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.

Standing up for justice & equality

By Carol / 29 August 2023 /

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.…

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Waking up to white privilege

By Carol / 24 April 2018 /

The recent arrest of two black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks raised again the issue of how people of different races are treated in the United States. It’s highly unlikely two white men sitting in…

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Iowa Caucus yields host of winners

By Carol / 03 February 2016 /

I woke this morning with a profound sense of peace. In spite of blizzard force winds raging overnight, it was remarkably quiet. Political ads no longer filled the airwaves. Campaign text messages no longer flooded…

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Top 10 Reasons To Love the Iowa State Fair

By Carol / 31 August 2015 /

Our state fair is a great fair, acclaimed in book, movies, and song. As a 4-H member I yearned to go. Alas, that desire was unfulfilled. Now that I live within four miles of the…

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Jackasses & Monkeys – Inner demons of writing

By Carol / 20 May 2015 /

I’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…

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I Grew Up Country – New initiative encourages storytelling

By Carol / 10 March 2015 /

On Monday, March 9, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed a Proclamation declaring March 18, 2015, “I Grew Up Country Day” – in Iowa and wherever food is produced. Haven’t heard of “I Grew Up Country”? Let…

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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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'You got game, white girl' – Home Sweet Hardwood

By Carol / 11 November 2014 /

Mo’ne Davis pitches like a girl. A thirteen-year-old girl who throws a 70 mph fastball. The star of The Little League World Series may not even realize sports wasn’t always an option for girls like…

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The big questions: Memoir or fiction? Is the Past ever Past?

By Carol / 15 October 2014 /

Life is full of so many questions. What’s for dinner? White wine or red? Is it time to turn on the furnace? The writing life is no different. Three events coming up in the next…

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Leap of Faith – New from Michele Shriver

By Carol / 08 April 2014 /

Iowa author presents a story of healing and second chances. I’m pleased to share the platform today with Michele Shriver, an Iowa author I met through social media.  Michele caught the writing bug in sixth…

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