RSSCategory: Contemporary Women Writers

A Sad Publishing Story

A Sad Publishing Story

I’m about to start the arduous process of finding a new publisher. Here’s why: In 2018, after years of writing and re-writing a mystery set in Chicago, I’d collected about 70 agent rejections when my editor suggested that I submit to an online novel competition. I submitted to several and it led to winning a […]

November 23, 2024 | By | Reply More
Authors Interviewing Characters: Margaret Dulaney

Authors Interviewing Characters: Margaret Dulaney

Whippoorwill Willingly by Margaret Dulaney A mysterious invitation prompts young Whippoorwill Willingly to travel to an enchanted lake in the far reaches of the Swiss Alps. Each day’s discoveries will alter the course of her life, offering forever friendships of all varieties: two-legged, four-legged and winged. Filled to the margins with Mother-Earth-Love, Whippoorwill Willingly speaks […]

November 22, 2024 | By | Reply More
When You Care Enough by Mary Flynn

When You Care Enough by Mary Flynn

by Mary Flynn As a former full-time writer for Hallmark Cards, I have a long-standing affinity for the brand that has carried over to the popular Hallmark Channel. Even so, I couldn’t help taking a tongue-in-cheek look at this TV programming giant. When You Care Enough It was just about a hundred years ago that […]

November 20, 2024 | By | Reply More
A ‘TRUE’ STORY ABOUT INSPIRATION 

A ‘TRUE’ STORY ABOUT INSPIRATION 

by Josje Weusten ‘We shouldn’t be reading this!’ the student sitting across from me on the first row interjects before I have even properly started my introduction.  The lecture I’m giving is part of an undergraduate course on the European history of the novel. Having ironed out the main kinks years ago, I am used […]

November 14, 2024 | By | Reply More
Quincy Kadin: On writing Frankie’s Fishy Feelings

Quincy Kadin: On writing Frankie’s Fishy Feelings

Quincy Kadin is a high school student in Los Angeles, a mental health advocate, and the author of Frankie’s Fishy Feelings, a children’s book. We are delighted to feature her on our site1 Growing up, I had a lot of anxiety. At times, it was so bad that I struggled to leave my house. My […]

November 11, 2024 | By | Reply More
I’m No Longer Writing Heroines

I’m No Longer Writing Heroines

By Stacey Simmons I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in writing classes, seminars, workshops, or retreats where a well-meaning instructor, professor, or writing guru has directed me to use The Hero’s Journey (THJ) to structure my story. Whether writing fiction, memoir, or non-fiction, I have been redirected to this pattern more times […]

November 5, 2024 | By | Reply More
CHARMED by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal: Excerpt

CHARMED by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal: Excerpt

Charmed “addresses a range of difficult issues” and is “engaging…full of drama…a compelling love story with flawed characters and complex family dynamics.” -Kirkus Reviews Summary:  When dreams are shattered, it’s hard to pick up the pieces. Prisca Weld expected to become Mrs. Nick Fontaine before any of her friends walked down the aisle. Nick worked […]

November 1, 2024 | By | Reply More
Running Wild: The Origins of a Groundbreaking Publisher

Running Wild: The Origins of a Groundbreaking Publisher

As the powerhouse founder of Running Wild Press, Lisa Diane Kastner has been featured in Forbes and has claimed a spot on multiple “Best of” lists. In her acquisition editorial endeavors, she has identified talent like Jamie Ford (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) and Tori Eldridge (Dance Among the Flames) among many […]

October 30, 2024 | By | Reply More
The Reluctant Pioneer: Inspired by a True Story

The Reluctant Pioneer: Inspired by a True Story

By Julie McDonald Zander More than a dozen years ago, wandering through the Lewis County Historical Museum in Washington State, I read a small placard about a pioneer mother of four who crossed the Oregon Trail in 1847 and suffered a sudden tragedy.  What did this mother of young children do, thousands of miles from […]

October 29, 2024 | By | Reply More
Transitioning from Writer to Editor: What Gives You the Right?

Transitioning from Writer to Editor: What Gives You the Right?

By Lisa Diane Kastner As the powerhouse founder of Running Wild Press, Lisa Diane Kastner has been featured in Forbes and has claimed a spot on multiple “Best of” lists. In her acquisition editorial endeavors, she has identified talent like Jamie Ford (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) and Tori Eldridge (Dance Among […]

October 27, 2024 | By | Reply More