In a few days, Americans all across the country will pin up their shamrocks, clothe themselves in green, and raise a Guinness or two to St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. Most of them have never set foot on the Emerald Isle. Many more haven't even a drop of Irish blood in their bodies. And … Continue reading The Feast of Immigrants (and St. Patrick, too)
faith
The Biggest Humbug
Mickey Mouse. Patrick Stewart. Bill Murray. George C. Scott. The Muppets. And those are just the versions I've seen. It's rare to find a tale with as many interpretations and variations as A Christmas Carol. Movies. Cartoons. TV specials. Musicals. Charles Dickens's beloved holiday classic has been transformed into them all. It's become so much … Continue reading The Biggest Humbug
Lost Dreams and Found Hope
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a news reporter. Other kids my age idolized Michael Jordan or Chuck Norris or Debbie Gibson (yes, I'm dating myself here). I, on the other hand, worshiped Jane Pauley. At only ten years old, I never missed an episode of Dateline and would spend hours conducting … Continue reading Lost Dreams and Found Hope
How I (finally) Got My Agent
I never thought I'd be able to write one of these posts. Four years, three manuscripts, hundreds of rejections...and today I can finally announce to the world that I am now represented by Natalie Grazian of Martin Literary Management. The road to this moment was long and twisty and not as much fun as I … Continue reading How I (finally) Got My Agent
Livin’ On A Prayer
Well, I've done it. I've officially put another manuscript baby out into the world by submitting my first batch of queries. I've talked a lot about querying on this blog, about the pitfalls, the anxiety, the pain, and trying to stay positive throughout the whole heart-shattering process. But, can I be honest with you for … Continue reading Livin’ On A Prayer
Why Querying in The Worst…And The Best
I have been in the query trenches for a long time. A loooooong time. I started querying my first manuscript in 2014, my second in 2016, and will probably start querying my third here in 2018. Looking back over my manuscripts, I can see from one to the next how I've improved as a writer … Continue reading Why Querying in The Worst…And The Best
