marialberg

I’m excited to say: It’s that time of year again!

I’m not talking about back to school or even the gorgeous turning of the leaves. What time of year is it that I’m so excited about? Gator McBumpypants time! The manuscript for the fourth Gator McBumpypants adventure is complete and I’m making a new friend for Gator, Herman and Dee Dee. To share my excitementContinue reading “I’m excited to say: It’s that time of year again!”

An unplanned post about Artifact Puzzles

I have never tried to play chess, although friends who think they understand me well have recommended it to me. I answered them, “I cannot play with symbols that never change. These bishops, kings, queens, castles, tell me nothing. But if you used figurines like [people we knew], then I could play.” But during the […]Continue reading “An unplanned post about Artifact Puzzles”

A great tool for research, inspiration and hours of fun

I recently received an email from nanowrimo nudging me to start preparing for this year’s novel. I have had my idea since April and decided to start doing some research. After coming up with very little on the internet, I found myself longing for easy access to world newspapers. At my local library’s website, inContinue reading “A great tool for research, inspiration and hours of fun”

I did it! #BookBingoNW2016 I blacked out my summer book bingo card!

Last post I mentioned that I took on the challenge of Seattle Public Library’s Summer Book Bingo. It took some serious binge reading, but I finished and read an eclectic array of books that I am excited to tell you about. The books and their categories Cookbook or Food Memoir Green Smoothie Recipes For WeightContinue reading “I did it! #BookBingoNW2016 I blacked out my summer book bingo card!”

A Weekend of Reading Central Asia #amreading

The Seattle Public Library’s Summer Reading Bingo has been a great inspiration for me to finish a lot of books on my 2016 reading goal list and a lot more. Each square of the board, for those of you not playing along, has a specific kind of book you need to read to fill inContinue reading “A Weekend of Reading Central Asia #amreading”

Working on your novel, or just dreaming about it? Plan now for next year’s writers conference(s)

I wanted this map, it didn’t exist, so I made it. It took a little extra time, but I created what I wanted and there is a lot of information there. Enjoy (and site me). Last post, I went into detail about some of my favorite aspects of The Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association Conference. Now,Continue reading “Working on your novel, or just dreaming about it? Plan now for next year’s writers conference(s)”

Today We Write! #PNWA16

Last weekend I attended my first writers conference, The Pacific Northwest Writers Conference in Sea-Tac, Washington. I learned so much at this conference that I decided to write a few posts about it. To start with, enjoy reading about my favorite events at the conference. When I talk about moderating a session I mean, IContinue reading “Today We Write! #PNWA16”

The Pessimistic Moustache Game: Avoiding cliche description

The idea and tools I recently read The Hollow by Agatha Christie and one simple but unique description jumped out at me. “He came in accompanied by Inspector Grange, who was a large, heavy built man with a down-drooping, pessimistic moustache.” I love the idea of pessimistic facial hair and it really got meContinue reading “The Pessimistic Moustache Game: Avoiding cliche description”

Want More Readers?

While preparing my next newsletter, I noticed that my last one had a bunch of great information in it. I don’t want anyone to miss out, so here it is to give you a taste of what goes into my newsletters. If you like it, please sign up to get monthly installments and your freeContinue reading “Want More Readers?”

Why would a writer or a reader not want to learn new words?

Learning new words can be like discovering a new tool that makes a tedious task simple, or tasting a delicious flavor never sampled before. I love to learn new words. When I come across a new word I enjoy or relate to, I collect it in my writing notebook in One Note and when IContinue reading “Why would a writer or a reader not want to learn new words?”