1. Don’t think. Our best ideas emerge as a spark or image. Like dreams, they make little sense.

2. Creativity is cyclical. You will not be creative all the time. Creativity has its own internal rhythms. Listen to yours.

3. Nothing kills creativity faster than criticism.  Good critiquing leaves you inspired, not deflated.

4. Spend time listening to your inner critic. By becoming aware of its foul jabber, you can challenge its roadblocks.

5. Being a creator is risky business. Learn to push ahead even when you are afraid. Learn to love the risk.

6. Don’t be afraid to fail. Every successful creator fails. Failure means you’ve uncovered a path that does not work.

7. Don’t be afraid to write garbage. “Garbage” writing is the rich, fertile ground that allows your work to grow.

8. Nurture your creativity. It is fragile as a budding flower.

9. Be passionate. Creativity is passionate. Passion is creative.

10. Learn your craft and write! The more you write, the better you get. Successful writers are disciplined writers.

Frowning at her friend, Regina said, “Tillie, what’s wrong? For several weeks now you’ve been more lethargic and surly than that silly cat.”

Ms. Pickles gave a defiant lift of her head and step-hopped over to rub against Tillie’s shin.

“Damnable feline,” Regina said. “I still can’t believe I let you talk me into keeping that filthy flea bag.”

“She’s a sweet kitty.” Tillie gave the cat an affectionate scratch. “The only one with sand in her knickers around here is you.”

“Quit avoiding the question. Since Annabelle’s been here you’ve been sleeping more and more, and your skin is the color of oatmeal. And if you get sick, I’ll be stuck with my useless cousin and that idiotic fur ball for companionship.”

I’ve been chasing the dream of publishing a novel for a very long time.  The idea for Feisty Family Values hit me my senior year of college in 2000, and although I was working full time and attending school nights I had to write it. 

Yesterday I received the author copies of Feisty Family Values and they are beautiful.  Five Star Publishing did a wonderful job, and made my dream a reality.  In less than 2 weeks it will be out in the bookstores and the next part of the dream is to be on the best seller list.  I believe in dreaming big!

So, those writers out there that are just thinking about writing a novel. Get busy.  Do not wait, because it can happen.  Get the story down from beginning to middle to end, then edit, edit, edit.  Join a critique group and get feedback on what works in your story.  Make your manuscript the best it can possibly be, then start shopping it around to agents and/or publishers. Five Star didn’t require an agent, so I submitted my manuscript directly.  It took 18 months from the time I signed the contract until the book was published.  It’s a long process, but worth the wait, and a thrilling experience.

Feisty Family Values will be on the bookstore shelves in 16 days. Yes, I am counting, and I can barely contain my excitement.  Do you remember Snoopy’s happy dance?  That’s what I’ll be doing February 17th when I’ll no doubt receive my author copies. 

If you want to help Feisty Family Values make it to the best seller list, and I’m sure you do, then make your pre-order now at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders or your favorite independent bookstore. 

You can read the advanced reviews, which have been good, on the Book Reviews page (about 1/2 way down and on your right).  There’s an excerpt on the Novel tab (at the top), if you’re interested in a sneak preview.  Thank you all for stopping by and for your interest in Feisty Family Values.  Stay tuned…