Monthly Archives: June 2011

Writing a Novel is Like Raising a Child

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

1. Congratulations you are going to be a  __________! You can fill in that blank with the word parent or novelist, either one, the process is very much the same. When I first found out that I was pregnant with … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Journey | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Ever read a book that annoys you but you still can’t put it down?

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

I love reading as most other writers I know will also admit to. I think reading is the gateway to writing and visa versa. So what do I read? I read a bit of everything from sci-fi to fantasy to … Continue reading →

Posted in Mad Ramblings | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

A story in three acts or five, percentages or chapter spread, does it matter?

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

Some writers believe a story should be told in three acts. The first act being the beginning, this is where we meet the character or characters and get to know a bit about them. The second act is the middle, … Continue reading →

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A Dance with the Devil

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

A Dance with the Devil One day, my father called all of his children to his table for a celebration of our accomplishments. He sat on his throne at the head of the table and called us one by one, … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Summer Solstice Sunday – Flash Fiction Challenge

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

For the past two weeks the challenge theme on my blog has been Shadows. I have had two fabulous entries to the challenge. If you haven’t had the chance already you might want to go check them out. Yikici was … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

How my dad accidentally inspired me to become a writer.

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

My favourite ever poem was given to me by my dad quite a few years ago now. It was done in a beautiful paper cutting style and framed. It hangs on the wall in my bedroom to this day even … Continue reading →

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Pay it forward

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

So back in 2000 my world was so different than it is today. I was finishing up my Master’s Degree in Reading from SUNY at Albany. I was a teacher working with young children who have now grown into adults. … Continue reading →

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The Dragon Moon

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

Since I have been successful in keeping to my word count goals for my novel for over a week now, I decided to reward myself by doing a flash fiction piece. This one is a little bit longer than usual … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash Fiction Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Storybook software is potentially a writer’s best friend.

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

So those of you who read my blog will know I am writing another novel. For those of you who don’t know about it, I am participating in a YA novel summer writing challenge where I hope to have my … Continue reading →

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Shadows Sunday – Flash Fiction Challenge

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Billie Jo Schinnerer

This is just a reminder that there is still another week left to participate in this flash fiction challenge. The theme is shadows. Your story can be up to 1000 words and be written in any genre you wish but must … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Challenges | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments