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
Tag: country life
Going to Innisfree
So—2026 sneaked in while I wasn’t looking because I was laid low by what a kind, highly efficient nurse practitioner designated a heavy viral load. The aches, pains, fever, and congestion that started at Christmas have just now loosened their gnarly grip. I am almost back to normal. When I am unwell, I return to … Continue reading Going to Innisfree
Social Ties and a Youthful Brain
Several days ago, I was reading an article about practices that help keep our brains young and memory strong as we age. I don’t remember all the practices, no irony intended, but starting a new hobby you’ll stick with was one of them. Knitting was considered particularly good. Among the other practices researchers touted were … Continue reading Social Ties and a Youthful Brain
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
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
The Road —Finally—Taken
On our way to Tulsa recently, my husband and I experienced serendipity. That is, we had a chance, unexpected occurrence that turned out to be enjoyable and, in our way of thinking, an advantage to our well-being. I love that. What happened? We had to take a detour. Yes, as simple and annoying as that. … Continue reading The Road —Finally—Taken
Amena’s Quest, a Parable
I met Holli Fry at a writers’ conference some months ago and immediately recognized her as one of those people who make you feel cheerful just by being around them. I expect that ability is one of her many gifts. Holli writes children’s books in a genre generally known as Christian fiction and often states … Continue reading Amena’s Quest, a Parable
Spring’s Eccentricities
In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."--Mark Twain I do believe that Mark Twain must have spent a good many springs in Texas. Spring won't be officially here for several more days, but it is already up to its shenanigans. Even before February waved its final goodbye, … Continue reading Spring’s Eccentricities