When Someone Else Writes Your Brilliant Thought Have you ever had an idea that that felt fresh, personal, and totally original, then someone else comes up with an idea that’s suspiciously similar — or even exactly the same? It’s tempting to think that they stole it. And while I’m not saying that never happens, it’s just as likely to be a total coincidence. Our ideas … Continue reading Idea Doppelgängers

A while back, I said, “BRB: There’s something I have to go do!” That “something” was moving halfway across the country, back to Austin. I swore it wasn’t a goodbye, just a “see you soon.”  Readers, that was six years ago.  So, first of all — hi, I’m back! Told you I couldn’t stay away.  But the world is such a different place than it … Continue reading Okay, I’m back. What did I miss?

So, guess who accidentally bought a house in Austin? That’s right: Me! I say “accidentally” because we didn’t have any plans to move there and we weren’t actually looking for a house. In fact, we’d already lived in Austin back before we moved to San Francisco but a) we needed to branch out and try new things, and b) it got up to 112 one … Continue reading BRB: There’s something I have to go do!

Happy Thanksgiving week, y’all! For several years now, we’ve had a Thanksgiving Day tradition that’s involved a few of our closest friends, comfy pants, bad movies, and, of course, a turkey dinner. It’s fun and low pressure, and while it’s not heavy on tradition, we always take a moment to reflect on what we’re thankful for. It’s a little rude to hog the mic when … Continue reading ‘Tis the Season — for Gratitude

I love a good ghost story. I’ve always wanted some great gather-round-the-campfire story of my own. One time my stepsister told me a story that was my go-to because it really seriously happened to someone I knew. Years later, after dragging it out at every slumber party ever, I mentioned it to her. She crinkled her nose and laughed and said, “I told you that? That’s hilarious.” Continue reading It’s October — Bring on the Ghosties!

Have you ever impulsively raised your hand and volunteered to do something, then later wondered what you were thinking? Yeah? Well, me too! Last January, at our Sisters in Crime chapter’s board meeting, our president asked if anyone would like to be in charge of our bi-annual mystery writing workshop. I thought about it for all of ten seconds, maybe twelve, then raised my hand … Continue reading That time I planned a workshop…

I’ve always had a thing for old cemeteries. (That doesn’t make me weird does it? No? Okay, good. Whew.) And while I’ve visited a lot of fascinating cemeteries, I now officially have a new favorite, and it’s just a few miles from my house. This is the kind of cemetery they give tours of twice a month — yes, it’s that good — and last weekend … Continue reading A Tomb With a View

Lately I’ve become a writing class junkie. In the last six months, I’ve been to three day-long writing intensives as well as a weekend-long writing conference in Austin with nonstop craft classes. What a fun excuse to hang out with other writers and hear really smart people saying really smart things! I end up taking copious notes during the classes. Sometimes I capture brilliant nuggets … Continue reading Writing Conference Wisdom

Occasionally, for fun, I like to browse the real estate listings in cities I’ve thought about moving to. Move back to Austin? See if I can take the rain in Portland? Try out a small town like Auburn in Northern California? That’s how I stumbled across my future mansion. I don’t throw around the words “my future mansion” lightly. I’m not really “mansion people.” Give … Continue reading My haunted mansion/ B&B / writers’ retreat / wedding venue