I plotted my stories when I was writing historical romances in the general market. I knew where I was going long before I got there. But these stories were simple – formulaic. Boy meets girl. Boy and girl are driving apart. Boy and girl get back together again. At the time, the focus was the …
Christmas is always a high for me. It’s a time of getting the family together, hearing from far-away friends, feasting. Then come the quiet days of putting away decorations, CDs, movies, cards, nativities and lights. Jesus continues to be celebrated in our house. But a new year is a day away. I’ve written before about …
by guest blogger Jacqueline Tisthammer There are many beautiful traditions to love at Christmastime: nights alight with dazzling displays, neighbors sharing family favorite treats, music evoking decades gone by, candlelit churches keeping vigil in song, gifts that bring delight and joy. But every once in a while I wonder… why is it that I love …
I went to the library for information and found out about The Writers’ Market, a book put out each year with information on agents and publishers. I selected agents I thought fit what I was writing and sent a query letter. The first agent agreed to work with me. However, he wanted upfront money“to make the …
When did you know you wanted to be a writer? I knew I was going to be a writer from early childhood. I didn’t know what I would write because I didn’t enjoy reading. In fact, I was a very poor reader. It wasn’t for lack of opportunity. My mother took me and my brother …
We’re on the freeway, trying to get somewhere on time, and brake lights are flashing up ahead. What is it about people who slow down and even stop to see someone else’s misfortune or tragedy? I confess I’ve slowed down and looked, too. Then wished I hadn’t. Is it human nature to gawk? Is there …
Have you ever heard of ASMR? I hadn’t until a cab driver turned on a radio talk show. It was a long ride and Rick and I got to hear quite a bit of the program. Apparently, many people are becoming addicted to an “autonomy sensory meridian response” they get by making and/or viewing YouTube …
I collect quotes, notebooks full of them. Some are from famous people, some infamous, most from lesser or unknown. I never knew a man who was good at making excuses, who was good at anything else. (Benjamin Franklin) I’ve been through some horrible things in my life – a few of which actually happened. (Mark …
I read recently that our governor is planning to sink $400M into a satellite system that will study climate change. It’s all well and good to have your head in the clouds if you mind what needs to be done on earth, but our California roads are in sad disrepair, and, unfortunately, most of the …
All summer, I’ve attempted to keep our front and back lawns green. We have a sprinkler system, but there are still dry areas that look less than healthy. Rick or I hosed those areas diligently, then groaned over the rising water bill. There’s a lot to be said for other kinds of ground cover, unless …