Maggie Clare's Blog, page 2

School’s Out!

Dear Maggie,

When are you finished with school? How was your semester?

Sincerely,

Scholar in Skokie

Dear Scholar,

I just turned in my last assignment for the year yesterday, and the semester officially ends this week. My first full year of grad school is in the books, and, wow, it was a busy, challenging, creative, productive year! This semester alone, we read about twelve novels and wrote discussion board posts for each of them, we were assigned seven creative writing exercises, penned two short st...

It’s a Mystery!

This year for school, I tried my hand at writing a mystery. When we started our study of the mystery and thriller genres last semester, I wanted to challenge myself to lean into the mystery side of storytelling. I don’t read many mysteries, and I’ve never written one, so I thought it would be good to push myself. The inspiration for this particular story came from a couple of different places…

First, I’ve been obsessed with the Lizzie Borden case since I visited the museum a few years ago. Yes, ...

We’re Ready To Hit The Road!

Dear Maggie,

Now that spring has sprung, where are you heading next?

Sincerely,

Wanderer in Wichita

Dear Wanderer,

Ray and I are excited to hit the road again. In fact, we’re leaving the Palm Springs area in just about three weeks. Our winter ‘breather’ did its job and gave us a little time to rest, work, and play, but we are both getting a little stir crazy. Our upcoming itinerary is pretty exciting. From the desert, we’ll head back to the SoCal coast to hang out with our kids, attend a few gradua...

Are You Ever Gonna Write Another Book?

Dear Maggie,

It’s been a while since you’ve published anything. What’s going on?

Sincerely,

Impatient in Ipswich

Dear Impatient,

You’re right! It has been a while since I’ve published anything, at least in the romance world. I’ve mentioned before that I’m in grad school working on my MFA in creative writing. For the program, I’ve been doing a lot of creative writing, so my creative output is pretty great at the moment, however, not all of it is romance.

Here’s an update on what I am working on…

In th...

Writing is Radical Resistance

“Writing in itself is radical resistance, a triumph - people can try to stop you from speaking your truth, but no one can take your words from you.”― Eternity Martis

I think most artists ask themselves – why do we create? Art happens through words, music, paint, sculpture, movement, film, various combinations of the aforementioned, and in ways we probably haven’t thought of yet. Essentially, art happens anywhere and anytime human beings express themselves through their unique creations. Art is pe...

Writing the Sexy Stuff

Dear Maggie,

I think steamy scenes are the best part of a book! Do you like writing the sexy stuff as much as I like reading it?

Sincerely,

Steam Lover in Santa Monica

Dear Steam Lover,

I’ll admit, I used to dog-ear the ‘good parts’ of my mom’s old bodice ripper romance novels. Didn’t we all? I will further admit that I love writing those scenes now. I’m currently working on a romantic suspense series. These books aren’t erotica, which is a slightly different animal from romance, so I do have to co...

Embrace the Chaos!

Dear Maggie,

Do you read more than one book at a time? Do you write more than one book at a time?

Sincerely,

A Multitasker in Missoula

Dear Multitasker,

If you’d asked me this question several years ago, both answers would have been a resounding no. I would have said that I didn’t have time to read more than one book, and I couldn’t keep multiple books straight in my head even if I had the time. As far as writing projects, I felt the same. I’d only ever worked on one book at a time, until recently....

The Work From Home Paradox

Dear Maggie,

Do you find it challenging to work from home? How do you stay motivated, and how do you find balance?

Sincerely,

Sinking in St. Pete

Dear Sinking,

Working from home has pros and cons just like most things in life. On the plus side, I have great flexibility and autonomy. I can throw a load of laundry into the wash during a snack break. I can plan a hike on a Friday morning, and simply get those missed hours in on Saturday. I can work according to my own natural rhythm, and I can switch it...

Ring in the New Year!

"Well, we have a whole new year ahead of us. And wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all be a little more gentle with each other, a little more loving, and have a litt...

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours the sweetest of seasons! ...