Speak No Evil: Look Behind the Mask

Masks. We all wear them. The different faces we present while in different circumstances … the work mask, the home mask, the party mask, etc. Societally, we are so accomplished at masking ourselves, we often don’t realize we’re wearing one. A physcial mask allows you to hide who you are, providing a sense of anonymity and an unbridled freedom to … Read More

Speak No Evil: Fear

What is it about fear? It shapes and molds us, makes decisions on our behalf, builds obstacles and then throws them in our path. It puts up walls and encapsulates us in a prison of our own making. Fear wields an almighty power over our lives … because we allow it. The result of fear is a life half lived. … Read More

Judging the Judge

Every 92 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.Meanwhile, only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison. (Statistics from RAINN.org) Let’s talk a little bit about what those numbers mean … like only 0.5% of the perpertators will wind up in prison. Or to put it another way, 99.5% … Read More

Speak No Evil: Music Therapy

Music is a powerful force. It taps deeply into our core and speaks to us on a level without words. It is layered, emotionally evocative, and is woven into our daily lives. If you don’t believe me, try to imagine a world without music of any kind. It’s frankly something I don’t even want to contemplate. Life would be sterile, … Read More

Speak No Evil Cover Reveal

I am so excited to FINALLY be able to share the fabulous cover for my upcoming Young Adult novel, Speak No Evil. The cover artwork is by Marcela Bolivar, and she has perfectly captured the concept of silence which is the ruling force behind Speak No Evil. And the fantastic title treatment is by Michael J. Canales of MJCImageworks. Just … Read More

YWS: The Importance of Knowing Your Characters

Characters are an exceptionally important part of any story. Their actions and reactions to the circumstances in which they find themselves is what drives the story forward. Some authors write detailed character profiles to help them get to know the character better. Others might “sit down” with the character and conduct an interview. I tend to do a lot of … Read More

Speak No Evil: The Red-Tail Hawk

When I see a hawk soaring in the sky, a wistful feeling washes over me as I think about how free it looks gliding overhead. Free from Earthly obligations, charting its own course, with the appearance of no worries. How wonderful would it be to soar like a hawk? Except all of that freedom I imbue to the hawk may … Read More

The Face of Rape Culture

I am incensed and saddened by the news about Shane Piche, who pled guilty to raping a 14-year-old girl. My heart is shredded and crying on behalf of the girl. Her life has been turned upside down by this man who will not see one day of jail time. Maybe if I knew all the facts, I’d have another perspective, … Read More

Speak No Evil Launch Date

I am dancing around because I can finally share the release date for my upcoming Young Adult novel, Speak No Evil. This novel has had a very special place in my heart from the moment it hit me like a lightning bolt several years ago. It has been my biggest writing challenge to date, and yet I enjoyed every minute … Read More

My Current Fight Song

Music has always been an incredible influence in my life for as long as I can remember. It has the power to calm my soul, express joy, release the river of sorrow, vent anger, share love, and more. For every emotion I’ve felt in my life, there is a song to express it. Sometimes no words are necessary … the … Read More

Warning Deadline Approaches

Along with juggling quite a few things I can’t talk about, I have been working diligently on my latest WIP, a dark upper YA novel, Speak No Evil. I am excited about how this book is shaping up and how close I am to the finish line with it. Then I happened to have a conversation with my literary manager … Read More

Lesson Learned

Last weekend was rough one. It always is when the universe hands you a lesson. Although, in this case, I kind of begged for the lesson … without realizing it. My current work in progress (WIP) is something that came to me four years ago. I have been in love with the concept from the moment it came to me, … Read More