Being a writer has given me so many wonderful opportunities, but the one I cherish the most is the time to save cats. Since I work from home and make my own schedule, I’m available to jump into action when there is a cat in need. Continue reading Guest Chick: Amanda Flower
“[T]he monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” This quote is attributed to Albert Einstein. Continue reading Bore Me
Dolly Parton died Aug. 25, 2026, from cancer. May her soul rest in peace. She was a businesswoman, a performer, an actor, an author, and a philanthropist. But, of course, her greatest impact on the world was through her songs. This is my modest tribute to a singer/song writer I admire—never past tense—so much. I hope I don’t mess this up. Continue reading The Indelible Dolly Parton
Before I get started, you should know I’m omitting the names of the real people in this recount to protect myself. It’s not that I think I’m going to be doxed or anything like that. I’m just exercising an abundance of caution. Continue reading Get real
I’m a creature of habit. I love my routines. I think I have a ritual for everything; actions I must take when I wake up, and before I go to sleep, exercise, cook, clean, write. Conventional wisdom is routines are good for us for a variety of reasons. They keep us focused on the tasks we’re working on, which increases our productivity. I’ve also read … Continue reading It’s routine
Help the Chicks celebrate book release day twins Ellen Byron and Patricia Sargeant (writing as Olivia Matthews). Continue reading Book Release Day Twins
One of the many things I love, love, love about storytelling is channeling the characters who inhabit the worlds I create. Becoming those characters during my writing sessions is like playing virtual dress-up. I can be clever, courageous and well-organized. And while I spend time in their world, my coffee mug is never empty—or at least not for long. Continue reading Character Lessons
Personal experience provides the best life lessons. I firmly believe that. To be clear, I’m grateful when people share their experiences with me. It shows a generosity of spirit when someone takes the time to explain a lesson they’ve learned just to spare us the same unpleasant experience. Continue reading Will we ever learn?
Humor is subjective. I think we can agree on that. What we each find humorous depends on a slew of things, including life experiences, mood and whether we have even one humorous bone in our bodies. Continue reading What’s so funny?
With Valentine’s Day behind us for the year, I am reminded of how I transitioned from writing romance to writing stories with characters that don’t make it to the end of the book. Continue reading Guest Chick: Deborah Fletcher Mello
We were dumped on. Where I live, the winter storm delivered about a foot of snow. And I must say, I’m not a great fan of these negative numbers masquerading as “temperatures.” As I’m typing this, it’s 3 degrees. Not a fan. It’s getting warmer, though. Thank goodness. Continue reading Take a hike
This great story idea came to me in the shower almost a year ago. I’ve heard stuff like that happens a lot at least to novelists, songwriters and screenwriters. It’s supposedly because our minds are more relaxed in the shower or the bathtub. Continue reading It Sounded Better in My Head
