Voice recognition mistake of the day: "I just put the final touches on a mystery for dogs...."That was supposed to be “for adults” but maybe dogs like mysteries too. It could be “the mystery of how to get the treats out of the fridge" – a scratch and...

Southernism of the Week: “It’s hotter than two rabbits screwin’ in a wool sock!”That is … pretty hot, I guess. Doug and Chris will be meeting up in Washington State soon – hopefully after the Northwest cools down a bit, or a lot. It’s a family visit,...

Voice recognition mistake of the day: "And she wasn't helping matters by sitting there staring like a stuffed towel." (Or maybe owl.)In book 6, Sean shares interesting facts about cats. For example, scientists believe cats have lived with people for...

Southernism of the Week: It’s hotter than a jalapeño's butt!The saying actually comes with a different word than “butt,” but we try to keep this a fairly family-friendly newsletter. If you are in the western United States, you’re probably experi...

Voice recognition mistake of the day: "Of course I'll maim you in a book or series." That was supposed to be “name you.” It is a writer's prerogative to injure and kill off annoying people through our work, but I don't usually threaten people that wa...

Advanced Plotting Tools and Techniques4-week Course: Saturdays: July 10, 17, 24, and 312-3:30 PT (3 MT/4 CT/5 ET) via Zoom$90 ($60 SWW members)Many books and workshops teach the basics of plotting: conflict, complications, climax. Now learn advanced...

Southernism of the Week: “You look like something the cat dragged in and the kittens didn’t want.” We’re sure to find uses for this one!Doug is excited to have sold his science fiction story, “Meatspace,” to the brand-new magazine, Science Ficti...

Voice-recognition mistake of the day: I'm sure I said "war memorials," but it showed up in text as "warm orioles." Mmm, nice, toasty orioles. 🤔It’s a great cloud watching season in New Mexico:If you want a virtual trip to the Southwest, Whispers in...

Southernism of the Week: “She’s frustrated as a rubber nosed woodpecker in a petrified forest.”Y’all just know someone in Felony Melanie book 3 is going to feel that way. The question is, Who? Sweet Home Alabama trivia:Melanie’s mother makes the...

Howdy - you signed up for this list to get information about my writing classes and other helpful writing info. You can now sign up for my next class coming in July. Plus, get a writing guide on sale:On sale May 13-20 - just 99 cents for the Kindle!...