I realized today that Eva Shaw is one of the most influential writing professors in my life. I was stuck, you see, and absolutely could not figure out how to get my heroine from where she was to where she was supposed to wind up. So I pulled out a massive sheet of newsprint and started drawing circles all over it, in a brainstorming technique called “Bubbling,” also known as “Mind Mapping.” Mid-way through my Bubbling, I glanced up and saw three of Eva’s books sitting... Continue Reading →
In order to better organize my writing (and my thoughts!) I have decided to create a political blog in conjunction with this one. This way, anyone who doesn’t agree with my political views can still come, read, and visit, without having to wade through posts that may ruffle their feathers. I thought the most diplomatic way to keep my opinions out there, but not shoved in anyone’s face was to create the new blog. SO! I have removed the political posts from this site and moved them to their... Continue Reading →
Apparently, I have a “condition” known as Thygeson’s Superficial Punctate Keratitis. Which really is just a fancy-schmany name for severe, chronic dry eye. It sounds a lot scarier than it is! The main annoyance is that it causes my vision to go to pot, as if I’m wearing contacts or glasses three powers too weak. Fun times! I tell you, I cannot wait until I am able to get LASIK. Hopefully I’ll be able to swing it next year. I’ve worn glasses since the first grade,... Continue Reading →
Apparently I have somehow injured my left eye, making it not only painful and my vision blurry, but also incredibly light-sensitive. I’ll be limiting my computer time until it heals up, so bear with me! Read More →
I have been running like a landlocked, female Michael Phelps, trying to get this place updated and tidy. I suppose it would have been easier to compare myself to a female, American Usain Bolt with all my running around, but I just didn’t like his showboating. Ahh well. A storylet for you, while you wait on my scattered self to get together. A friend of mine asked if there were any Jewish delis in my area, with the suggestion that I buy knishes. After giggling for a minute or two, my response... Continue Reading →
One day, I hope to have enough rejection letters to paper an entire wall of my office. I have been extremely fortunate in one very important regard: I have no problem with rejection. I have no problem having my work criticized, cast aside, and passed over. Every single time I’ve received a rejection letter, I’ve followed it up with an alternative query. More often than not, this gets me accepted or, at the very least, puts me in an editor’s mind enough to ensure future work. Truly,... Continue Reading →
Here I am again, pandering for animals and my favorite pet-rescue organization, “PAWS” (Pets Are Worth Saving). This time, all you have to do is click on two links. Couldn’t be easier! _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Free Food for Abandoned and Abused Animals is Just a Click Away! The Animal Rescue Site is a great website... Continue Reading →
I’ve made some slight alterations to the front page, and will be loading new articles into the Fiction/Non-fiction headers soon. Be sure to refresh your cache so you can see the changes, and go peek at the front! Read More →
Living in Alabama provides a lot of “moments.” Odd moments. Eyebrow-raising moments. Snort-Dr.Pepper-through-your-nose moments. Cringe-worthy moments. And, of course, the “please let me stifle my laughter so I don’t insult or embarass this very nice, very countrified gentleman/lady” moments. One of my favorite such moments involved a very sweet octogenarian lady, her granddaughter, and their very enthusiastic poodle. Mikey (my schnauzer) and I were going for one... Continue Reading →
This came through my inbox via the pet rescue organization that my aunt-in-law helps to run. A Boston Terrier Society contacted the rescue organization for help. Fair warning, this is terribly disturbing and upsetting, and contains two equally upsetting photographs. Dear Benefactors: A severely injured Boston Terrier was dumped through a shoot at a shelter in Chilton County, Alabama, on 31 July 2008, and he was immediately rescued by Donna Farmer, President of the Birmingham Boston Terrier Rescue,... Continue Reading →
