Dollars and Deadlines' 10 Truths Every Writer Who Wants to Get Published Should Know

Hi there and thanks for stopping by! What should you know about me? As a reader, you'll want to know that I write contemporary women's fiction--books about women today, the problems they face, and how they overcome them. I've always been fascinated by relationships, and love writing about them. My newest novel, The Honesty Index, explores the lives of two former "BFF" who are now in their mid-30s and whose lives have grown apart--yet who still need each other more than ever before. My earlier two books, Did you Get the Vibe?, and White Bikini Panties, are available through Kindle. They're considered "chick lit" and are fun, engaging reads. And I like my characters to figure out how to solve their own problems--just like in "real life."

I also write nonfiction. As a full-time self-employed freelance writer for 15+ years, several of my books show freelancers how they can develop and maintain successful careers, whether they're new to the business or are more seasoned. (Yeah, that's code for "older.") My latest book, Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success, will help you make money as a freelance writer. (And if you want to become a ghostwriter like I am, check out Goodbye Byline, Hello Big Bucks: The Writer's Guide to Making Money Ghostwriting and Coauthoring Books.) In my day job, I'm a ghostwriter/coauthor for health, fitness, and nutrition professionals, so I get paid to accumulate useless facts that may or may not come in handy if I ever get on Jeopardy.

What else should you know? I'm the mom of two little kids who struggles to make time to write fiction; I've lived in the Chicago suburbs (Downers Grove) for fourteen years; and like most women, I'm constantly trying to find that work/life balance. Most days I fail but am having a great time regardless. Thanks for checking out my page, and I hope you enjoy my work!