the most compelling glimpse into the life of a Jewish girl during the time of the Nazi occupation.  She wrote with such beautiful, heartbreaking prose. Her witty observations, emotional outbursts, and candid details gave light to a truth more horrific than any young girl should ever be expected to endure. Forced into hiding for two years to escape persecution and imprisonment, she lived her life to the fullest, at least as full as a young girl could considering her circumstances. I hope she resides somewhere in heaven, at peace in the knowledge of the affect those two years of her life had on my own life, not to mention so many millions of others who shared in her quiet griefs and exulted in her small joys. I ask you, with books like these, who doesn’t love literature?

Fierce, intelligent, courageous women. Oh, how I wanted to be just like them.

I could spend hours attempting to pinpoint every single author who inspired me to live loudly, think deeply, and indulge in long hours of tireless reading that led to wild musings of my own, but we would be here for hours together discussing a subject that can never be fully explored. Suffice it to say, I was interested in my own nuggets of truth, and what I might have to offer the world if I ever had the courage to try.

I eventually found that courage buried deep within me, planted years ago in the heart of a little girl who solved a thousand mysteries and lived a thousand adventures without stepping outside the safety of her own bedroom. The time had come for that little girl to discover her own adventures as the main character in her own story. With the guidance and support of some very dear friends, I became a writer, and I wrote about what I knew. As I met other authors who shared with me what they knew, I realized that their truths were just as important as Jane Austen's, Mary Higgins Clark's or Anne Frank's.

And so I write.

I write about the concepts of free will versus a foreordained destiny. I write about honesty in relationships and honesty with one’s self. I write about silly things to encourage laughter and serious things to get people thinking. I write about love, compassion, forgiveness, and communication. I’ve taken cues from my strong female leads and continued to write when I was afraid, discouraged, or too tired to even consider it. I have something to say and something to share, and I love to do that with my writing. I think every author does.

There are books that explore the realms of paranormal adventure, others navigate the dangerous dynamics of love, relationships, and the impossibility of a perfect life. No matter the level of drama, intrigue, moral platitudes or devastating tragedies, there is always something to be learned from anyone and everyone. With thousands of lives being lived and thousands of authors furiously scribbling away so we can all live them, it stands to reason that we as human beings should enjoy their adventures as much as we enjoy our own. There are nuggets of truth waiting to be discovered. What if those truths were simply one novel away?

To all of my author friends everywhere, I say, share those truths and find joy in the journey. To all of you voracious readers out there, I say, carry on and happy reading. And for any mothers out there looking for a great book to introduce to their impressionable, ten-year-old daughters...well...I'd start with Nancy Drew.

With love,

C.J. Anaya