Why Writers Write—I think!

Whenever I have a Q & A with elementary students, someone inevitably asks me why I write. I always manage some sort of answer which I believe to be true, but I never feel satisfied with that answer. I say something to the effect that I grew up loving to read and wanted to see … Continue reading Why Writers Write—I think!

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

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

Making Progress in the World of Words

The Storytellers, Nacogdoches, Texas Carl Sandburg, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner in Literature, once said, “I’m an idealist. I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.” I find this an optimistic view about doing. Sometimes we have to start doing. In my previous blog post (“Spring Resolutions: Reading, Writing, & Blogs”), I made … Continue reading Making Progress in the World of Words

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

2025: Week 16 – Bookish

I’ve just finished Lucy Mangan’s latest ‘Bookish’, a lively toddle through her extensive bookshelves with accompanying comments on her journey … 2025: Week 16 – Bookis This post is from a blog I follow called Country Gate. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Click on “Week 16–Bookish.”

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

Readers

Today I find myself waxing nostalgic. I hate when that happens, but there you are. I tend to be a collector—not so good a thing either. Or, maybe, I am simply an accumulator. Either way, I have some stuff. I tend to gather things that have to do with “story”: old and new books that … Continue reading Readers