Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Author Cynthia Herron”
For a writer, there’s nothing more exhilarating than the telling of the story. Beautiful, well-crafted prose is a by-product of that process, but that’s a skill that’s acquired over time. We master our craft while attending The School of Hard Knocks. There are no shortcuts, no easier route, and no fake-outs. When we hear of those authors who are “overnight successes,” that’s …
I knew a girl in college who had a flair for the dramatic. She had long, flowing tresses and dark, expressive eyes. She often wore flowery peasant blouses teamed with ruffled skirts, multiple gold bangles, and twin hoops in each ear. She also ate a lot of garlic (touting its myriad health benefits), and she was an accomplished artist. Rarely, was …
In Monday’s post Are Critique Partners Necessary? I explored why our readers, mentors, and fellow writers (aka “crit partners”) are so valuable. Today, I’d like to talk about the various strengths and “gifts” each of our critique partners brings to the table. Years ago when I began writing, the only person I had critiquing my work was my high school journalism teacher …
Today, I was set to do a follow-up post to Monday’s Are Critique Partners Necessary? With it being a holiday, however, I’ve decided to take today off and save Part Two until Friday. I’d like to mention just a few quick things: *Tonya Ashley, you’re my June blog giveaway winner. Congratulations! Please contact me soon with your mailing info so I can …
Many years ago, I was a member of a fledgling writer’s group. In this group were writers of various ages and professional backgrounds. Some were stay-at-home moms. Others were teachers, nurses, social workers, and office managers. We also had a company president or two and a smattering of business owners. Some were published authors. While we were all at different stages in …
I love art. I appreciate the creative process and the end result. For me, it’s the in-between period that becomes rather labor intensive. I think most writers would tell you there’s an initial high that comes when we’re creating a new story with fresh characters. We love to plot and pour it out on paper. Sometimes we can’t type fast enough. …
Unless we live in a cave or under a rock, at some point we’re all faced with those inevitable highs and lows called “life.” When those roads intersect, it can often be a time of indecision and a source of stress. On one hand, we’re thrilled that our circumstances are about to change for the better. On the other hand, …
My heart hurts. I have a heart blister. No, that’s not a profound thought or a scholarly witticism or even a nugget of literary genius. It’s not a reference to a physical malady, nor is it an awkward stage, a crisis moment, or a plea for sympathy. It is, to put it simply, a candid summation of a long season. …
10. You’re able to pop in and out of your characters’ heads without getting whiplash. 9. You realize editing and revising are your “new normal.” 8. Writing is your profession. Everything else is a hobby. 7. There will always be naysayers. It’s not up to you to change them. 6. Staying upbeat will take you farther …
When selecting a book to read or buy, like most folks, my eyes automatically scan the cover for telltale clues as to what the book’s about. Many times, if the cover art is intriguing, it’ll cause me to give the book a second glance and I’ll at least peruse the book a little longer. I’ll probably read the back cover …
