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.
Human rights have been under attack in Iowa. The onslaught of abortion bans, book bans, and laws targeting LGBTQ+ children – all laws passed by the Iowa legislature this year – has been soul crushing.…
Read MorePeople who risk it all to help others are inspiration for all of us. Some of these brave souls are well known – Schindler, Tubman, Esther – while others slip quietly into history. Irishwoman Mary…
Read MoreNinety-nine years ago, on November 11, 1918, the Allies and Germany signed the Armistice to end fighting in the First World War. On that same day, my grandfather Carl died. My grandfather did not, however,…
Read MoreSpring inspires poetic thoughts and emotions. Here’s a Haiku tribute to the migrating birds I saw during a recent walk. Cedar waxwings come. Aristocratic bandits, Harbingers of spring The Cedar Waxwing is a social bird…
Read MoreNational Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) sent hundreds of thousands of writers to their keyboards in November to write the novels they know they have in them. Historically, 17% of those who start succeed. I was…
Read MoreI’m in Iowa City this week, sequestered at a bed & breakfast, doing a deep dive into writing my next novel. I write, I think, I walk, I write some more. All the while, I…
Read MoreEarly 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…
Read MoreInspiration 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…
Read MoreReally good authors make me see the places, feel the emotions, understand and relate to the challenges the characters face. Good authors make me care, whether the time is 300 years ago or 3,000 years…
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