Everyday Stuff
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 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 MoreBest Buddies Forever
Giving my office a deep cleaning, I stumbled across this essay I wrote about my golden retrievers, Ben and Chapel, at the end of Ben’s life in the late ’90s. Have any of you had a similar experience? Best Buddies Forever by Diane Chamberlain I sat in the breeder’s kitchen, waiting to meet the…
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 MoreStory Weekend: Garage Sale Find
Do you have a story about something you found at a garage sale or flea market? I bet you do! Hope you’ll share it 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.…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Unforgettable Concerts
It seems like everyone comes home with a story after attending a great concert. Do you have an unforgettable concert story? 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. Thanks to all of you…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Favorite Holiday Memories
We’re in the throes of the holidays and time is going so fast. So much to do! Do you have a story about one of your favorite holiday memories? 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…
Read MoreStory Weekend: Identical Twins
Do you have a story about identical twins? We’d love to hear it! 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. Thanks to all of you who’ve contributed. As always, there are a few…
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