AmiMaxine

What Do You Call Those Insects That Glow?

I recently presented at a conference for an online global writing group of which I’m a member. We spent the entire day with presentations and sharing knowledge. One of the presentations I gave was about building characters – a discussion I’ve had… who even knows how many times at this point? It was an abbreviatedContinue reading “What Do You Call Those Insects That Glow?”

I Swear I’m a Writer!

Me: [sitting at a table and editing; needs a moment to sit back] Person one at nearby table: Murder also works. Person two at same table: I mean, it can solve a lot of things. Me: [quickly averts eyes and goes back to editing] Clearly, these two were joking joking, but still – this wasContinue reading “I Swear I’m a Writer!”

Indigenous Peoples Day

I live on land that was at various times occupied by the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Hoocąk, Menominee, and the Niúachi (all names provided are their own – they are not anglicized here). There are records of the Menominee from 1831, a ratified treaty, granting the land noted in Cession 159 to the Menominee. In this document,Continue reading “Indigenous Peoples Day”

The Theater

My family first encountered Bob Thompson when we were camping (at what was then our family run Camp-Tel Family Campground). Part of the grounds includes five acres of apple trees, and we were wandering around amongst them when we stumbled upon a man… talking to the trees. What we didn’t know at the time wasContinue reading “The Theater”

What Even is Time?

I find myself once again going – where did the time go? Surely it hasn’t been two months since I last posted here. But alas – it almost has been. The last time I wrote, though, I wasn’t expecting everything that was to follow: oven fire (everything is fine, though I went a month withoutContinue reading “What Even is Time?”

Writing Buddy

I’m part of an online global writing group (which is actually attached to my workout program, My Peak Challenge, that I’ve been a part of for a year and a half now), and I love it. Having a community that is supportive and encouraging is such a necessary thing for a writer for so manyContinue reading “Writing Buddy”

I’m Still Here

I know it’s not news to say that life has been strange these last 492 days. (I used a date calculator to figure that number out – I’m honestly lucky I know today is Saturday…) It’s difficult for me to believe that I haven’t stepped foot inside of a classroom in over a year –Continue reading “I’m Still Here”

Writing Slump

On the morning of Friday, March 5, I received All Falling Things back from my editor. I asked for a timeline since they didn’t offer a deadline, and the response was by the end of April if possible. I returned the manuscript March 18. [strained smile] Any moment I wasn’t working or sleeping, I wasContinue reading “Writing Slump”

Editing Alice

I will say this – the process of turning a manuscript into a book can be a humbling experience. I mean, here we are – finally ready to query. Because we’re done. The book is done. [enter sad laughter here] When I received my manuscript back from my editor, I felt like someone had dousedContinue reading “Editing Alice”

Celebrate Good Times (Even During COVID)

A couple weeks ago, the U.S. passed 500K deaths from COVID-19. So many others have lost their jobs, their businesses, their homes. They’re struggling in ways they weren’t even a year ago. There is so much chaos and hate. It’s staggering. This last year has been nonstop. It’s been 363 days since I’ve been remoteContinue reading “Celebrate Good Times (Even During COVID)”