As I begin writing my next book, I thought it might be cool to share how I start the process. Also, I’d love to hear what steps YOU take when you start a new manuscript. But enough about you. Back to me… With every new writing project, I’ve been fine-tuning my approach. I’ve got anContinue reading “4 Things I Work On When I Start a Novel”
Author Archives: Rene Penn
At 15, a girl became a hit author. And I was…
Somehow I missed this crazy, out-of-the-box author news in 2010. That year, a 15-year-old named Amy Zhang became a Young Adult author sensation. I can’t even imagine. There’s no way I would’ve been doing that at age 15. When I was 15, it was 1991. I was struggling in geometry and probably still pinch-rolling my jeans.Continue reading “At 15, a girl became a hit author. And I was…”
There’s Something To Be Said for…
I’m in between writing books. I finished one, and it’s ready for an editor’s critique. In a future post, I’ll discuss the process that I’m tweaking to start writing my next book. But for now, I’m reflecting. I’m feeling introspective. I have the Thinking Man pose. Several things come to mind. Okay, 8 things. There’sContinue reading “There’s Something To Be Said for…”
A Smorgasbord of Writing Ideas
“You’re a writer? Cool.” I often hear people say that to me, which is nice. Their tone is positive, encouraging. Then about one-third of them will follow up with, “I’ve got this great idea that you could turn into a book.” They all mean well, and I like to hear their ideas. Love it, inContinue reading “A Smorgasbord of Writing Ideas”
Got Dates? Try Banana or Apple Date Nut Muffins
Date nut bread is delicious and pretty easy to bake, but there are other fun alternatives worth trying. I made this Banana Date Nut Muffin recipe from Taste of Home, which was not too sweet and great for breakfast. I could have done with a little less oats than what the recipe called for—1/2 cup—but the outcomeContinue reading “Got Dates? Try Banana or Apple Date Nut Muffins”
I’m Trying Meditation…Again
I’m trying out meditation. I’ve done it before, years ago, and it didn’t work so well. I’d heard that you should picture a calming environment. I closed my eyes and imagined a beach, bright blue ocean, waves lapping… How calming, how serene… But after a minute of that, my mind wandered, probably thinking about whatContinue reading “I’m Trying Meditation…Again”
Meal? Snack? Sweet Potato, Plantain, and Sausage
My husband came home with a plantain from Wegman’s. Every once in a while I like to cook them at home. Here’s the problem with that… I bake them in the oven, which means they never taste as good as they do at a Caribbean or Mexican restaurant. Healthier, yes. Tastier, no. Lesson learned, IContinue reading “Meal? Snack? Sweet Potato, Plantain, and Sausage”
8 Writer-Inspired Things To Do On Vacation
I’ve come to a realization about my vacation time. When I’m away and exploring a new place, I like to writer-geek it up. I check out sights and do things to inspire my creative-writing side. It gives a new twist on how to spend a vacation, especially when it’s hard to sit down and writeContinue reading “8 Writer-Inspired Things To Do On Vacation”
Tabloids, Grocery Drama, and Fiction
A tabloid made me take my eye off the ball. I was standing in a long line at the grocery store, six back from the register. At least ten more shoppers were behind me. And no other checkout lane was better. A “major” storm was coming to D.C.-metro land. Weather folks had predicted a walloping.Continue reading “Tabloids, Grocery Drama, and Fiction”
IDK, Am I Hip? Part Two
Last week, I wrote about #WriterAcronyms, and how important it is to understand them if you’re a writer using social media. I also joked about the word “hip”. The concept deserved its own post. So here we are… “Hip” Awareness and Lack Thereof Per Dictionary. com, one of the definitions for hip is: “familiar with orContinue reading “IDK, Am I Hip? Part Two”
Rene Penn 