Category Archives: The Author Life

Planning My Work

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Our resident hound asked, “Typically, how many drafts do you complete — of a novel or novella — before you submit it to a publisher / editor … Continue reading →

Posted in author's life, Patricia Kiyono, plots, Preparing for writing, romance, The Author Life, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Guest Authors: Meredith Bond and Pru Warren and the Writers’ Block Party Podcast

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

I love finding authors who find unique ways of reaching their audiences. Recently, I heard about a podcast featuring Meredith Bond, a fellow member of Marketing for Romance Writers group. I immediately contacted her for more information, and she kindly … Continue reading →

Posted in author interview, Guest author, Guest author post, Patricia Kiyono, publishing, The Author Life, writers, writing | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Branching Out as an Author?

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

I posed this week’s topic: What kind of book would you like to write that you haven’t tried before? I love to read most genres in the romance category, but the ones that usually keep me reading are those that … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, cozy mystery, goals, Mystery stories, Patricia Kiyono, Preparing for writing, The Author Life, What if, writing | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Guest: Author Stuart Jaffe (Free Books!)

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Tonette Joyce

  Stuart is the author of many short stories and paranormal series. These include The Max Porter Paranormal Mysteries, its prequel, the Marshall Drummond Case Files, The Malja Chronicles, the Nathan K books, the Gillian Boone series, The Parallel Society, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, author interview, author's life, book series, Books, careers, decisions, experiences, fantasy, GIveaways/Contest, Guest, Guest author, history, hobbies, horror stories, imagination, interview, Lecturing, Miscellaneous, musicians, novels, performances, public speaking, publishing, research, teaching, The Author Life, Tonette Joyce, writers, writing, YA | Tagged | 12 Comments

Searching for the Real Me

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

This week’s topic was one I proposed: If someone were to look at your internet search history, what conclusions might that person draw about you? I viewed my browsing history recently, and it looks like most of my online time … Continue reading →

Posted in author's life, Daily life, Patricia Kiyono, Preparing for writing, The Author Life, writing | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments

Writing Life BC and AD

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

This week, our resident hound posed this prompt: We’ve previously discussed how summers typically affect our writing schedules or outputs, but this summer of 2020 was unique in many ways. Tell us whether these unique factors affected your writing… and … Continue reading →

Posted in author's life, Dealing with stress, experiences, hobbies, inspiration, Life, Patricia Kiyono, The Author Life, time management, writing | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Heeeere, Shippy, Shippy, Shippy!

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Tonette Joyce

This week:  If, suddenly, after all your years of writing, your “ship” finally came in and your titles were receiving wide acclaim (and sales… and INCOME), what would you like to do with that “positioning” to help aspiring writers? That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in art, author's life, authors, big plans, blessings, Books, careers, decisions, experiences, friends, helping others, inspiration, inspirational people, lifestyles, Miscellaneous, poetry, Preparing for writing, reading, research, teaching, The Author Life, Tonette Joyce, using talents, writers, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

What Was I Supposed to Do?

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

This week’s topic of discussion: What is something for which you constantly need reminding?  I’ve been a list-maker for many years, and I always have a calendar or two nearby. Both habits sprang from a string of embarrassing events which … Continue reading →

Posted in Daily life, Dealing with stress, experiences, Patricia Kiyono, The Author Life | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

So, You Want to Be a Writer?

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

This week’s topic: What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Last week, I participated in a faculty writing retreat at the university where I teach. Normally, these retreats take place on campus, but due to stay-at-home orders we … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, inspiration, Patricia Kiyono, phrases, Preparing for writing, The Author Life, writers, writing | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Where Have I Heard That?

Posted on January 13, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

This week’s topic was “Have you overheard a conversation and added it in some way to a story?” I really struggled with this one. I’m assuming that the fox who suggested it has drawn inspiration from conversations she overheard. I … Continue reading →

Posted in author's life, dialogue, experiences, Patricia Kiyono, protagonists, The Author Life | Tagged , , | 12 Comments