Spent six weeks revising my MS to bring down the word count, only to add 4,000 words. Now have spent two additional weeks whittling it to its original length. Eight weeks to come full circle, but much happier with this version. Calling it a win. #amquerying #writingcommunity

A new book out from a favorite romance author. I enjoyed reading it, but it needed more editing. It’s too long, lots of repetitive language, telling/showing etc. Well-established authors can definitely get away with things that debut authors can’t. #amquerying #writingcommunity

One of my favorite things about living in Jordan is hearing the Call to Prayer every evening at sunset. It reminds me of when we lived in DC and we could hear the bugle playing Taps at the Marine Barracks. It’s a nice bookend to the day, and a time for reflection.

Lovely Iftar feast tonight with friends and colleagues. Now recovering from the literal vats of food by chilling on my couch in my stretchy pants. Ramadan Kareem to all of my Muslim friends.

After a too long period with nothing but rejections, finally got another full request. Feeling rejuvenated. #amquerying #WritingCommunity #writersoftwitter

I love poking around the shops in the quirky small towns of the Oregon Coast, precisely because of gems like this. I wonder what the mark-up is to have a shaman bless your wolf fur shawl?

Anyone have the issue where they are trying to come up with last names for their characters, but can only think of names based on the inanimate objects in their immediate sight. I swear all my characters are going to be named Chairson or O’Printer. #amqurying #WritingCommunity

The best part of being a pantser is adding some insignificant character detail early in the novel, just because my character seemed to need/want it, only to have that detail become a serendipitous major plot point later in the novel. #amquerying #writingcommunity

I queried several agents last year with an early draft of my MS. I have since made several major (>70%) revisions, including changing major plot points and adding a new first chapter. It also has a new title. Any thoughts on sending a new query to those agents? #amquerying

For some reason, I’m just feeling really down today about the state of the world. Praying we all somehow find our humanity again.

Spending my Saturday excising just, very, still, that, realize, thought, saw, heard, and knew from my manuscript. My revelation: I REALLY love using “that.” My novel is now about 1,000 words lighter. #amquerying #writingcommunity

Hi #WritingCommunity I’m Layna, and I write small town romances about snarky feminist heroines (with real world bodies) who would never give up their career for the sake of a man, no matter how much of a cinnamon roll he might be.

President Biden has served our country for more than a half-century, an amazing tenure of public service. I haven’t always agreed with his decisions, but I never doubted his love for this country. His decision tonight was an act of patriotism. #thankyouforyourservice

Memes are getting very naughty!

Thanks to the skill and persistence of President Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and our allies, Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich, Alsu Kurmasheva, and Vladimir Kara-Murza are being released from Russian custody. It’s a tremendous diplomatic achievement, and we’re grateful that they’ll be back home with their

I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!

This is why Captain Janeway is my hero.

I cannot even fathom something less Trumpian than standing on stage in front of America and saying "I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.”

I don't know who made this, but I think we'd be friends IRL.

My husband and I had this exact conversation last night.