Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and The Man Who Was Left Standing
There we were, listening to Thomas Jefferson (seen here in a download from the Colonial Williamsburg website) and Patrick Henry debate the merits of funding religion and religious leaders from a special tax levied by the state of Virginia. No, we aren’t time travelers. We were watching the fabulous re-enactors of Colonial Williamsburg here at Chautauqua…
Read MoreThe Mystery of Writing–What can be taught and what can’t
This past week I had the good fortune to teach Writing the Mystery Novel here at Chautauqua Institution in Western New York. I really wasn’t sure how many students would sign up. The offerings here are many, and this was fairly specialized. But the perfect number of students arrived, and we commandeered a room that…
Read MoreLife is a Porch, or Should Be
Full disclosure. This is not MY porch. In fact this porch belongs to the president of Chautauqua Institution, here in Chautauqua, New York. The little cottage I’m renting this month has a porch, too, although not nearly as scenic. In fact almost every house on the grounds has one, close to the street and easily accessible to…
Read MoreExpect the Unexpected–Serendipities and Lagniappe
Those of you following my blog know I’m spending some time this summer at one of my favorite places, Chautauqua Institution in Western New York. Chautauqua is unique in many ways. The grounds are both historic and lovely, the lake it sits on is picture perfect. And in addition to the usual summertime pursuits, Chautauqua…
Read MoreLetting Go–the fine art of recharging your personal batteries
Right this moment are you 1) Frantically trying to do at least two things at once? (And yes, yelling at the children or the dog does count as one.) 2) Leisurely planning a leisurely day? 3) Wondering who those lazy people who said yes to #2 think they are? 4) Trying to remember the meaning of…
Read MoreThe Kindness of Strangers
My husband is about to go on sabbatical. This is one of the perks of his profession, a chance to study and think for months every so many years. He’s done some wonderful things; we’ve done some wonderful things together, but I’ve always written while we’ve been away. There are no sabbaticals for writers. We…
Read MoreIs Your Skills About to Expired: Spam and Free Verse
Waste not, want not. In this time of scarcity, anxiety and making do, I recently felt compelled to use something I have in abundance. I bet you have it, too. That’s right. Spam. And not the kind that comes from Hormel. Maybe I have too much time to think, or maybe some of the hilarious…
Read MoreConferences, Publishing, and MUCH shorter novels
So picture this. Two thousand conference goers, editor and agent get togethers, two house guests, parties, booksignings, workshops, business meetings, a particularly noisy hotel and writers I hadn’t seen in years. Add this up and you get . . . exhaustion! I just returned from the Romance Writers of America conference in Washington DC, and…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Alice’s Story, Part Three
Today marks the end of both Alice’s story and all the character blogs for the women of Happiness Key. Thanks so much to all of you who let me know you’ve looked forward to them. Remember, if you’re tantalized by these sneak peeks, my publisher is offering a coupon good until the end of July. Not…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Alice’s Story, Part Two
New to my blog? We’re exploring the backgrounds of the characters in my latest novel, Happiness Key. If you go here, you’ll find a list of all the blogs in this series, beginning with Tracy, then moving on to Janya and Wanda. This is part two of Alice’s story, which began on Monday. Alice is…
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