February 2, 2004 | 334

The Power of Words: How Books Can Shape and Transform Our Lives

In the expansive canvas of human existence, words stand out as powerful tools for communication, connection, and transformation. Books, as timeless repositories of the written word, possess the unique ability to shape and transform our lives profoundly. This article explores the compelling influence that books hold, investigating how the potency of words can make an enduring impact on our minds, hearts, and life trajectories.Portals to Alternate RealitiesAt the core of the transformative power o...

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January 6, 2023 | 334

Finding my Own Guiding Light

I starred as nurse Lilian Raines on the soap opera the Guiding Light for nearly three decades. That is a long time to hold one job. Typically, when you hold a job for such a long time at one company, you advance up the corporate ladder. After twenty-six years, one would expect you might even be CEO. But working on a soap opera was basically the opposite of that. As the years ticked by, I felt like I was becoming less and less important.I started my soap opera experience as the sexy young nurse w...

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October 18, 2022 | 334

“Creative Chutzpah” in Storytelling

I do believe that the world has never been more fragile than it is now, but it’s definitely worth saving. We live in unprecedented times when our sustainability efforts as well as our technological advances and failures will soon define humanity. Perhaps desperate times call for even more desperate measures in the form of a healthy dose of . . . chutzpah? Indeed, I think writers need to apply some “creative chutzpah” to be able to successfully tackle these most pressing questions humanity face...

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November 23, 2024 | 417

What Mystery Writers Can Learn from Hitchcock

Recently I purchased a collection of Hitchcock CDs as a birthday present for my husband. He and I both enjoy watching them, even when we’ve seen them scads of times before. What’s especially fun about this collection is the bonus footage in the form of production notes, movie trailers and posters, and information offered about the movies by those involved in making them.As a mystery writer, I’ve gobbled the insights like—um, movie popcorn—and I’ve learned a lot about what made Hitchcock’s movies...

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November 23, 2024 | 527

How to Get Your Book Turned Into a Hallmark Movie

By Scott Lorenz Westwind Book Marketing If you’ve written a romantic comedy, you may be wondering what it takes to get it turned into a Hallmark movie. Fortunately, the Hallmark Channel clearly outlines the steps you must take to bring your heartwarming work to its audience. Here’s an overview of what it entails. Understand the Hallmark Channel’s Ideal Novels Hallmark looks for uplifting and inspirational novels related to romantic love, family love, and love...

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November 7, 2021 | 662

The Perks of Writing Holidays

Christmas in my home means a lot of things. It means dusting off the decorations I put away in January, taking a moment to admire each one and perhaps reminisce about the person who made or gifted it before finding a place to display it for the season. It means digging out stained and splattered recipe cards, coating the kitchen with flour in pursuit of familiar flavors: gingerbread and spiced cranberry and peppermint. And the celebrations of the season wouldn't be complete without pulling old...