Category: musings

Summer Reads for Women – 2018

musings / random drawing / recreational reading

Summer Reads for Women – 2018

PBS.org Recently PBS has compiled a list of 100 popular books from readers across the USA. It makes a good starting point for summer reading. With the process of requesting the titles, PBS gives you a chance to vote every day between now and the coming fall for titles you found worth reading. Join in the fun; copy their top 100 and read away! www.pbs.org/greatamericanread The following are partial lists of mostly new books. You might also want to check the New York Times and other newspaper and magazine book lists. Amazon list Beach House books by Mary Alice Munroe ...

Reader’s Mad Lib

musings / random drawing

Reader’s Mad Lib

Years ago, before kids had personal electronics, they played Mad Libs while riding in cars or waiting at appointments. Here’s a Mad Lib for Readers. Take a whirl and hopefully get a laugh. Number a paper to 8. Write down an appropriate word beside each number. Skim down the page for the Mad Lib short story. Drop in each word at its corresponding number. Enjoy, I hope. Words: an adjective ______________                  5.  another adjective  ______________   a color ___________________                 6. a noun  ______________________   a noun __________________                  7.  a verb  ___________________   an adjective __________________          8.  an adjective  ____________________  ...

Event Reminders

adventure novel / Book events / musings / Tasman

Event Reminders

Happy May Day! You now have so many options of what to celebrate: May Day with maypoles and secret flowers to kind neighbors, Hawaii’s Lei Day, Law Day, International Workers Day, and even Mother Goose Day. I also celebrate my birthday. Whatever you celebrate, make your best effort to enjoy the month as we immerse ourselves with spring in full bloom. April 23rd I had the privilege of being interview by Laura Moe on her Young Adult Authors Cafe. She is an exciting teen author (Breakfast with Neruda) as well as a great interviewer. The hour of conversation flew by...

Writer’s Genre Query

musings / reading

Writer’s Genre Query

‘They say’ that writing requires equal time. What genres interest you? Do they relate to what you write? How does what you read influence your writing? Send me your answers. If you are considering dipping into other genres include them as well.

Adjectives

giveaway / musings / random drawing / Tasman

Adjectives

Writing is a tricky business. Those in the know say adjectives should be used sparingly. The trick is to select the best ones, the adjective phrases that best move the story along. Here are a few from Kristin Hannah books that I feel make excellent use of a few, well-chosen ones to set the mood or introduce settings. Let me know if you agree. ** Pinprick streams of sunlight spilled down through the evergreen ceiling, danced in golden patches on the brown-needled forest floor.  Waiting for the Moon p.58 ** The drizzling February days melted into one another, forming a...

Tasman Updates

Book events / musings / Story project updates / Tasman

Tasman Updates

I’m certainly enjoying the chance to share Tasman- An Innocent Convict’s Struggle for Freedom. The story began so many years ago and now I’m able to revive those early days of writing and researching as well as hearing feedback about Ean’s story. I’ve created several handouts (with the help of my creative publisher) and will gladly mail you information if you are interested or considering using my book for a book club or group event. I will gladly speak with you and your friends via Skype or attend your book events around the northwest. If I’m traveling to your area,...

A Day in a Writer’s Life

musings

A Day in a Writer’s Life

People often ask what my day of writing looks like. That depends on whether I am involved a project or between projects. When I am writing or editing I start writing early before the sun or rain appears at my window. By noon I’ve often spent 5 -7 hours working so I move on to other interests: volunteering in classrooms, working on crafts or reading my next book club offering. During the times I’m between projects I spend my mornings on personal writings, write my blogs and create math games for elementary classroom use. I also dedicate more time to...

Is it Winter or Summer??

adventure novel / musings / Tasman

Is it Winter or Summer??

Us northern hemisphere residents forget that southern hemisphere residents have weather that is opposite to ours. When I wrote Tasman—An Innocent Convict’s Struggle for Freedom the differences were a constant concern because in Tasmania, June was winter  and December was summer. Talk about needing to be consistent! Tasmania is comparable to the Pacific Northwest if you reverse the seasons. The island lies between 40° and 45° degrees while the Pacific Northwest lies between 45° and 50° degrees. Antarctica and the Indian Ocean influence Tasmania’s weather; the Arctic and the Japanese Current in the North Pacific influence ours. Both locations have...

Best Holiday Book Ever

musings / special books

Best Holiday Book Ever

During the holiday season, which books draw you in for a second, third, or maybe a yearly read? I want to share one that remains on my heart since high school. My author friend, Lauraine Selling, wrote The Lonely Donkey, a lovely children’s story when we were in high school. It follows the journey of the donkey that carries Mary toward Bethlehem. Lauraine made colored pencil drawings and created a wood-burned cover with leather hinges. As it turned out she only made two copies, both of which she gave away.  Several years ago when I was getting out my holidays...

As a Writer, I’m Thankful for…

musings

As a Writer, I’m Thankful for…

Writing is a solitary endeavor. It’s dependent on so many things falling into place; some beyond our control. I appreciate your support and hope this season of giving thanks presents you with lots to be thankful for. I am thankful for: Ideas that feed my imagination The persistence to build a story from its beginning to its end An audience that supports me by reading my stories Readers who let me know what they like about my stories Readers who take the time to write me reviews and who encourage others to read my work Time and energy to build...