How did you-

When I tell someone I’m a writer, there are two questions that I’m always asked: 1. where do you get your ideas, 2. when did you start writing.

I’ll answer these questions in order.

My ideas usually come to me as I’m falling asleep. I tell myself stories as I drop off. When I’m in the middle of a first draft, I think about upcoming scenes and imagine dialogue and the interaction between the characters. Sometimes I come up with an idea during the day, file it away-either written down or in my memory-and then imagine the scene that night.

I started writing in middle school. My best friend at the time was an amazing writer and we talked about the process. It piqued my interest and I began a story. The other influencer was one of my middle school/high school English teachers. She promoted the idea of writing and even brought in a guest lecturer. He discussed creative writing and had us write ideas and chapters.

I think these two people built the foundation for my writing career. So, thank you to you both.

I miss my friend and am thankful that I am Internet friends with the teacher.

I hope you have someone, or several somebodies, who inspire you. Sonja

Time for another FREE BOOK!

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=the+fairies+of+carlow
(c) 2019 Available on Amazon.com

The ebook for The Gilding, the first book in The Fairies of Carlow series, is available for free! Get your copy now!!!

The Gilding is a middle-grade book, suitable for good readers in 3rd grade all the way up into adulthood. The themes aren’t too advanced for the younger age group, but the plot is complex enough to keep everyone happy.

The three books in this series stand on their own. You will get a glimpse into these characters in the next book to see what they’re up to as time marches forward. I love seeing how characters move forward in their lives, not in epilogue form but in glimpses during stories set a little later in time.

I hope you enjoy this gift to you, dear reader. Sonja

#Saturday

(c) 2020

I’m writing this way ahead of time, just so you know. Today is the day we lay my mother-in-law to rest. She died in April and today is the soonest we were able to schedule the graveside service to inter her cremains.

My MIL was a strong and opinionated woman who provided gentle guidance when I first married her youngest son. My husband is her baby, the youngest of six kids. She had an iron fist while also encouraging her kids to be themselves.

She lived her entire life in Tucson, loving the desert. She planted drought- and heat-tolerant plants in her garden while battling the drying winds and temps. She loved rocks and geodes. Her garden and the fireplace hearth was filled with the sparkling crystals. We have some of them now and it’s nice to see them sparkling in the sun and reminding us of the good times.

Sonja

#gettoknowyourcustomersday

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

One of the best ways to know how readers enjoy books is by reading reviews. Yet, many people (myself included) don’t leave reviews.

I’m trying to change my habits and leave reviews of books, companies I use, etc. I hope you will consider leaving reviews and comments, as well.

Your likes and dislikes help me be a better writer.

Enjoy your day! Sonja

One of the mistakes I see-

Photo by Camille Orgel on Unsplash

One of the things I notice when reading unpublished and newly-published authors is what is affectionately called TSTL (too stupid to live).

It’s when a character does something so crushingly bad that it’s suprising that they can navigate around trees. Like leading the bad guys to their home, or doing something that will attract attention while they are supposed to be quiet and hidden.

Usually, these incidents are purely to move the plot forward and indicate the author’s poor planning, laziness, or lack of creativity. I know. That’s harsh. I mean for it to be. I am particularly passionate about writing. We are responsible for the reader’s enjoyment as they journey through the fictional world we have crafted. They put their faith in our skills to transport them into our story, and to care about our characters. We cannot fail them.

I hope you will let me know if my stories are successful for you. Sonja

Hello!

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

I thought it was time to reintroduce my work to my new followers and readers. I am a writer. I’m also a wife, mom, friend, and therapy dog handler.

I have two book series out right now, plus a nonfiction book based on American history. It also happens to be my family history.

The Fairies of Carlow book series is for those who are able to read chapter books. The material should be appropriate for those in grades 3-6. I’ve also heard from adults who have enjoyed the stories of the fairy princes and princesses who live in the Kingdom of Carlow. While their lives are magical, danger lurks across the border. The horrible Red Caps have a kingdom the adjoins Carlow. Separated by a strong fierce field that is monitored by the Border Council, the Red Caps continually attempt to battle the fairies of Carlow.

Because of the Red Caps, the royal fairies are under strict rules. One daughter chafes under the restrictions and manages to escape. She becomes a commoner and lives as a peasant.

My second book series is about Guinness the Therapy Dog. These books are easy readers and expertly illustrated by an artist who lives in England. They tell the story of my big Bernese Mountain Dog as he brings happiness to high-risk kids and kids who like to read to dogs. Of course, we haven’t been able to do any therapy activities since the pandemic began. We both miss the kids, both at the shelter and at the library.

The nonfiction history book is called The Voyage and tells the story of John Wing as he goes to Oxford, becomes a minister, and takes his family around Europe as he searches for religious freedom. This is an easy reader and illustrated by the same artist who crafted the artwork for the Guinness the Therapy Dog series.

All my books are available on Amazon.com. If you search for my name, you’ll be able to see my entire catalog. This website has direct links to each title in the left margin.

Please leave a review on GoodReads.com and Amazon.com. Sonja

It’s Photo Day!

Here are the covers of all my books that are available now!

Go to Amazon.com and search for my name to see the entire book catalog. Every title is available in paperback and ebook.

I have quick links in the left margin of this website that will take you directly to the book’s page on Amazon.com.

The first three books, the Guinness the Therapy Dog series and The Voyage, are illustrated easy readers. The Fairies of Carlow series are middle-grade books with chapters and complex plots. Choose your reading level and the titles that intrigue you. Each book in their series stands alone, so it isn’t necessary to read the series from book 1 (although I think you will enjoy them that way!).

Let me know how you enjoy my books! Sonja