Blog
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.
Dealing with homeless children 100 years ago In the 1800s, boatloads of immigrants arrived in U.S. port cities. They came seeking the American dream; the reality they faced was often more a nightmare. Large families,…
Goals to keep mind and body fresh. I’ve set two goals for myself this winter: one walking and one reading. In just the first few weeks of the year, I’ve found some interesting links to…
Early 20th century photos inspire writing. Whether writing memoir or novel, I’ve found photos a great source of inspiration. Today, almost everyone has the ability to take photos. Digital cameras allow us to take pictures…
Results of second annual reader survey released. If you’re a reader or writer of historical fiction, you may enjoy digging into the results of the 2013 Historical Fiction Survey. In the second year of the…
January 1 is a time for resolutions and I just made one I know I’ll have no trouble sticking with throughout the year. This afternoon, I learned about the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, and since…
The humble gift of long-lasting love. As Christmas Eve rolls around, I check to make sure I have all the fixings for our waffle supper. Waffles mark Christmas Eve in our house as surely as…
Trigger a trip down memory lane with Growing Up Country – On Sale! We’ve all been told that “good things come to those who wait.” But this week, the best deals come to those who…
Inspiration to take big steps often comes from others. When I was 51 years old, I screwed up my courage and left behind the title, the pay check, and the prestige of the corporate world…
Finding perspective and gratitude after suicide. When I thought about my senior years, I imagined spending a good deal of time with my older sister, Jane. Though she lived in Pennsylvania and I in Iowa,…
A night in jail offers a change of venue to explore issues of control. I’ve slept on floors that were softer than the mattress in my cell. The pillow was hard enough to knock someone…