Story of My Life

I’m pleased to welcome Jenyfer Matthews back to my blog. I met Jenyfer Matthews online when we were both writing for Cerridwen Press and she had just moved with her family to Cairo, Egypt from the United Arab Emirates. Jenyfer is back in the United States now, but not entirely by choice…

As a rule, I don’t a write mysteries so I don’t have to know each plot point before I start writing my story. I am what is known in the writing world as a “pantster”, meaning I write by the seat of my pant - or in other words, I make it all up as I go along. Something will inspire a story idea, I’ll get an inkling of the big turning points, and I might even have a glimmer of how I want the story to end then off I go.

Generally, my stories start with me exploding my character’s life and then waiting to see how they react. I have to admit, the process is much more fun in my head than it is in real life. Up until February 1st, I lived in Cairo, Egypt. Then everything… changed.

I was just minding my own business – putting the children on the school bus in the morning, grocery shopping, doing (never ending) housework, and planning out my writing goals for the year when the Egyptian Revolution occurred.

Guest Blogging Today

Today, I'm over at Jenyfer Matthews' blog. I've shared a bit of behind-the-scenes information about When Danger Calls, including a snippet that's not on my website. Drop by, leave a comment.

Jenyfer is an American living in Cairo, Egypt, and her blog gives great glimpses of what it's like to raise a family in another culture. An added bonus -- some great travel pictures as she explores areas around her home.

And, just because I've got them, a few pictures of the obstacle course at SWAT Roundup.

Blogging With A Purpose

It's nice to know someone reads my posts and finds something interesting or useful in here. Fellow author Carol Ann Erhardt gave me a "Blogging With A Purpose" award. In turn, I'm supposed to pass the award on to five other bloggers whose blogs serve a purpose for me. I've listed them on the side bar, and here's why I chose them.

Banana Death is my daughter's blog. She's coaching and training for a half-iron man competition in Colorado as a fund raising effort for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Her blog follows her training regimen, which never ceases to amaze me.

Dishing with the Divas and Wet Noodle Posse are group blogs run by authors who share writing advice, entertaining anecdotes, and all sorts of aspects of the craft and business of writing.

Jenyfer Matthews is an American author who lives in Cairo, Egypt and she shares lots of pictures and tales of what it's like to live and raise a family over there.

The Graveyard Shift is run by Lee Lofland, author and retired police officer and is crammed with great research material, and he's always got time to answer questions.