Next Reading in Culver City

I’ll be reading at Antioch University Los Angeles’ Literary Uprising on May 19th! Come on down for an evening of great literature and good company! Hope to see you there!

My book is published and available for purchase now!

Book Release Bound

So we just finished reviewing the hard copy of the book. Proofing for final edits, and we are on track for release at the end of March 2015. The initial reviews from the novel have been stellar and I am beyond thrilled. Please feel free to visit the official website for the novel, http://www.fatizen.com, for […]

Publication Update

So I just heard from my fabulous editor Genie Rayner of Branch Hill Publications. The expected publication date is now 2015, which is what I was expecting as we head into the holiday season. It took a while for me to make the last round of line edits and there are one more set of […]

Defamiliarization and Using Random Metaphors in Writing

So my new daily habit is to plug into my new favorite podcast, “Inside Creative Writing.” It fills the hour drive home from work and it’s like attending a really great writing seminar. I’m doing my best to catch up on past episodes. Teacher and writer Brad Reed has a wonderful presentation style and is a […]

Final line edits and podcasts

So last week I completed the publisher’s final line edits and sent off my manuscript. I promptly posted an update to Facebook and was asked, “So, what are you doing to celebrate?” I had to think about that for a while. I’ve completed so many drafts that I’m rather content to just go to bed […]

Working it all in

It’s busy around our house these days. Preparing for my husband’s first art show and working on the final edits for my novel come at the same time when we have to move. Working to keep it all on target has been a Herculean task. I’m thankful to have a partner driven to getting the […]

Art Gallery Showing of Mason’s Work in Downtown Long Beach in October 2014!

One of my writing group members offered us the opportunity to show Mason’s art in a gallery next month. What an opportunity! If you have the chance, join us for the opening night reception on October 4th at 6:00 pm. We hope to fill the gallery. And of course, bring your checkbook and support […]

Full Steam Ahead

What a great summer. I completed my edits by July 31st and delivered the entire manuscript to the publisher. After a full read and negotiations, they offered me a contract. What made the deal even sweeter is that they want to publish the graphic novel as well. I decided to include eighteen of Mason’s full […]

Working with a small press

I’m on day two of a five day intensive writing program-at home. I’ve promised a publisher the entire revised manuscript by July 31st. Up to page 317. Energized and terribly excited, I’m feeling great. A wonderful and talented classmate of mine linked me with her publisher, a small press that specializes in social justice. I’m impressed with […]