Heather Cashman's Blog

For some reason our garden is going jalapenos this year. I would say nuts but . . . it’s jalapenos. After collecting over a pound of them yesterday, I cut them up and readied them to make jam, which Gram loves. (For a recipe go here.) I washed my hands twice, but when I went [...]

Waiting for things has never been a talent of mine. When I was young, I always thought my life would be better when that next big event happened. Being eight would be amazing. Going to middle school would be even better. High school must be even better than that. Then I had a driver’s license [...]

Keeping goals is one of the most difficult things to do. I’m an expert at the inward groan of self-reproof. I’ve often disappointed myself because I set this or that resolution at the New Year only to find myself failing by February (or the second week of January). Failing is defeat. But if you think [...]

OWFI is the Oklahoma Writer’s Federation, Inc., which I joined this year. I know, I live in Kansas. But this is a great organization! I am finding after living in Kansas for a year that we mid-westerners must band together against all the wheat. It’s romantically reminiscent of pioneer days. So . . . I [...]

Today I am posting about goals. I have signed up to be accountable, which is the best motivator for me (if I actually care about the person I am accountable to–which I do!). My critique partner and amazing friend, K. T. Hanna, has a hash-tag (#WriteMotivation) and often motivates others to write. I have taken [...]

In preparing to send out query letters, I am also preparing myself for the inevitable rejection that accompanies it. It can be difficult not to view the rejection as personal. Unless your query was sent to an agent who you tweeted something bad about, declared your mistrust or disgust for the publishing industry, or contained [...]

I admit this post is as much for myself and my own reference as it is to help anyone interested in writing for more than a hobby. The publishing industry today is becoming more streamlined. The amount of time it takes to go back and reformat is precious time you could be editing or writing [...]

While fiction is mostly make-believe, there has to be just enough truth in it to make it plausible. A master at this principle is the Devil himself. Satan, the Adversary, Lucifer, whatever you want to call him. Even if you don't believe in the Devil, you surely know what he is. He is a deceiver. [...]

So many times people ask what I am staring at. I always answer, "Nothing." But I'm lying. I am usually staring at the movie in my head, another world that my mind has created. It can happen anywhere, anytime, and unfortunately does. One time, I was standing in Sam's Club looking at the picture of [...]

Tradition is a staple of the holiday season. The season itself is a tradition for most people in America. While the holidays can be the worst time of the year for some, they are a wonderful time of the year for me. My family has many traditions that make me feel rooted to my heritage, [...]