MJ Greenway

 I stumbled on a great interview with publishing expert, Jane Friedman.  She talks about marketing a book in the digital age and how to use social media to gain more readers and build an author's brand. Jane Friedman interview Here is another interview with her:

This video featuring real life couples in love recently circulated around social media.  It made a song whose lyrics I didn't first hear as sentimental, into something that feels more like a love song.

I've been trying to decide if I should join RWA .  It seems to have a lot of perks for the romance writer.  I noticed that their summer conference for this year is already sold out.  It seems like a great organization for networking with other authors and continuing to learn the craft of romance writing. They also offer critique groups by region.  There seems to be a local RWA critique group not too far from where I live.  There is a yearly fee and I'm trying to decide if it is worth the investment. Feel free to leave feedback in the comments section if you are a member!

I recently saw this clip floating around Facebook.  It was funny and sad and led me to watch a few episodes of Inside Amy Schumer on Hulu.  There are some funny sketches, although some are too dark and blue even for me!

Willamette Writers Conference is this summer in Portland.  It is being held in August.  Lately every bit of advice I've heard and read has encouraged attendance at writer's conferences.  I was excited to learn that there will be one this summer kind of in my backyard, so to speak.  There will be chances to hear from experts, have manuscripts polished and pitch to agents. I thought I would share the link here in case anyone else is interested in attending. WW Conference website

I'm afraid I've been watching too much of NBC's The Blacklist . Suspense elements are now working themselves into the new book I'm writing. In the name of "research" I also just bought a book from the Harlequin Intrigue line called Agent Undercover.   According to Stephen King, reading is essential to becoming a good writer.  Given his prolific success, it seems like good advice! I'm half way through with Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess. She's good at telling a story where the suspense slowly unfolds. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite books or shows that unravel elements of suspense in a compelling way.  I'm always looking for inspiration.

My first novel has been submitted to publishers for consideration.  While I wait for responses, I've started a new one. It is a follow up to the first but details the story of the sidekick best friend from the first book. Here is a one paragraph excerpt: A paintbrush rested in her right hand and awaited its next stroke on the canvas.   A Knock, knock, knock at her door finally shook her from her daydream.   The brush fell onto the beige carpet. It left a crimson stain that looked like blood.   Looking through the peephole, she saw no one standing there.   There was another knock.   Her heart raced. She was alone.   T he tea kettle began to whistle loudly enough to indicate someone was home. She pushed her eye toward the glass hole in the door once more.   An eyeball looked back at her this time, the person was too close to the hole to identify who it was.

Here is an article I originally had published on the now defunct Yahoo Voices page.  As the weather warms up, people around here like to get out and get their brunch on.  Here are a few of my local favs: Do you dig doughnuts, prefer pancakes or worship waffles?   You're in luck, there is something for every palate in Portland. Here are six places to get your most important meal of the day. The Waffle Window 3610 SE Hawthorne Blvd,Portland, OR 97214 OR 2624 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211 Featured on IFC's Portlandia, this spot provides gourmet waffles for those on the go. Grab one to nosh while you stroll around Portland's east side.   What makes them unique is a yeast dough that is used instead of a standard batter. They offer several sweet and savory toppings.   A few examples include Nutella and banana or bacon, brie and basil topped waffles. Stepping Stone Cafe 2390 NW Quimby Portland, OR, 97210 This place is home of the Mancake ...

I'm really enjoying Amy Poehler's memoir Yes Please .  She details stories from her SNL days and also includes bits about motherhood and divorce.  My favorite part of the book so far is the beginning.  She talks about how hard it is to write a book.  As I just finished writing my first full length manuscript, I could relate.  It turns out even famous people who have been writing for years find that writing a book is no easy task. 

One of my favorite blogs to read is The Happy Hausfrau . It chronicles the raising of kids post divorce.  While, I'm grateful that I can't relate on a personal level, I love her posts about momdum. She seems like a real survivor.  If you are looking for compelling reading, check it out, you won't regret it.