tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8345972138181653112012-01-17T17:59:17.691-06:00A Collection of Writerly WilesWR Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11328827482221608440noreply@blogger.comBlogger4101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-10729495061423693702011-12-22T12:15:00.000-06:002011-12-23T12:16:27.823-06:00

Today's another Thursday. Come enjoy a random read. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-65660834588063757892011-12-07T00:00:00.000-06:002011-12-07T09:46:10.129-06:00

Those of us who have done NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) share one thing in common, whether or not we actually completed our project or not: there’s a sense of let-down after November is over, a feeling of “what now?” Rest easy, writers; you’re not alone. There are others out there to play with, other projects to tackle, and other crazy goals to set. A great place to look, even if

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-80135613095939615982011-12-01T08:03:00.002-06:002011-12-01T08:03:40.904-06:00

It's that day of the week yet again where we share random fun. Today I have something inspirational for writers. Please enjoy! Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-42555099200511758762011-11-24T19:44:00.000-06:002011-11-24T19:44:58.414-06:00

Here we are again at another Thursday. Today is Thanksgiving in the United States, when we not so solemnly recount our blessings with lots of food and (hopefully) plenty of amicable fellowship. In honor of that, I've listed some favorite regional foods for the holiday. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-12439552727371773422011-11-17T06:03:00.001-06:002011-11-17T10:48:22.086-06:00

Today I have pictures from a hot air balloon ride. Happy Thursday! Darla M Sands Today I have definitions from herbalism.  Enjoy! A. Catherine Noon

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-50768087960776743332011-11-15T21:08:00.000-06:002011-11-15T21:08:39.863-06:00

Today is my day to post and, ironically, it's half way into National Novel Writing Month. If you're involved in this frenzy, I hope you're well on your way to fifty thousand words. I just made it past 25,000 today, myself. My goal this year is to rewrite an unfinished WIP and hopefully finish the manuscript. So far, I have not come up with an idea to finish the novel. Am I worried about that

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-19355040425060620182011-11-10T17:00:00.000-06:002011-11-10T17:00:33.056-06:00

It's Thursday again. I've shared some observations about cats if you care to check them out. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-69512811917740199672011-11-09T19:02:00.000-06:002011-11-09T19:02:40.821-06:00

Today I'm supposed to impart some sort of writing wisdom. Honestly, I don't feel qualified. What I can do is follow a theme. Are you writing your novel yet? Have you signed up for the 2011 National Novel Writing Month? I hope so. It's a fun, frenzied time where we learn what we can do if pressuring ourselves to write. So far, I've kept up with the quota and already learned more about where

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-89908100486088158682011-11-03T10:36:00.002-05:002011-11-03T10:36:48.783-05:00

Having a boring day?  Join us for some random fun.  Just click a link below to read random entertainment. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-14264554655157796572011-11-02T00:01:00.000-05:002011-11-07T16:18:25.120-06:00

NaNoWriMo is that annual writing frenzy that occupies many writers across the globe.  Some finish, others don't, but what the participants know that non-participants haven't learned yet is that it's the writing that's important. I've spoken to many people about NaNo in the past, and they've responded with statements like "Well, yeah, it's 50,000 words, but is it any GOOD?"  They look

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-86610902813977489042011-11-01T15:51:00.000-05:002011-11-01T15:51:17.651-05:00

I can't believe November is here again already.  Are you ready for a challenge, fellow writers?  Now is the time to dust off your keyboard and start on your novel. "What's that?" you ask.  "A novel?" Well, yes.  All that's required of you is that you abandon all excuses and just write as fast and furious as you can. At the end of November we'd like to see you having accrued fifty thousand

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-18671381073006982722011-10-27T10:38:00.000-05:002011-10-27T10:38:07.203-05:00

It's Thursday again.  Want to read something random for a little diversion?  Just click below: Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-80472575812448181212011-10-20T16:56:00.003-05:002011-10-21T16:57:53.166-05:00

To celebrate Thursday, come join us for a list of thirteen things... Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-5489081007647191832011-10-18T14:58:00.003-05:002011-10-18T14:59:41.083-05:00

Not to cheat on my assigned blog post, I would like to build on the valuable one that came prior. Nicole Gordon’s thoughtful post inevitably makes me think of my own writing dry spell. She offers some truly useful advice. If I may be so bold, I’d like to reinforce something I consider important. To cut down on distractions, Nicole mentions setting up a small desk designated for writing. She

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-87261454074331785822011-10-16T23:04:00.000-05:002011-10-16T23:04:49.318-05:00

When I left my job at the end of June, I had all these magical visions of entire days spent writing, where tens of thousands of words would appear effortlessly on the page, and completed manuscripts would pile up faster than I could submit them.Now here it is the middle of October and I have to say that pretty much the opposite is true.  I’ve written maybe 4,000 words total since the beginning of

Nicole Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00982796083827679021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-76941162691798664512011-10-13T09:57:00.000-05:002011-10-13T09:57:59.129-05:00

Welcome to the celebration of thirteen random things.  Click below to read... Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-7640082866465884402011-10-12T15:52:00.000-05:002011-10-12T15:52:22.405-05:00

As the month of October quickly slips along, I’m left to contemplate participation in NaNoWriMo. That is shorthand for November’s National Novel Writing Month. It’s actually a worldwide affair during which writers of every conceivable genre scramble to put out 50,000 words toward one story in thirty days. This is no minor feat, demanding an average of over 1,600 words every day. Last year I

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-16134231240929358322011-10-06T07:07:00.000-05:002011-10-06T07:07:35.494-05:00

Here we are again toward the end of the week. Click below to check out our contribution to this weekly event. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-79113624967808286422011-10-04T17:03:00.000-05:002011-10-04T17:03:14.446-05:00

Having become recently hooked on playing Scrabble via an android mobile device, I realized that there are many similarities between the game and life. To find success and happiness folks need a balance of luck and skill. You need to pay attention and follow the rules. If you find yourself unhappy with your lot, you can gamble in making a change much like throwing away letters from your options

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-20463306069091743282011-09-29T19:04:00.002-05:002011-09-29T19:04:51.929-05:00

Join in today's meme with a read and a comment! Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-70649618044914519882011-09-28T09:36:00.001-05:002011-09-28T10:09:10.456-05:00

One thing I always admire about the bigger-name authors is their beautiful custom designs--Twitter backgrounds, websites, Facebook pages...things I didn't think the averaged e-published author could afford.I was SO wrong.Let me tell you about the company ShortStack. They're new, hip, and with it. The FREE version of the program would allow you endless ways to customize your Facebook fan page. And

Casey Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679753871434151647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-59459619063858084732011-09-22T09:52:00.001-05:002011-09-22T18:23:31.156-05:00

Want a break from your day? Enjoy our Thursday tradition.Darla M SandsLucius Antony

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-54717040862941740522011-09-20T02:46:00.000-05:002011-09-20T02:46:00.245-05:00

September Takeoff Rose tinted dawn shines Flames glow, riots of color Hot air balloons soar

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-12482031871818459612011-09-15T11:22:00.001-05:002011-09-18T11:23:54.630-05:00

It's Thursday again, when we create lists of thirteen things.  Click below to read: Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-15917457624222160332011-09-14T11:24:00.001-05:002011-09-18T11:35:22.271-05:00

As a music lover, I've long noted a preference for male vocals.  This fact became obvious when I tried listing female singers in my collection for a Thursday Thirteen.  That effort reminded me of a very different voice - from the written word.  Music is about the sound first and foremost, the story and emotion it carries like icing on the cake. The written word, for me, is different in that I

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-61875723487963361612011-09-12T00:01:00.011-05:002011-09-12T00:01:02.033-05:00

I'm so excited to report that Silken Sheets & Seduction is here! To celebrate, we're holding a huge - and I mean HUGE - giveaway! We're giving a Kindle preloaded with books (for U.S. only), and a huge bundle of e-books (for international folks), as well as some other amazing prizes. Together with a team of 8 writers, we will share sexy and sensual stories that go on between the covers! Check

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-80438454842785991512011-09-06T15:25:00.001-05:002011-09-06T15:25:57.827-05:00

Early Autumn Swirling yellow leavesHaphazard through graying skiesSummer shies away ~~~

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-65022471165212941042011-09-01T10:05:00.000-05:002011-09-01T10:05:31.490-05:00

Join us in celebrating the random: Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-5008671982755226842011-08-25T17:44:00.002-05:002011-08-26T17:46:55.980-05:00

Come along for some random fun. Clicking below gives thirteen insights into the minds of our writers. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-61412904616813203532011-08-24T09:51:00.005-05:002011-08-24T10:30:59.786-05:00

With Twitter's exponential growth over the past five years, many users are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of tweets that show up in their stream. As a corporate social strategist, I had to find a way to manage multiple Twitter and Facebook accounts without feeling overwhelmed. These five tips turned a mammoth task into something manageable. 1. Use a 3rd party client like Tweetdeck,

Casey Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679753871434151647noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-25392396634445116882011-08-22T00:01:00.011-05:002011-08-22T00:01:01.984-05:00

My first book, BURNING BRIGHT, written with coauthor Rachel Wilder, comes out next month. One of the things I’m learning as a new author is how to do promo. In fact, I’ve started talking about it like that – “do promo” like it’s some kind of jargon term, some in-crowd thing that I’m part of. But it’s sure easy to get overwhelmed. I talk to people in my writing group who are mystified by even

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-82508685060655549852011-08-18T09:39:00.000-05:002011-08-18T09:39:52.901-05:00

It's Thursday again, the day we like to share lists of thirteen related items. Read and enjoy! Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-25574301864095596712011-08-16T15:57:00.000-05:002011-08-16T15:57:53.347-05:00

Lately I've found myself gobbling up most everything slashy male on male written by Jet Mykles. Yesterday, I discovered her website features a stash of free stories, many a click away on the website Fiction with Friction. While it is not family or work safe, I thought I'd plug her free reads today. If you like hot m/m action, check her out! In addition, you can read an interview she kindly

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-51754526409211130742011-08-11T10:44:00.000-05:002011-08-11T10:44:24.352-05:00

Ready for a diversion?  Click below and enjoy! Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-31796279051034460152011-08-10T15:51:00.000-05:002011-08-10T15:51:19.339-05:00

Often of late, it seems all my writing has been confined to emails for the day job. I’ve been going home without even the inspiration to sit in front of a keyboard or pad of paper. Despite this, I have made up my mind to look at the bright side. There are positive aspects to my daily tasks. For example, every email typed is given proper grammar and spelling. Many also take a special skill at

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-85883392105688480422011-08-08T00:01:00.003-05:002011-08-08T00:01:02.011-05:00

I know, I know. Usually I post chapters of The Night Is a Harsh Mistress. I promise, I'm working on it. I even am doing so with the collaboration of my coauthor, Rachel! I think we're going to come up with some good ideas for it that will interest you. But for today, I want to share with you the results of a challenge from Romance Divas. For those of you that aren't familiar, Romance Divas

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-40090039705758879482011-08-05T17:02:00.002-05:002011-08-05T17:02:00.811-05:00

If you want a short story with a bit of punch, we've got it. Just click below... Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-64442960319796003312011-08-03T18:10:00.004-05:002011-08-04T11:50:25.874-05:00

Welcome to our weekly grab-bag of fun stuff to read. Enjoy! A. Catherine Noon Darla's Sand Castles Lucius Antony ShopNotes

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-8186720459643092762011-08-03T08:05:00.003-05:002011-08-03T08:08:30.988-05:00

“No, put it there.” “No, over there.” “On the bureau, can’t you see?” “What bureau?” “The one in the bedroom!” Discussions about space sometimes plague us. Where do we file that client information? Where do we put the new hire? Where do we store all the books that we bought? We just bought a new TV, now where do we put it? What about the bin for recycled goods? This is true for our

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-84251899234470251652011-08-02T07:43:00.000-05:002011-08-02T07:43:21.066-05:00

Summer Garden Clay soil, stubborn weeds The mantis watches askance Roots finally yield ~

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-51928650380996192002011-07-28T09:41:00.001-05:002011-07-28T15:57:27.627-05:00

Click below for a brief diversion from your daily grind: A. Catherine Noon Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-27274760743883187772011-07-27T00:05:00.000-05:002011-08-07T20:53:48.252-05:00

One of the social media marketing buzzwords floating around is "return on investment." (ROI) This is a metric, a measurement, of how "worthwhile" your social media efforts were. The problem is, when quantifying, you can't take into consideration the depth of a networking connection--only things like how many times a post was viewed, tweeted, or commented on. It's hard to reduce human connection

Casey Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06679753871434151647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-12848975803333681932011-07-21T06:52:00.000-05:002011-07-21T06:52:58.474-05:00

For a few moments of work safe enjoyment, come check out a list of the random: Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-77420827421624462892011-07-20T17:17:00.004-05:002011-07-25T11:02:31.019-05:00

After taking a creative writing class last quarter, I was introduced to an interesting website that I think many people will find helpful. It's called Duotrope's Digest. It's free to sign up and you can essentially shop around your story for mainly online publications, I think. It allows you to shop by genre (really specific genres, too). You can also track your submissions, when you submit,

Lucius Antonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713712561578972337noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-75843840482938291882011-07-19T12:40:00.004-05:002011-07-22T13:14:27.386-05:00

I recently finished reading an m/m book from the “Heaven Sent” series by Jet Mykles. I really enjoyed “Faith”, the story of Heaven Sent drummer Darien and his burgeoning relationship with the lawyer who finalized his divorce. Attorney Chris Faith is not only every bit as likeable as members of the band, his believable flaws make him very approachable to the reader. My kudos to Ms. Mykles. For

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-70751197149424205872011-07-17T19:12:00.000-05:002011-07-17T19:12:20.283-05:00

This week I spent Thursday night at the Oregon coast. I live about 90 minutes away, but still only manage to make it to the beach two or three times a year. This trip the weather wasn't particularly warm, but even fifteen minutes in front of the Pacific ocean still managed to make an impact. I don't think I can adequately explain how much peace I find when I get into nature. Red Rock Canyon,

Nicole Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00982796083827679021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-11610645201295630362011-07-14T14:16:00.002-05:002011-07-14T14:16:40.908-05:00

It's Thursday again, when we like to share lists of thirteen random things... Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-49435878834072765622011-07-07T08:54:00.000-05:002011-07-07T08:54:34.293-05:00

Kick back with us and check out a random list: Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-84059862668096133382011-07-06T06:00:00.000-05:002011-07-06T06:00:06.193-05:00

How many of you use a pen and paper to write? A handwritten journal? Post-it notes?? Yeah, I thought so. Not very many of you. I’ve learned in doing Prompt Group meetings for the last couple years that modern Americans don’t seem to write much anymore. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised; after all, I am a Technorati of the first order, a modern-day “power user.” Yet, philosophically, I

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-345637267479303282011-07-05T01:25:00.002-05:002011-07-05T01:25:00.706-05:00

The year is half over and I just realized that I never went back and revisited my National Novel Writing Month project from November. It's hard to believe so much time has passed! So this past weekend seemed the perfect time to look at that material and consider revisions. The interesting part about this NaNoWriMo product is that I changed both point of view and gender of the main character

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-33617032239583934022011-06-30T06:06:00.003-05:002011-06-30T19:48:14.765-05:00

Today we revel in the random. Click below and tell us what you think. A. Catherine Noon Casey Lynn Marketing & Media Services  Darla M Sands Skylar Kade

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-79427016373986646512011-06-29T06:00:00.003-05:002011-08-07T20:52:22.442-05:00

For this week's Wiley Wednesday, we have the opportunity to have a chat with Casey Lynn, of Casey Lynn Marketing & Media Services. Casey helps authors to market themselves and to navigate the new reality of self-promotion. Casey has kindly consented to answer some questions for us. WR: First off, what IS a marketing/promo plan? CL: Before we start, let's lay out some definitions. "

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-26781085434525486462011-06-23T06:26:00.000-05:002011-06-23T06:26:53.256-05:00

Click below and enjoy something random: Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-91940255726582320612011-06-21T09:59:00.000-05:002011-06-21T09:59:52.977-05:00

In Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way”, one of the issues she brings up for blocked artists is poisonous relationships. They can come in many forms from a non-supportive parent or spouse to a jealous acquaintance who tears down your artistic attempts at every turn. Struggling with a bit of my own blight, I realize how fortunate I am. The gang here is wonderful, as well as others in my life

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-88370357106892116202011-06-16T06:04:00.001-05:002011-06-16T11:32:26.320-05:00

Here we are again. Click below for a random read of thirteen things: A. Catherine Noon Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-53541903366278688492011-06-09T08:16:00.001-05:002011-06-16T11:32:55.653-05:00

Welcome to another Thursday and the opportunity for some fun lists to read! Darla's Sand Castles - Haiku

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-86384210696445718752011-06-08T11:36:00.001-05:002011-06-08T11:37:03.372-05:00

I’ve been suffering a bit of something I am loathe to name and honestly never expected would happen to me to such a degree – writer’s block. There are multiple insidious reasons for this. And I think I’m wallowing in it as opposed to using the tools available to me from sources like “The Artist’s Way”. Just yesterday, though, I enjoyed a minor breakthrough via a responsibility to write

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-67131049616087694622011-06-07T17:44:00.004-05:002011-06-08T11:13:43.156-05:00

My feather touch stilled the spinning ballerina. Dulcet tones ground to a low chirrup as I closed the lid. Playing the music box always put my daughter right to sleep. Nothing else worked as well. Except she no longer rested her sweet head in this bed. The canopied top fluttered gaily in the spring breeze. I washed all the bedclothes just the day before, careful to clean out the dust while

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-48683524076495644762011-06-02T06:40:00.001-05:002011-06-28T22:20:54.592-05:00

Here we are at Thursday again, when we like to share the fun of random lists... Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-39139152038698433902011-05-31T23:11:00.001-05:002011-05-31T23:20:07.811-05:00

Getting Back In the Mood I’ve been working on editing my first book, which comes out later this year from Samhain Publishing. I wrote it with my coauthor, Rachel Wilder. While we work together extensively, when I’m at my keyboard working on edits it’s usually by myself. Since we wrote Burning Bright last year, we’ve developed two new series in very different universes, as well as wrote more

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-34333180714540938122011-05-26T05:24:00.000-05:002011-05-26T05:24:29.556-05:00

It's another Thursday, during which we like to share random lists of thirteen items. Come join us! Darla's Sand Castles - Thirteen Kit Kat Flavors from Japan

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-3863057241346950982011-05-19T07:20:00.000-05:002011-05-19T07:20:17.504-05:00

Another Thursday already! Enjoy something from the random... Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-36381379983359636532011-05-12T07:56:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:36:58.971-05:00

It's Thursday! Stop by and see what is listed today for the random Thursday Thirteen: Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-44301029425173961102011-05-11T13:43:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:36:59.661-05:00

I’m not sure if this fits the definition of a Wiley for this fine Wednesday, but I ran into something I simply had to share. You could most definitely say it fits with the Artist’s Way teachings of Julia Cameron, at any rate. While reading a magazine the other day, I found an interesting interview with a comic book artist. This man admits to sometimes not being able to make a living with his

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-76180813328625402772011-05-05T08:44:00.002-05:002011-09-07T11:41:11.217-05:00

Are you ready for another Thursday? Our writers like to celebrate thirteen random things, so click below to read... Darla M Sands The Pack Rat's Nest

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-48772934548484553562011-05-03T09:30:00.025-05:002011-05-04T09:42:45.496-05:00

I am in the midst of reading Ann Somerville's "Games & Consequences" and it brings up for me an interesting question. First, an explanation. The story is a sequel of sorts, following the tale "Remastering Jerna". Set in a unique world with interesting alterations from our own, the tale is told from the perspective of Jerna, a wrongly accused man. I greatly enjoyed that read, and looked

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-8488863878061291162011-05-01T21:47:00.000-05:002011-05-01T21:47:34.054-05:00

After a busy day early this week, I came home and just wanted to rest my brain. For me that usually means watching something rather than reading or writing. The video of choice that night was Mansfield Park. I know that people often have strong opinions about the 1999 movie version of Mansfield Park. In truth, I am inclined to agree that it does not qualify as a very faithful adaptation of Jane

Nicole Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00982796083827679021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-64578832133846594342011-04-28T11:29:00.000-05:002011-04-28T11:29:38.287-05:00

Here we are again, hoping you'll check out something random and fun. Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-5791843193508858822011-04-21T08:26:00.000-05:002011-04-21T08:26:03.805-05:00

Another week has passed and here we are with another fun time. Click below to read about the random. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-8486705307440504182011-04-19T10:51:00.001-05:002011-04-19T10:52:13.592-05:00

Here's a description of "In Your Eyes" from Amazon: Lizzy would give it all back just to hear her mother's voice one more time... the house, the furniture...even the money. Regardless, her heartless stepfather is determined to take what he feels is rightfully his. Handyman Adam Woodward rides into Lizzy's life and vows to keep her safe, but is it enough to stop the cold, callous determination of

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-36106798538636432062011-04-15T08:54:00.002-05:002011-04-15T08:54:28.179-05:00

If you're in the mood for a short, short story, click below and Happy Friday! Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-71786623620471633112011-04-14T09:49:00.000-05:002011-04-14T09:49:41.815-05:00

Check out some random fun on this fine Thursday... Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-7043914742215843142011-04-13T11:41:00.001-05:002011-04-14T11:42:20.868-05:00

The more I get into writing, the more I find my skill lacking. It’s ironic considering I agreed to write something meant to help others. Then again, perhaps part of being human is learning together. All I really feel qualified to say today is that if you want to write, don’t stop doing it. And whatever you do, write what you love. This is echoed at the end of an article by Josh Lanyon that I

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-3278079766012775362011-04-08T14:53:00.002-05:002011-04-14T11:43:30.485-05:00

Enjoy a little distraction with Flash Fiction Friday! Lucius Antony

Lucius Antonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04713712561578972337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-91060788271517426112011-04-07T08:52:00.000-05:002011-04-07T08:52:15.995-05:00

Here we are again, celebrating the random.  Enjoy! Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-61851048911197122662011-04-05T14:30:00.001-05:002011-04-05T14:32:18.428-05:00

Sitting in a rainstorm with a dead car battery, I can’t help comparing this situation to my writing. For various reasons, work stress among them, I feel too drained by day’s end to write. It’s like my characters have abandoned me. However, I’m not calling it quits. I knew what number to call for help today, so there is surely some key to storytelling locked inside me. First, I need to sit

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-79353723475579718492011-03-31T09:32:00.001-05:002011-03-31T09:34:01.156-05:00

Wow! Did another week already go by? It's time for some random fun with lists: Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-88399956820496855872011-03-24T09:07:00.003-05:002011-03-24T14:57:11.576-05:00

Today is the day we rejoice in blogdom by creating random lists of thirteen things. Click below and enjoy... A. Catherine Noon Darla M Sands Pack Rat

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-90445216396304809522011-03-20T19:34:00.001-05:002011-03-21T09:37:16.269-05:00

I had an irresistible urge to re-read The School of Essential Ingedients by Erica Bauermeister today. The story follows several characters who take a cooking class in vivid detail. While each individual character's story is perhaps too short to be truly satisfying, I can't help but sink into the world that Bauermeister creates. Every page is a feast for the senses – tastes and sounds and smells

Nicole Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00982796083827679021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-12525409514386174332011-03-17T08:17:00.002-05:002011-03-17T11:16:59.255-05:00

It's Thursday, a day for lists of the random. We hope you'll stop by and enjoy. A. Catherine Noon Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-91187550966261520922011-03-15T14:50:00.001-05:002011-03-15T14:52:09.404-05:00

Julia Cameron in her book "The Artist's Way" likens opening our minds to gradually wedging open a door. I think of that today because I decided to open the window so I could hear the birds. Doing that simple act made me wish it were so easy to let in story ideas and create. I did succeed in writing a short story today, but I noticed with the window open that a lot more than birdsong entered my

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-18996643687007678832011-03-11T01:00:00.000-06:002011-03-11T01:00:08.821-06:00

Come join us as we indulge in what we like to do best:  tell stories! A. Catherine Noon

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-86451019376021714002011-03-10T10:30:00.000-06:002011-03-10T10:30:45.573-06:00

Every Thursday, some bloggers contemplate thirteen random things.  Stop by and enjoy! Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-72998029440799519672011-03-09T10:27:00.001-06:002011-03-09T10:34:21.696-06:00

Back on October 13th of last year I posted a Wiley titled “Show Instead of Tell”. It’s something I continue struggling to improve. The latest evidence of my battle is in a story written about a year ago. I decided to put forth this tale in a mentoring program without having looked at it for some months. The results were eye opening, to say the least. A humbling critique on a single page from the

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-39287646302777763342011-03-03T06:05:00.000-06:002011-03-03T06:05:50.684-06:00

Here we are again.  It's Thursday and we'd like to share some fun with random listings. Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-86984073480006439952011-03-01T01:44:00.003-06:002011-03-01T01:44:00.419-06:00

As I begin typing this I have to say that I closed the cover on this book less than five minutes ago. What a bittersweet moment! “Remastering Jerna” is riveting from beginning to end. Even the most difficult passages were written so expertly as to keep me reading. And I don’t call them difficult for some minor heartache – there is rape and torture during the prison scenes that chilled my blood.

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-75305991336473154202011-02-24T05:54:00.003-06:002011-09-07T11:41:11.218-05:00

It's Thursday again. Enjoy our celebration of the random. Darla M Sands The Pack Rat's Nest Sunshine

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-6967969295645306712011-02-20T20:01:00.000-06:002011-02-20T20:01:59.261-06:00

Creeeak. Grooaannnn. SqueeakGroanCcreeeak. Those are the sounds I hear in my head as I flex my writing muscles for the first time in a while.  It’s amazing how little time it really takes for a good coating of rust to form in the creative machinery of the mind. There are a lot of reasons I haven’t been writing, some valid, and some pretty lame.  Like anything else, writing is a habit that is

Nicole Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00982796083827679021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-52125002595792046052011-02-18T08:37:00.000-06:002011-02-18T08:37:09.125-06:00

Come and enjoy a short, sweet read! A. Catherine Noon

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-86396120200381340542011-02-17T07:36:00.006-06:002011-02-19T17:06:13.468-06:00

Stop by for some fun with random lists of thirteen things. A. Catherine Noon Darla's Sand Castles Sunshine

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-15920993261093051682011-02-15T19:26:00.000-06:002011-02-15T19:26:46.159-06:00

I just recently finished Z. A. Maxfield's book "Crossing Borders". It's a devastatingly hot and romantic m/m read. The realism of the story makes for sheer, down-to-earth escapism. Right from the start I liked the main characters. Tristan is a college student questioning his sexuality. Michael is a public servant surprised and delighted to offer some answers. Michael has eyed Tristan since

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-11473460553670046592011-02-10T10:19:00.000-06:002011-02-10T10:19:23.034-06:00

Click below for a little Thursday diversion.  We dare ya! Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-60940311112493976232011-02-09T11:51:00.001-06:002011-02-09T11:52:02.938-06:00

Today happens to be an extremely exciting time for me. While considering what to write for this very blog post, coincidentally, I received my first ever payment as an author! Although this is just one more step on my chosen path, I thought it fitting to share what this humble writer thinks constitutes the title. If you have a million dollar, multi-book deal, you’re a writer. That states the

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-49040679368894555652011-02-03T06:16:00.005-06:002011-09-07T11:41:11.219-05:00

Come enjoy all that is random! A. Catherine Noon Darla M Sands The Pack Rat's Nest

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-79600259789231642612011-02-01T16:33:00.001-06:002011-02-01T16:34:04.275-06:00

Just hours ago I finished the novel "Kelland" by Paul G. Bens, Jr. I'm still sorry it's over, actually. I would call the book a drama first, with minor supernatural elements. The biggest of these is, who is Kelland? Man? Woman? Child? Lover? Priest? Kelland is all these things, depending upon what the interacting character needs for his or her part to play out. I honestly don’t even

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-70853153916287596652011-01-27T08:46:00.006-06:002011-01-29T08:48:33.296-06:00

It's that day of the week again, where we in the blogosphere like to have fun listing thirteen random items. Darla M Sands

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-2447047173515727412011-01-20T08:08:00.003-06:002011-01-20T15:37:17.085-06:00

It's that day of the week again.  Come along and enjoy a list of thirteen items. Today, we're featuring yogurt: A. Catherine Noon Darla's Sand Castles

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-900277779836400642011-01-18T11:34:00.000-06:002011-01-18T11:34:14.283-06:00

Just like a lot of things in this world, stories come in all sizes. When I was younger, nothing short of a novel length tale really got my juices flowing. Whether it was because I had more time for such an investment or perhaps my imagination needed more time and complexity to take flight, I suppose I’ll never know. Once I started writing, I became drawn to more succinct pieces. A whole serial

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-61150333491818217762011-01-14T11:41:00.003-06:002011-01-15T08:49:24.700-06:00

Kick back with a short read this Friday... DM Sands on Nightlight A. Catherine Noon This is a blast from the past. I wrote this for a flash-a-day competition but I like it, and figured I'd share it today. Enjoy! The Packrat's Nest

Darla M Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11520094333004257139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-834597213818165311.post-91172908886638106822011-01-13T06:00:00.010-06:002011-01-15T08:48:01.924-06:00

Join us once again for an eclectic grab-bag of posts from the writers of the Writer's Retreat as we experiment with the Thursday 13 meme. Enjoy! A. Catherine Noon Darla M Sands Debbie Cairo Nicole Gordon

A. Catherine Noonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.com0