Blog
Two Men on the Moon and Five Young Women at the Jersey Shore
It was June, 1969. I’d finished my first year of college and wanted to spend the summer down the shore, as I had every other summer of my life. I did not want to spend it in the ’burbs with my parents. It’s a bit hard for me to remember why I disliked my parents…
Read MoreWhat is 'Stepping Off'? Read The Dream Daughter to Find Out! (And Win a Candle!)
Here’s a little video John and I put together to entice you to read my new book, The Dream Daughter. Have fun! EDITED: The winners of the candles have been randomly selected. Congratulations, Kathy Nester and Martha! And here’s a yummy citrus verbena Dream Daughter candle for you! Just leave a comment telling me what…
Read MoreLaunch Day: The Stolen Marriage!
Wow, it’s been two years since I’ve had a book out and I’m ecstatic! I’m gearing up for a busy book tour and looking forward to meeting some of you. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about this story. And may I just add that, even if you don’t buy The Stolen Marriage, you must…
Read MoreRape, Race and Writing Historical Fiction
As I read the early reader reviews of The Stolen Marriage, I’m heartened by how lovely they are. At this moment, the story averages 4.43 out of 5 stars and my gratitude to readers who take the time to write a review knows no bounds. But there are a few very angry reviews and they…
Read MoreFor What it's Worth
Once a week, I play acoustic guitar with a casual group of musicians. We have an energetic leader who is gifted at keeping us on track, and we play mostly rock and roll with some country thrown in. We take turns picking songs from the songbook we use, and we all strum and sing. I’ve…
Read MoreThe Hero Behind Pretending to Dance
When I was growing up, my sister Joann was my hero. Never mind the fact that she couldn’t stand me. I was seven years younger and when I came along, I took over her position as Princess of the Family. She didn’t bother masking her disdain for me. (You can even see it in this…
Read MoreDo You Like those Short Story Prequels? (And a Giveaway)
Three years ago, I decided to write a short story that could serve as a prequel to my soon-to-be-released novel Necessary Lies in the hope the story would whet the my readers’ appetites for the book. I was not a short story writer, having written only one short story in the past, but I took…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Trains
I planned the theme for this Story Weekend long before the devastating crash that occurred this week. My heart goes out to the folks who were affected. Hopefully you have a happier train story to share–in one hundred words or less! If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I pick a theme and…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Mom
In honor of Mother’s Day this weekend in the US, the theme for Story Weekend is Mom. Please share a story about your Mom or a woman who has made a difference in your life. If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I pick a theme and you share something from your life that relates…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Childhood Memories
I bet that you have something from your childhood that you never will forget. I hope you’ll share on of your favorite childhood memories with us. If you’re new to Story Weekend, here’s how it works: I pick a theme and you share something from your life that relates to that theme, however you interpret it.…
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