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.