Instant Gratification Very few readers today could sit still long enough to get through the first page of a Dickens novel. Oh, they might make it through a film of one of his novels, but read it? Not likely. And that is fine on some accounts. Different readers prefer different books. Yet, in the 19th … Continue reading Why Are Readers So Impatient?
Category: writers
Writing Processes, Thoughts, and Other Ramblings
Processes and Thoughts This morning I woke up at 5:30, lay awake a bit, and then got up and made coffee. Eventually I made it to my home office by 6:30 a.m. I sat down and got to work on a children’s chapter book/short novel (the 4th book in my Ranch Girl series) I’ve been … Continue reading Writing Processes, Thoughts, and Other Ramblings
Elizabeth Crook, Sharon Creech, and Ann Patchett
I’ve been out this morning watching the deer watch me. At about 6 a.m., I made my coffee and took it outside to go on a stroll around the premises with our cats. The early morning on our farm/ranch is perfect these summer days, and I can’t help but admire God’s lovely handiwork. We had … Continue reading Elizabeth Crook, Sharon Creech, and Ann Patchett
The Stories We Read and Write
I have completed reading two good books the last couple of weeks, and I want to talk about them in a bit. But first, I want to discuss a couple of the writing projects I'm excited about. I just completed writing Classroom Guides for my two middle-grade fiction books, Ranch Girl and the Orphan Lamb … Continue reading The Stories We Read and Write
Spring Resolutions-Reading, Writing, & Blogs
Most people make New Year’s resolutions, but I have decided to make mid-spring resolutions instead. The middle of May seems as good a time as any for resolutions. Some of those resolutions follow: Resume writing consistent blog posts. I enjoy blogging and have published ninety posts since I began on May 20, 2022. Over the … Continue reading Spring Resolutions-Reading, Writing, & Blogs
Our Daily Work: Ranch Girl and a Boy Named Toby
Of Books and Festivals
It seems that fall and book festivals go together, at least in Texas. I have had the joy and honor of being a featured author at The Texas Word Wranglers Festival in Giddings in September, have signed in the Writer’s League of Texas booth at the Boerne Book Festival in October, and will likely sign … Continue reading Of Books and Festivals
“Words,” the Bee Gees
Strange as it may sound, I've been thinking about the Bee Gees of late--particularly about their song "Words." I know. I know. I should be considering Christmas carols and festive musical favorites (of which I have more than a few) now that it is December, and we are fully into the most wonderful time of … Continue reading “Words,” the Bee Gees
A Time to Read
Fall has come to North Central Texas. Fall is finally here in my part of the world, and I couldn't be happier. The picture above is of the burr oak outside my window, which has one or two colorful leaves and gray skies peeking through the still green leaves. Add to that, damp conditions and … Continue reading A Time to Read
Make Your Own Writing Retreat (or any retreat)
Writing is a challenge for me, and a joy, and darn hard work, and an accomplishment. I've spent a considerable amount of time writing the last few years, writing what I want to write about and getting back to the creative bent of my younger years before a husband, two sons, gainful employment, housework, social … Continue reading Make Your Own Writing Retreat (or any retreat)