Hippity Pop! It's a Jumpin' Blog Hop!

I am very excited to have been invited to join a children's author blog hop by the amazing Aileen Stewart!  Be sure to hop back and check her out at, Aileen's Thoughts!  Her book, Fern Valley, is a wonderful addition to any children's library. 

So, now for a few tidbits about myself!

What are you working on right now?

At the moment, I am gearing up for Nanowrimo and hope to get along farther than last year!  I have several short stories knocking around.  I also have a continuation to The Secret of Smiley's Woods at my publisher.  In the new story, one of our favorites characters, Sarah's cousin, gets to have his turn.  Be sure to keep your eyes open, because there will still be one more person searching for his adventure.  I will soon be starting the story for Sarah's brother and see where he will be finding his own "Secret".

How does your writing process work?

Mostly, I will get a fleeting idea.  This can come from a sentence I read somewhere, or a phrase someone says to me.  I have also just been driving down the road and the landscape has caused something to float through my mind.  I have to knock it around in my head for a little while.  Soon, it starts to tug at me and I know that is when I need to sit and start to write.  I am not able to take notes very well when I am at this point, doing so makes me overthink everything.  I have to let it build in my mind and then let the gates open.  I will sit and let everything I have built up flow out at once.  I usually let it sit for several days before going back and reading through it. 

Who are authors that you most admire?

I do not want to be one of a crowd, but I truly admire Jane Austen.  I feel in a time and society which decided women should be, do, and act in a certain manner, Jane was able to find her voice.  She was able to poke fun at a set of rules while opening our eyes and making us think more about a period in history, which at times, was very rigid.  Given my totally romantic nature (mostly hidden from view), I adore Diana Palmer and Nora Roberts.  I have read everything each has published and await any new works with high anticipation.  Each author's writing style appeals to a different side of me. 

Where do you turn for instruction and inspiration?

I turn to my fellow authors.  I have been fortunate to meet so many fellow authors online and to see how they hone their respective crafts.  There is never an answer lacking or support when there is a road block.  I have truly been blessed beyond belief in the area!  I have joined several writers groups which enables me to pose questions and in turn give answers of my own.  I am most inspired by my family.  If they believe in my ability to do what my heart desires in my writing, I do just fine!


Thanks for stopping by a while!  I hope you are enjoying the Hop!  Please be sure to check out Kelly Hagen, author of Jake and Jesus, at her blog Author Kelly Hagen.