I recently found this photo of myself as a baby. Little chubby baby and apparently not so happy at the time. LOL! I love the cute little dress and of course, my pierced ears.
The Hardest Part of Writing a Novel
Ernest Hemingway said that “The hardest part of writing a novel is finishing it.” I know many many writers who have started and somehow can’t get to “The End.” For me, the hardest part of writing a novel is actually getting going once I finish the first few chapters. For some reason I find myself agonizing over where to go even with all the information I know about how to plot, do dialogue, etc. It’s almost like fear of failing, I think. But eventually, I knuckle down and finish thankfully.
Happy Valentine’s Day
This is probably a romance writer’s most popular day. After all, we write about love and romance all the time because we truly believe there’s a Happily-Ever-After possible for everyone. I truly believe that! Whether I write a suspense, paranormal, or beach read, every single book has a love story. It’s what makes me happy and I hope that it makes you happy as well. Have a very Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
Proud Mama Moment
I’m having a proud Mama moment on this Motivation Monday! I’m so happy for my daughter who just released her latest novel – Matching Set. It’s a prequel to her Amazon Bestselling Seoul Searching. Matching Set was also a #1 New Release in its category and if you love K-dramas, please take a moment to check out these two books. They are delightful romances that also teach you Korean while you read! I am so proud that my daughter followed her dream to write books where you could learn a language while falling in love. You can learn more about the books at https://amzn.to/3HObIZy.
Happy National Pizza Day!
Yesterday was National Pizza Day! How did I not know that since pizza is one of my favorite foods. I love pizza in all forms from the typical Brooklyn-style pizza to thick Sicilian pie and even the thin crust pizza that’s so popular along my neck of the Jersey Shore. My favorite toppings? Onion and mushroom! How about you? What’s your fave kind of pizza and topping? By the way, if you’re ever in Monmouth County, don’t miss Vic’s in Bradley Beach for their fabulous thin crust pie. Delorenzo’s in Robbinesville also makes a great thin crust pie. All around the best pizza ever: Pete’s in the Columbus Farmer’s Market in Columbus. Even my Brooklyn-born and bred hubby says it’s the best he’s ever had. Pete’s calls their pizzas “tomato pie” and so does Vic’s, but the two pies couldn’t be more different. What’s a tomato pie? Well, some say it’s because the cheese goes first and then the sauce. I think that it’s because tomato pies originally started in local bakeries and not your typical pizzeria. I also find that the term tomato pie seems to be more prevalent in South Jersey and Philly than in other areas.
Dearborn Market Orchid Show
Dearborn Farms and Market has been around since 1925. It’s a great store with a small farm behind it in Holmdel, NJ. In 2015 it was purchased by the owners of the Shoprite chain but despite that Dearborn has kept its character and amazing foods and bakery. The bakery in particular makes amazing pies and bread! Dearborn also has a great garden shop and every year they host a fabulous Orchid Show. At the show both commercial and amateur orchid growers are judged for the plants, but you can also buy quite a number of orchids and other plants and flowers. This Throwback Thursday I’m sharing some photos from this year’s Orchid Show and in case you’re wondering, yes, I did buy an orchid (a $20 special!). This orchid is already throwing out blooms unlike my other purchase many years ago which only rarely blooms. As soon as the flowers are open, I’ll share some photos with you!
My Writing Process
Every writer has a writing process and I often tell aspiring authors that there is no right or wrong to that process since it’s unique to each writer. I have an office where I usually write unless it’s a nice summer day where you’ll find my writing on my little balcony. Whether on my balcony or in my office, I don’t sit at a desk to write. I spent too much time at a desk when I had my full-time job so I sit on my futon with a lap desk to write. I also watch TV while I write. Weird, I know. Some people need quiet, but since I got used to writing on the train while I commuted to and from NYC, I got used to not having quiet while I work. Today I’m sharing my office with you so you can get a clue as to who I am as a writer and also as a person.
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