A Character in The Measure of Life who became unexpectedly important

One of my characters in The Measure of Life grew in importance as I shaped and edited the novel. I originally pictured him simply as an elderly man in an antique and junk shop where my protagonist bought some memorabilia when she returns from buying bread at a bakery a neighbor recommended as the best in Rome.  My developmental editor said he was extraneous to the story, but a few friends who had seen an earlier draft said they loved him.… Read more

Women’s Fiction

I was asked about writing women’s fiction. Here’s my response:

My chosen genre is women’s fiction. But what exactly is it? Some readers turn up their noses at the mention of this genre because they think it is about bland, weak, or overly emotional woman who can’t cope with life and should be censured for their transgressions. Or, alternatively, to be read as a guide to how women should be, however unrealistic and misogynistic.

But I see it as a genre that allows for an expansive exploration of a female protagonist’s life without the restrictions that come with romance or mystery.… Read more

A Book is Born – Part IV

In a twist on the philosophical question “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around does it make a sound?” is the question if you publish a book and no knows about it have you really produced anything. As is typical, I began with a book launch at my local bookstore. Happily, the room was full and all the books were sold and more ordered. But if I want to sell to the demographic beyond my hometown, I need to do more.… Read more

A Book is Born – Part III

Finding a publisher is one of the more frustrating aspects of writing a book. The famous “blood, sweat, and tears” aspect of finding an outlet for your creative narrative – whether fiction, memoir, or nonfiction, becomes a hunt through a morass of information. It soon becomes clear that the publishing industry is one of constant change, frustration, and opportunities.  

The Gold Standard is securing an agent who successfully auctions the book to a major publisher for a big advance.… Read more

A Book is Born – Part II

Time to start writing – get those words flowing. I dreamed up scene after scene based on observations, experiences of friends, my life, and overheard comments to develop a woman expat’s life in Rome and her difficult marriage and how she made choices and, eventually, overcame obstacles. And then I read what I’d written. Oh well. So, I began to rearrange, delete, cut and paste, think more in-depth about who my characters really were and what they wanted and how to convey this.… Read more