A Novel Creation www.WatersWords.com

As the three year anniversary of the release of Breathing on Her Own approaches, I offer this short story prequel to the book. Enjoy! And try the recipe at the end for a delicious treat! CLICK HERE M olly pulled the pan of brownies out of the oven. “When Laney asked if we were busy for the evening, I thought she was inviting us to a New Year’s celebration.” “Just as well. I’d rather keep our grandkids than spend all night awake waiting for a ball to drop on television. M-m-m, those smell great.” Travis reached for a knife to cut the brownie cake. “Hold your horses, Travis Tipton. They have to cool.” “How long?” “About as long as it takes for Hunter and Ellie to get here.” Molly turned to face her husband. “I picked up ice cream and chocolate fudge topping at the store, too.” A smile spread across Travis’s face. “See? Isn’t this better than any old party to welcome in the New Year?” He put his arms around her waist. Molly slipped her arms around Travi...

I'm pleased to introduce Cindy Huff to you today. I first met Cindy at a writing conference in Illinois. We made an immediate connection. Cindy has supported me as I published my first book, established my blog, and started writing groups. You will see her name in my new Writing to Publish series. (Who else would gently tell me I needed something other than a selfie for my headshot?) Cindy’s first novel is a wonderful work of historical fiction. I was honored when she asked me to read an advance copy. Join me as I interview Cindy. Me: Welcome, Cindy Huff ! Cindy : Becky, it is a privilege to be with you today. I’m excited about sharing my writing journey with you. Me: I love the title. How did you come up with the title Secrets and Charades for your newest release? Cindy: The title tells the reader exactly what the story is about. The main characters and most of the secondary characters have something they are hiding.   I hope the title will draw readers to op...

  Know your audience. Sounds simple. Simple but important. Your target audience determines your point of view, the setting, terminology and language, backstory, experiences, and well...everything about your book. It even influences your name choices and the title of your book. For example, I originally chose Shirley as the former owner of the Door County coffee shop in my second novel. I named the shop and the book “Shirley’s Cuppa Joe.” My target audience is women in their twenties and thirties. When I decided on a title for the book, Shirley’s Cuppa Joe didn’t grab that age range. I renamed my character Libby and chose Libby’s Cuppa Joe as the title. The title tests well with the target audience. The trick was to find a trendy name now that was also popular when the older woman was born. I researched names for those decades on the internet. During a writing conference workshop I attended in Illinois, the leader asked a question about finding your target audience. Thi...