As someone who writes fiction as my side job, I seek inspiration, either from other people or from places. Additionally, as a writer who is about to publish my 4th novel, I use places almost as I use characters in my novel—they must have a personality and purpose. Setting is very important to me, and…
Writing About Grief
To tell you the truth, I’m not sure why two of my books have focused on grief. I can only tell you that I probably write about it because I have the utmost respect for people who are able to cope with grief well. Losing someone is so hard—unimaginable, even—especially when we love someone so…
Answering Questions & An Overview (and some hair-dos, lol)
Hi Readers! I figured I haven’t done a quick introduction and overview for some new connections here, so here it goes! I’m also sharing some throw back photos of the books I’ve published (and my many hair-dos since!) 1—Why am I holding The Postcard in the first photo? This week marks the one-year anniversary of…
Twilight and Twinkles and Travel
* As I tell my students in the special topics in travel writing course I teach, travel happens as soon as you step outside your door. Day trips, afternoon trips, and evening trips can all be wonderful experiences, especially when you’re sharing the time with someone you love. It can also be great to go…
An Update and the Plot Overview of Little Milestones – Coming Soon
Right now, my beta readers are looking over the draft of Little Milestones. I am reading the manuscript again, as well, for the hundredth time. As well, I’ve started to create some of my marketing materials for the book. For those of us in the trenches as independent authors, it’s a never-ending cycle of book…
Creating a Capsule Wardrobe To Simplify and Change Your Life
Okay, ladies…I think I’ve finally had the epiphany I’ve been waiting for. I am ready to streamline and downsize my work wardrobe. Who wants to do the same? Those pictures of me above are from three years ago when I attempted this endeavor the first time, but then fell off the wagon. I’m ready to…
Recipe of the Week: Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts, Grapes & Onion
This week’s recipe is a quick, yet tasty, and is a somewhat light meal that’s perfect for summertime. The surprise ingredient in this recipe is the grapes, and how they taste alongside the other ingredients after roasting in the oven. YUM! And the added bonus is that it’s really easy… Orecchiette with Brussels Sprouts, Grapes…
Fashion Friday: Summer Maxi Dresses & A Versatile Duster
* What is STYLE? 👠 How do you define the word? Here’s my take, for what it’s worth. Style isn’t about what you wear, it’s about how you feel about what you wear. Style also isn’t about labels and expensive clothes: you can look good in inexpensive clothes if you learn what cuts work best…
Recipe of the Week: Chip’s Zucchini Bread
Yesterday, when Leeanne, Chip, and I got together to work on the second edition of our textbook, Chip presented both Leeanne and me with homemade zucchini bread. When I got home last night, I made a cup of tea and sliced myself a piece of this bread. I still had a lot of Weight…
Recipe of the Week: The 3-Ingredient Ice Cream Cake
Do you have friends popping by for a quick visit? The kids want to host their friends after dinner for dessert? It’s a hot summer day and you just need something cool, but the Carvel store doesn’t have your favorite flavor? No worries, my friends. I’ve got you covered. In the summertime, you should always…
Scientists Say This Helps You Look Sexy
What’s the last book you’ve read cover to cover and LOVED? If you can’t answer this question, maybe you’re not reading enough. And if you’re not reading enough, you may not be getting the benefits of reading, which include these scientific facts below. Reading makes you more empathic Reading helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease Reading makes…
Writing About Women + Friendship in Little Milestones
For the past several years, I’ve watched a PBS show called Call the Midwife. It’s a series based on the memoirs entitled Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End by Jennifer Worth, a district nurse and midwife who was living in the East End of London during the 1950s. The show intermingles…
