Living vicariously through kick-ass heroines

This is cross-posted at The Season. I will never be a kick-ass heroine. Oh, I’ve had adventures and am proud of the things I’ve accomplished, but I’ve come to understand myself well enough to know my limits. I will never chase after a villain. In fact, the second I get nervous about a situation, I’ll… Continue reading Living vicariously through kick-ass heroines

How to write accents and speech patterns

I’ve written a couple posts about accents – specifically, about how to write a character who has a different accent to you, and some subtle differences in British and American English. Today I want to talk about an amazing debut novel that I think handles accents brilliantly – In for a Penny by Rose Lerner.… Continue reading How to write accents and speech patterns

Comfort books: Sucking your thumb and reaching for your blankie

2010 is five-sixths of the way over, and already it’s the kind of year that has me counting toward its demise in fractions. It’s been the toughest year of my adult life. Not everything that’s happened this year has been awful. In fact, I’ve made lots of new friendships, developed new skills, and invested time… Continue reading Comfort books: Sucking your thumb and reaching for your blankie

What hits your hot button?

(Note: the hot button I’m referring to isn’t related to our previous discussion on how to heat up the fictional bedroom. Sorry if you’re disappointed.) Last week I randomly clicked on a link to a review for Judith James’ Libertine’s Kiss. (I can’t find that link now, so if this description of the review sounds… Continue reading What hits your hot button?