Just like Tolkien, my stories do have elements of moral choice - is the MC/SC "irredeemably bad"?

Their actions speak louder - we are all in the "gray" zone with good and evil in all of us. Actions can sometimes be misinterpreted.

It's the choices you make that determine what you are.

#writers #writersLife

#WritersCoffeeClub Mar. 25: What do you feel when a loved one reads your work?

Pride! And happiness as they are super supportive and have always enjoyed my work. I also appreciate it when they give me constructive criticism as I know they are doing it from a good place and a loving heart. But, I don't always concur!

#WordWeavers day 25: What do you feel thinking about the last scene you wrote?

How wow this was a very unusual take for a picture book - I gave my new kids picture book a kinda dark Grimm's Brother, goth feel - so, yeah. Hope y'all like it!

#WordWeavers day 21: Where do your MCs fall, on a scale of timid to recklessly brave?

I wouldn't say reckless, but brave and calculating. My MC's for my kidlit MG fantasy are a Macaroni penguin couple who go on an epic journey and encounter predators of all types: Emperor penguins, leopard seals, killer whales, and pirates who deal in the black market pet trade.

#WordWeavers 20 March: How much romance is there in your story?

Well I just finished a Romance short story, but it's more of a conversation between lovers. Also I write kidlit, and my MG fantasy has a "married" penguin couple as the MC, who do rub noses and hug with flippers.

#WordWeavers Mar 19 - Share something that makes your SC different from your MC.

Just finished writing a fun MG fantasy story - with Macaroni penguins as the MC/SC. The MC's are a couple - they mate for life - who have human emotions but penguin physicality. The SC is wise-cracking/funny but has mad skills that come to the rescue in unexpected ways.

#WritersCoffeeClub Mar 19 - Do you need to finish a work before starting another?

No, not really! I recently had 3 manuscripts going, but of course, I write Kidlit so they are short. I just did a longer MG fantasy story that will be out shortly - lots of Macaroni penguins! And I'm about to tackle a YA fantasy that's been simmering for a while now.

I have a new #kids Picture Book!
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The Lion Who Winked
A young boy lives a boring life until a plaster Lion winks at him and - comes alive! Together, they travel back in time to Gold Rush era San Francisco and have an exciting, fun adventure.

https://shorturl.at/gvHS8

Are you feeling exhausted?
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Especially by the news?
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Turns of the Psychology of Exhaustion is a political ploy used to control the masses - remedy is to unplug from the doom scrolling and learn to focus on issues.

https://substack.com/home/post/p-187653062

#resist #resistence

#WritersCoffeeClub March 9 Do you prefer to write complex, intricate plots, or more straightforward ones?

Well, I do try! I think the reading masses can handle plot twists, it stimulates the grey cells and makes for a "surprise" exciting read. Shoutout to my mentor, Agatha Christie!