Writing Tips: Showing vs Telling

Showing vs TellingAll writers hear the phrase “show, don’t tell.” I know I’ve certainly heard this and although I feel like I’ve gotten the hang of doing just that, this phrase inevitably creeps its way back into my writing critiques. So, what exactly does it mean when an editor, reviewer, or colleague says these words to you? What do they mean “show and don’t tell”? Isn’t writing all about telling a story? Fortunately for me (and all of you!) I’ve had wonderful creative writing professors who have helped to break down this little dilemma for me.
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All About BookExpo and BookCon

book-heart2If you are anything like me (and I’m assuming you are because, hey, you’re reading my book blog!) when you hear things like BookExpo or BookCon, you immediately conjure images of rows upon rows of books, authors, authors signing books, people standing in clusters discussing their favorite books and new and upcoming books…basically you picture book heaven. With this year’s BookExpo and BookCon over, I have seen a lot of highlights popping up in my social media feeds. What I have found interesting is that while many people have heard of BookExpo and BookCon, there is still a lot of confusion around just what they are. Are they the same thing or two different events? Are they open to everyone? Where is it held? And the ultimate question…when will the next one be and can I go? I tackle these questions and more in this post dedicated to the annual BookExpo/ BookCon.

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Book Review: Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

Into the Water

I spent last summer trying to find the next The Girl on the Train only to be disappointed most times. The closest I found was The Couple Next Door, but even that didn’t keep me quite as hooked as The Girl on the Train had. Needless to say, I was beyond excited for Ms. Hawkins newest release, Into the Water. Overall, it was a good read, but I found I much preferred her debut novel over this one.
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Coming Full Circle

img_5083.jpgExciting news everyone! I did it! I got my college degree!

My back to school journey ended on May 13th as I walked across the stage, black and orange tassel dangling off my square cap with a gold honors cord around my neck, to shake the University President’s hand and receive my scroll (the real diploma comes in the mail later!). When I decided to go back to school three years ago, I was nervous to say the least. I was self-conscious about being a thirty-two year old college freshman. It certainly didn’t help that at my freshman orientation I was asked if I was a parent or a student. I felt ancient and out of place, and I almost turned around and left right then. What was I doing there anyway? I felt so late to the game. But I would come to believe over the next three years that it is better to be late to the game than to not show up at all.

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