Penny Watson's Blog, page 10

25 Writing Tips from Watsonville

 I realized the other day when I read one of those articles about "BEST TIPS FOR WRITING" I usually roll my eyes and yell out "No!" "Stupid!" "I don't think so!"


So I thought it might be fun to do my own writing tips. You know, writing tips from an alternate universe.

Penny Watson's Writing Tips

1. Don't write.

That's correct. Walk, garden, go out to lunch with your friends.

Stuff that happens...your brain starts popping and jumping and thinking of cool story ideas and how to fix chapter 17 a...

I Write for Twenty

This is another episode of the "Mid-Life Crisis Series"...enjoy!

It seems like most writers are always trying for "more." Once they accomplish one goal, they're moving onto the next one. They want to sell more books, make another bestseller list, get a bigger contract, add more followers onto social media. I actually don't remember the last time I heard an author say, "Gee, I'm super content with my career exactly how it is. It's perfect."

Stop snickering.

Yeah, no one ever says that. As soon as...

Four Mini Reviews: Mail-Order Brides, A Tsunami Mystery, Filipino Power, and a Rock Star for the Win

Valentine's Rose by E. E. Burke

Oh, how I love a mail-order bride! This is one of my favorite tropes in romance, so I decided to take a chance on a new-to-me author, E. E. Burke. What a breath of fresh air. This short novel made quite an impression. It is beautifully written, the characters pop off the page, the romance is sweet and satisfying, and the story was chock full of fascinating details about the history of the railroad industry. Also, just look at that gorgeous cover! My only disappo...

Romance is Dead

I've been thinking about the romance genre lately, and here's my observation.

I'm going to use a food analogy, since I love food. And analogies.

You can't clump all food books together into one category. Some food books are cookbooks, some are travel journals, some are fiction and some are non-fiction. Some are about baking bread and some are about restaurant life and some are about making sushi in Japan.

And if you insisted that EVERY book about food had to be categorized under the same umbrell...

Telling A Story

I guess it's time for an update.

If you're expecting a perky update about my latest WIP, you're shit out of luck.

This update is about that festive life event known as the "mid-life crisis." Although, technically, I'm not sure I'm really at the mid-life point. I'm about to turn fifty. I suppose this is payback since I've been making fun of my husband's mid-life crisis for years. (I think his started at quarter-life and continues to this day).


My mid-life crisis doesn't have anything to do with f...

What's Going On?

What's going on?
1. This is release week for THE FALL OF THE RED QUEEN by Lexxi Callahan. This book is intense, crazy sexy, emotionally satisfying, and best of all...COURAGEOUS! Lexxi took a villain and made her the heroine of the book. There are twists and plot surprises galore, and things aren't always as they seem. Madlyn is a fantastic character. I highly recommend this book...I loved it. It made me cry at the end. And it's only 99 cents right now!



2. Happy Heart Reads is LIVE! Our new webs...

Time to Celebrate!

Time to celebrate!
Today is launch day for HAPPY HEART READS, the new website created by me, Laura K. Curtis and Lexxi Callahan. It's a place to celebrate happy news and positive events.We'll be exploring great books, film, travel, food, pets, and more! Every Friday afternoon we'll be hosting a Happy Hour with give-aways...stop by and share your favorite links, articles, news.
Check it out: www.happyheartreads.com

Today we'll have posts on cookies, goofy dog outfits from Etsy, and Happy Hou...

Happy 2016!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Here's to a wonderful 2016!
All my best,Penny

What's Coming Up In 2016!

What's Coming Up In 2016?

1. A new website, HAPPY HEART READS, with Lex Callahan and Laura K. Curtis. A positive perky hang-out place with Happy Hour every Friday afternoon. Stay tuned for more information...the website will be up and running on January 8.

We are hosting a Facebook Launch Party on January 8 (Happy Hour) from 6-8 pm. Please add it onto your calendar and stop by to chat about favorite comfort reads, post pet pics, and win prizes!

2. Some new books...

 
 THE CURIOUS INCIDEN...

Merriest of Days!

Merry Christmas To All!
Don't forget...the Great Big Holiday Give-Away is open through December 25th. 
Have a wonderful holiday,Penny