I finally have enough juice in the tank to write the first draft of my latest novel, so that has been keeping me busy lately. My daily word count is 500 words minimum a day when I’m writing a first draft, but things are flowing smoothly, and most days I write about 1000 words. At the … Continue reading Reading Recommendations: Historical Fiction, Poetry, and Magical Realism.
Day Jobs for Writers: Finding Balance, Funding Dreams, and Fueling Creativity
Jobs: Day Jobs or Otherwise... Last week I watched a YouTube video from someone who called themselves a full-time writer who admitted later in the video that they use the money they make from content creation, part-time retail work, and other sales jobs to support themselves. That person is spending a percentage of their working … Continue reading Day Jobs for Writers: Finding Balance, Funding Dreams, and Fueling Creativity
An Unrelated Post About the L.A. Fires
I bumped another post I had planned for today to say a few words about the L.A. fires. I know this is off-topic for this blog, which focuses on writing, books, and reading, but I felt compelled to add my two cents about the armageddon world-on-fire that has been consuming the place I consider home. … Continue reading An Unrelated Post About the L.A. Fires
Rediscover Joy in the Writing Process
What are you willing to give up in order to become who you really need to be? —Elizabeth Gilbert Writers are like anyone else. We require shelter, food, and water. We need companionship, in human or animal form. We do better if we recognize our purpose in this world. For me, that purpose is writing. … Continue reading Rediscover Joy in the Writing Process
Happy Holidays: Popular Holiday Posts
While I recover from a stubborn sinus infection, I thought I'd share the links to this blog's most popular holiday posts. Christmas in the Massachusetts Bay Colony Mrs. Beeton's Recipes For a Perfectly Proper Christmas What Were Some Popular Victorian Christmas Traditions? Happy holidays to everyone. See you in 2025.
Exploring My Favorite Mystery Novels (Including Agatha Christie!)
It’s always a little sad for me when the beautiful orange, gold, and red leaves fall from the trees at the beginning of winter. Yes, I know that’s why we call it Fall here in the U.S. when everyone else in the world calls it Autumn. But there’s still a shock when the skeleton-like branch-fingers … Continue reading Exploring My Favorite Mystery Novels (Including Agatha Christie!)
Happy Thanksgiving: Remember Gratitude
Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. ―Mary Oliver Once again it is Thanksgiving week. This has been a crazy year for many reasons, and often, when things feel their bleakest, I do my best to strive for gratitude. I do have a lot to be thankful for. A job … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving: Remember Gratitude
The Swirl and Swing of Words is an Amazon #1 New Release in Authorship
Just a quick note today to let you know that The Swirl and Swing of Words: Embracing the Writing Life was named a #1 New Release on Amazon in Authorship as well as Creativity Self-Help and Authorship Reference. I'm always amazed when things like this happen. Thank you to everyone who has bought the book, … Continue reading The Swirl and Swing of Words is an Amazon #1 New Release in Authorship