Blog

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As a curious observer of life, I blog on writing, marketing, my prairie - anything that interests me in the moment. I like to have conversations with readers, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I'll respond.

Those Boys on the Hill book cover

How do we care for our kids?

By Carol / 13 February 2024 /

People talk often about how children are our future, and I expect we all like to think we do well by our children. But recent events make me believe we as a country must do…

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Best book price this year – Growing Up Country & Simple Truth

By Carol / 02 November 2018 /

Both Growing Up Country, Memories of an Iowa Farm Girl and Simple Truth – ebook versions only – are on sale from November 2-9 for $.99. Please help me spread the word about the best…

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Happy 10th Anniversary – Growing Up Country – Memoir

By Carol / 02 January 2018 /

I turned on the car radio last week and was surprised to hear the announcer introduce me. The Iowa Public Radio interview, which focused on growing up in Iowa, had aired in October. The now-taped…

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Poverty or Privilege – What do clothes mean?

By Carol / 30 August 2017 /

“Dress for success.” “Clothes make the man/woman.” “Dress for the job you want.” I had cause to re-think these oft-heard phrases in the context of poverty and privilege when I read a memoir about a…

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How important is the frame?

By Carol / 29 March 2016 /

A few years ago, as I walked the Crystal Bridges Art Museum grounds, I spotted a single picture frame set on posts in the middle of a soccer-sized field. Intrigued, I walked out to look…

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Dressed up in a new cover – Go Away Home

By Carol / 02 June 2015 /

A drum roll, please … When my novel Go Away Home re-launches on July 7, it will sport this brand new cover. As an indie author responsible for all aspects of publishing, I have to…

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A "Marriage" of Fact and Fiction – Giveaway

By Carol / 28 April 2015 /

Many authors write a memoir first and then turn to fiction, as I did. While those first works of fiction often have some basis in real people and events, the outcome is largely fictional as…

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Going deep inside – Perspective 3

By Carol / 24 March 2015 /

Recently, I’ve considered perspective from high up in a hot air balloon and up close at Cadillac Ranch. I also had a chance to go deep with a visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.…

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It’s "I Grew Up Country Day" – How will you celebrate?

By Carol / 18 March 2015 /

We expect you celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Hopefully with enough restraint to leave room to celebrate a far newer day. Since Iowa Governor Branstad signed a Proclamation declaring March 18, 2015, “I Grew Up Country Day,” 50+…

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Growing Up Country now an audiobook

By Carol / 27 January 2015 /

Changes in the publishing industry have made life easier for indie authors with every evolution helping us reach more readers. As I launch the audiobook version of my memoir this month, it’s been fun to…

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