It’s time to settle on a title!

by JoslynChase in Free Stuff, Publishing, Reading, Thrill, Writing

This is superb fun! The manuscript is at the proofreader’s and while it goes through the final edits, I need to decide on the cover details and hire a designer. The most important detail, of course, is the title. For that, I am turning to my wonderful readers and fans. Will you help me narrow […]

What’s so great about short stories?

by JoslynChase in Reading, Thrill

I am a big fan of short stories. I love the kick, the thrill, the punch I get from reading a good story, and in today’s very busy world, it’s nice to get that sometimes in a bite-size package, otherwise known as the short story. But, other than their abbreviated length, what makes a short […]

Things are heating up in 2017!

by JoslynChase in General, Publishing, Reading, Thrill, Writing

The beta version is out! As the weather turns warmer, I’m getting really excited about the release of my first novel.  My beta readers are returning a very positive response, and the book is really starting to come together. The next steps I’ll be tackling are finalizing the title, writing the blurbs and soliciting reviews, […]

It takes a village of heroes to change the world.

by JoslynChase in Learning, Reading, Thrill

I recently attended an event based on seeking truth, knowledge and education. The speakers were excellent and the counsel sound, but one of the presenters said something that made me want to shoot out of my seat and put him straight. He told us that his brother was the most educated person he knew because […]

Enough about me…let’s talk about you!

by JoslynChase in Learning, Reading, Thrill, Writing

I’m so glad you’re sharing my adventure. I’m very grateful to my readers and all of you who support me as I learn and grow as a writer. I love the whole creative process–from idea to outline to first draft to polishing to…everything that comes after that. Which is why I’m on this adventure. I […]

It’s all about the payoff, baby!

by JoslynChase in Challenges, Learning, Reading, Thrill, Writing

 Have you ever been left hanging—with the expectation that something is going to happen—and then it never does? Irritating, isn’t it? My husband has a habit of beginning a sentence, leading me a ways down a conversational path, and then suspending me over a cliff, waiting for him to finish the question or the point […]

Washington welcomes me home

by JoslynChase in Free Stuff, Learning, Publishing, Reading

It’s lovely to see friends again, and to be closer to family. On the downside, the house needs so much work it feels like there can never be enough time or money in the world to see this one through to a happy ending. On the upside, I’ve been able to resume work on my […]

For the thrill of it

by JoslynChase in Reading, Thrill

Everyone loves a great story. Done right, a story pulls us in and envelops us in a different world. It feels good to get lost there for a time, savoring the experience of something both novel and relatable, suspended in the thrill, caught in the wonderful grip of story. Those of us who love mystery, […]

Why do we get so wrapped up in a really great story?

by JoslynChase in Learning, Reading

We crave Story. We need it, we live for it. Recent research suggests that our brains are literally hardwired to process story in a way that is vital to our well-being. Story, in its fundamental form, is no less than a tool for survival. Lisa Cron, in her book, Wired for Story, writes that Story acts like […]

Story Power: What is it and why does it matter?

by JoslynChase in Free Stuff, Learning, Reading, Teaching

As a music teacher, writer, and public speaker, I have an appreciation for the power of Story. I use it in my work every day to illustrate and demonstrate, to open eyes and minds and broaden the picture for my students and the receivers of my work. But the power of Story is by no […]