Interviews

I am preparing to do an interview (as research) for a novel I started forever ago and finally dusted off. It's been one that is near to my heart, and I don't know why I strayed away from it. I'm a little nervous about doing an interview since I have never really done one for my writing life. I talk to people all day at my full-time job, but it's a little different talking about emotions and life-changing experiences with someone you hardly know.

So...do any of you have any advice for me on what to do or what not to do? I don't want her to feel like I'm grilling her. How do you do your interviews? How long do they last? Do you do them over the phone or in person? Just asking.

31 days of Halloween

My friend and author, Susan Meyers, is blogging about the 31 days of Halloween. She is going to have fun puzzles, spooky haikus and ghostabulous illustrations to get you in the Halloweeny mood. Go check it out here http://susanameyers.blogspot.com/2009/10/31-days-of-halloween.html

Happy Halloween!!

Research

I'm in the middle of digging up research for a YA novel. It just got me wondering how everyone else goes about this process and what resources you use. Any suggestions or recommendations?

A Tribute to Niki

My beautiful friend, Niki, passed away this week from a three year battle with hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). She was the most gracious, joyous, loving person I have ever met and she always had a smile on her face, even in the end.

I feel very blessed to have been able to call her a friend. If I could only have a quarter of her gracefulness and dignity I would be so much closer to what God has intended for us. Niki touched every life she met with her quiet kindness, and I will miss her very much. I love you, Niki. Here's for you as you become a gorgeous butterfly. Enjoy your flight.

(She loved butterflies)

A few pics from vacation

I know it's been too long since I blogged. I promise I'll try to keep up.

My family went to the Riviera Maya in Mexico the end of June and had a nice, relaxing (okay, maybe not so relaxing with 2 kids arguing all the time) trip. It was very beautiful.

It was raining pretty hard this morning so we took the time to go
shopping that day.

They are acting like they like me or something??

And here, they are acting like they like each other. Don't
be fooled. :)

My husband and son at one of the many restaurants we went to.

My kids went snorkeling in the ocean for the first time and loved it.

This was at Xcaret, a zoo/water park. Lots of walking, but tons of things to see.

Although it was nice, we were ready to get home. Too much togetherness or something?????

We also got a new puppy when we got home, so I'll post a few pics of him next time.

So... 10 years ago today I was at the hospital giving birth to my beautiful daughter. I never could have imagined time would fly so fast. I have tried to enjoy every moment- even the arguments- and especially the one on one time I get with her.


Pretty soon she won't need me so much and will probably be embarrassed to be seen with me. I have to remember back to that time in my life and think of all the problems that felt catastrophic to my ten-year-old-self.


It's hard to watch your children have struggles and not be able to do anything to help. Especially for girls. They have so many worries to contend with.

All I know is...she is my heart.