Category: Dellani Oakes

  • Bridging the Gap

    I subbed today for a music teacher.  It was a unique experience – Oh My!  She didn’t leave me plans for the pre-k, counting on the fact the teacher’s assistant would be there.  Well… she was out too.  I read them “Green Eggs and Ham” followed by “Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?”  There were only two…

  • Editing, the Writer’s Nightmare

    So, you’ve finished that four hundred and sixty page novel. You sit proudly and pat the cover page tenderly, smoothing the white surface when much to your horror, you see a mistake! Cold sweat breaks out on your brow, fingers tremble, mouth suddenly goes dry. As your eye wanders down the page, more and more…

  • To Outline or Not to Outline?

    I continue to be amazed by people who make outlines of their stories, know where the story line is going and most of all know the ending before even writing the book. Who are these godlike folk and why am I not like them? I am a very off the cuff writer, I don’t know…

  • In the Midst of Madness

    Finding time to write is something every author deals with. Some of us have more time to devote to it than others, but still find that life intrudes. I just spent the month of November taking the National November Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge. While it’s invigorating to test my writing abilities, it also tests my…

  • I Did It Again!

    This November gave me another opportunity to sharpen my writing skills by participating in the National November Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge.  Those who participate agree to write a complete novel, 50,000 words or more, in the month of November.  For more details, look at www.nanowritmo.org Sounds easy?  Think again.  Finding the time to write each…

  • Character Interview with Gabriella Deza of “Indian Summer”

          Second Wind: What is your story? Gabriella: I haven’t much of one yet, I’m only just 15, but what there is of it is told in “Indian Summer.” SW: Who are you? G: I am Gabriella Deza, youngest daughter of Governor Ferdinand Deza. SW: Where and when do you live? G: I…

  • Character Interview with Manuel Enriques of “Indian Summer”

    Second Wind: What is your story? Manuel: My story is still being written, but a portion of it is chronicled in “Indian Summer” by Dellani Oakes. SW: Who are you? M: My name is Manuel Hermida Enriques Orejan Sanchez and I am confidential aid to Governor Ferdinand Deza. SW: Where do you live? M: I…