Author life

I joined a critique group

I joined a writing critique group that meets twice a month. I have attended twice so far. I really enjoyed getting to know other authors, hearing about their writing journeys, and listening to what they are working on.

Last night I even shared something I have been working on since my trip to Prague.  The seed of the idea started then, but I have been tweaking and revising it off and on. I think it is almost ready.

It was such an encouragement to hear the feedback and ideas from the authors in the group. And helpful!

I can’t wait to attend again. I highly recommend critique groups!

Author life

Story Storm — How did I do?

I loved participating in Story Storm.

It was very motivating to receive tips in my inbox each day from published authors and illustrators. They had some unique suggestions on where to get ideas for stories!

Here’s what happened to me this month:

I brainstormed 40 ideas.  (I was hoping for more, but it was great to have a push to get some new ideas cooking.)

I began developing two of the ideas because I am so excited about them.

I also joined a critique group through SCBWI and went to my first meeting.  It was fun! I look forward to receiving feedback about some of my writing pieces.

Finally, I even edited and worked on a few proposals for manuscripts that have been on the back burner for awhile.

Thanks STORY STORM, for helping me be productive and push forward with my writing!

Author life

I’m a STORY STORM participant!

Each day of January I am pledging to brainstorm ideas for new stories.  All participants of STORY STORM are on the honor system (meaning we don’t actually share our ideas publically), but each day on Tara Lazar’s blog, she hosts an “expert” who gives exercises and techniques for authors to use.  The first few days of January were a little rough for me, but I have now officially started and am ready to CREATE!  Maybe one day I’ll be able to say…”that book you hold in your hand was an idea that came from STORY STORM 2018!”

Tara’s blog/website

Thanks, @Tara Lazar for this inspirational experience.
You can also follow the Twitter hashtag #STORYSTORM to see what we are up to.

Mouse's Christmas Gift

Legend of Keyser’s Ridge

Legend of Keyser’s Ridge

In my current WIP I have a location I have named Keyser’s Ridge.  You might be wondering if Keyser’s Ridge actually exists–and the answer is YES–in Maryland.  You can look it up on the Internet if you are interested.

For my book, I am exploring the name in my mind and inventing ideas as to why is it called Keyser’s Ridge.  I have created 5 reasons behind the name. I would love to hear from you! What is your favorite reason why the Ridge might be called Keyser’s Ridge?  Or for all of you creative types, I would love to hear your idea why the ridge is called Keyser’s Ridge.

REASON 1
Keyser is the name of the family in town with a large dairy farm.  The ridge runs just past their property line.

REASON 2
Keyser is a local resident who has discovered a large coal mine on his property–he has become a large donor for several community buildings including the school and the sheriff’s office.

REASON 3
A train robbery occurred near the town and Keyser was the name of the sheriff who arrested the outlaws.

REASON 4
The Keyser’s were newlyweds who had just moved to town.  Unfortunately they tragically died in a severe winter storm.

REASON 5
Old Man Keyser lost his wife and struggled with alcoholism after that.  He tragically drowned while fishing.  His abandoned cabin still sits near Keyser’s Ridge, and teenagers tell tales of supernatural experiences when they visit the cabin late at night.

  What’s your idea?  I would love to hear from you!