What is it? Many have asked if Aggie's story is "autobiographical." While not really, some things in my life were definitely included in the book. But one question/statement alone was Aggie's inspiration. Links in this post may be affiliates that provide a small commission at no extra Continue Reading
New Release
I Spot Spotify: playlists and cool stuff!
So I have a lovely online friend who is all hip to the cool new stuff--you know, like Spotify. That's my way of saying she knows what's out there and I'm an old geezer. She asked if I had it. I said, "Um... probably not?" That would be because I had no clue what she was talking about! I'll admit. Continue Reading
Because She’s Mibs
The tune of "Because He Lives" wafts through the room as my brain tries to parody the title with "Because She's Mibs." Can't you hear it, "... she will sing tomorrow. Because she's Mibs--her song is long! Because she kno-ooh-oohws, He holds the future!" Right? All through the Aggie Continue Reading
Ante Up! Pre-Order Is Live!
What's the word on Ante Up!? Well, let's begin with Ante Up!'s history. After all, not everyone has read the series (and you'll want to before you read this book!) Once upon a time, a mother in the Mojave Desert wrote a story of a young woman floundering as the "new mom" of eight. That single, Continue Reading
Making Her Debut: Meddlin’ Madeline!
(links in this post may be affiliate links & I might receive a small commission at no extra expense to you) Madeline's Debut: Rockland, 1901! Madeline Brown. Just an ordinary girl in an ordinary Midwest city. But changes are coming her way. She's learning that she sees things others miss. Continue Reading
Meddlin’ Madeline: Five Fun Facts
With the launch of Meddlin' Madeline: Sweet on You only days away, I thought I'd share a few fun facts about the book and my writing process with it. As you probably have read, the idea for Madeline came when I was searching for photos for another book idea (one I still haven't fleshed out yet!). I Continue Reading
The Birth of a Born Sleuth
Have you ever wondered how famous detectives such as Jane Marple or Lord Peter Wimsey discovered their penchant for sleuthing? What makes a good sleuth? How does one go from "average Jane" to Patrick Jayne? (note: I linked to my favorite film versions of these sleuths... just because I love them Continue Reading
4 Reasons NOT to Have a Large Family (# 3 is the kicker)
In case you hadn't heard, we have nine children. Nine. Count 'em 1, 2, 3... yeah. Nine. Additionally, we have five grandchildren (and that's just #1Daughter's contribution). A large family is a blessing and... well... yeah. It's a blessing. Let's go with that one. And although all but one of Continue Reading
Giddy Much?
So last night I was at Denny's, working on the notes so I could start Ante Up! today, when I typed out the ideas for the last scene. Even as I typed, I found myself cheering and laughing inside--almost shaking with excitement. then I heard me say this: (please excuse the "road noise". I was Continue Reading
Sarah Price’s “The Matchmaker”: New Release
I'm excited to share Sarah Price's latest release, The Matchmaker! And a PERFECT day for it since today happens to be my wedding anniversary (not to be mistaken for my marriage anniversary. hee hee)! I just finished the book and I really think she did a fabulous job of combining Austen's Emma with Continue Reading
Lizards in Holland? WHAT?
I don't know about you, but as a desert dweller, when I hear "lizard garden" and Amsterdam in the same sentence, it seems a little... incongruous. So, when author Anne E. Phillips (who happens to be a dear friend of mine) wrote a children's novel, The Lizard Garden, that takes place in The Continue Reading
Amelia’s Interview: Deepest Roots of the Heart
One of the ways I try to get to "know" my characters is to try to type up an "organic" question/answer session. I'll try to let each question spark the following one--really working to get into the character's head. I did that with Avelino, but for this release party, I thought it might be fun to Continue Reading
