I recently re-read a (fabulous) book called Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. The story is about a convicted Australian bank robber who’d escaped from prison and lived in India. Throughout the narrative, Mr. Roberts shared several philosophies, of which one is: Black markets for things exist because the white markets are too strict. This is true…
“I have trouble falling asleep,” I told my friend Sharon over lunch. “I fall asleep okay,” Sharon said, “but then I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep.” “When I don’t get enough sleep, I feel sluggish, like I’m slogging through mud. I’m forgetful, I repeat myself, and…
Words of Wisdom Promoting a new novel without an established reader base is daunting and intimidating. After hosting a book-launching event, and asking (begging) friends to please read, review, and recommend Busted to others, I needed to expand my universe and have been seeking professional and influential blogger reviews. When a novel is submitted, there…
My writing professor recommended that I create an audio version of Busted. As I embarked on another expedition that I knew nothing about, I discovered that a company called ACX, (Audio Book Creation Exchange) which is owned by Amazon, dominates 95% of the market. Through ACX, an author can have an audio book created and…
I’m an introvert, and that’s probably why writing is so appealing. I’m alone in my office, sitting at my desk, and creating an imaginary world. I’m in control. Safe. As a published author, I need to be extroverted to promote my book. Even though I’m uncomfortable, I force myself to do one new thing every…
Recently New Jersey Senator Cory Booker introduced legislation called the Marijuana Justice Act of 2017. If the bill passes it will legalize marijuana at the federal level, incentivize legalization at the state level, and retroactively apply to those serving time in federal prison for marijuana-related offenses by providing a process for expungement and resentencing, pending…
On Thursday, July 27th, 2017 the Senate Appropriations Committee renewed an amendment which protects medical marijuana from federal interference. In other words, marijuana patients and providers cannot be prosecuted. The amendment had bipartisan support and passed with voice votes–which are used for non-controversial issues. The next step is for the amendment to be included in the final appropriations bill,…
How would you feel if a jealous friend, disgruntled coworker/boss/employee, or malicious acquaintance accused you of having and/or selling illegal drugs, and the police, without proof, seized your car, home, and savings because you were suspected of breaking the law? No, this nightmare scenario is not a plot for a novel. Unfortunately, this is an…
Ten years ago, when I began writing Busted, I supported the war on drugs, believed all drugs were bad, and agreed with locking up drug users. After much research, I came to the conclusion the war on drugs is a colossal waste of money because prohibition doesn’t work, not all drugs are bad—i.e., medicinal marijuana; and drug…
Recently I read a writer’s blog written by an agent who identified nine ways NOT to begin your book. I read the list and when I reached the ninth example, I said, “OH NO!” Not only have I been struggling to write my second novel, now I need to rewrite the first chapter. This past…
