APRIL HENRY, WRITER

Hallie Ephron (a mystery writer who also wrote a great how-to book) has two piece of good advice for writers that she keeps posted next to her computer. You can read them here.

How do I love dlgarfinkle? Let me count the ways. [Full disclosure: platonically!] She recently had a great post about how to be a better writer, covering everything from starting a book to what to do if your manuscript makes you want to vomit.

You can read her advice here. Based on it, I ordered Structuring Your Novel, and I'll let you know what I think.

1. The number one thing I'm thankful for is a fractured relationship that seems to healing - a healing that started at a point where everything looked darkest.

2. I rocked the drop! I left a copy of Shock Point at the Wilson High School library - and let the librarian in on it. It was amazingly thrilling to leave the book on a round study table and walk away.

3. I'm thankful for the Internet! I research, I shop, and I have made so many friends here.

4. I'm thankful for my gym, and Lisa, Kevin and John and the free classes they teach there.

5. I love the folks in my kung fu class: the private investigator, the delivery service driver, the employment attorney, the secretary, the student, the stay-at-home mom, the cardiologist, the vet ... it's a wonderful group. They have taken the place of my work water cooler. They are the ones who notice when I get my hair cut. Otherwise I might go weeks without anyone remarking on it.

First it was the guy who wanted people to help him choose a title. Now Glenn Beck wants you to help choose his next cover.

To see your choices, click here.