I love this time of year. Writing, social media, and all things internet are put on the back burner. Great food is served with a heaping side of memories and camaraderie. We are a diverse bunch from various social classes and political views, but there’s a tacit agreement among everyone to leave polarization and politics at the door. We simply … Read More
The Currency of Life
I was complaining about chasing rabbits (which is a euphemism for doing a little of everything and getting nothing done) to a friend when she suggested thinking in terms of income-producing activities. I wrote about it earlier this month, but the idea is to categorize daily activities into two columns, one for income-producing activities and the other for non-income-producing activities. … Read More
A Different Way
In the South, whenever we get together you can bet food’s involved. Whether it’s meeting colleagues after work, social functions, or a night out on the town, any time a handful of friends meet, food is at the center of the affair. For someone who swore off sugar and processed carbs three years ago, it can be daunting. Not because … Read More
Just Write the D*mn Story!
Writing is a process, one that is multi-faceted and complex. Some writers love the beginning stages of creating a story. They have a million ideas that never make it to the page. Others love getting that first draft down, writing like they’ll be shot at dawn if they don’t get the thing on paper. Others love to revise, layer, create … Read More
The Little Things
Last Saturday, I stood at the Cincinnati International Airport, confounded as to how I missed a flight that hadn’t even taken off yet. I mean, I got up a 3:45 a.m., was out the door by 4:10, and I made it to Cincy two hours before like a good little rule-follower. The first hurdle was the fact that CVG, the … Read More
Risk Being Seen
If you read the newsletter or are in The Society, you know that I’m trying to limit the time spent on the net so that I can focus more on writing. Basically, I’ve decided to do away with inconsequential posts and focus on defining who I am and what readers can expect when they pick up one of my books. … Read More
Ode to an Agent
My heart pangs in insecurity A feeling of dread and woe. The sensation familiar and detested, Like some unforgotten foe. The plight of the bard, the writer, Whether fueled by genius or insanity, Is a flame blazing deep within the soul Our need to explore humanity. O, for a moment’s peace! Some respite from contemplation. The frantic pressure to produce, at … Read More
Why We Shouldn’t Get Our News from Social Media
The other day, I had a friend compare Facebook to Walmart, saying it was the Social Media site where she could get everything in one place, like her favorite recipes, pics of her grandbabies, and news from around the world. She hadn’t said something I’d thought a thousand times before the 2016 elections, only now, the statement bugged me. If … Read More
The Art of Communication
This past weekend, a drama bomb went off in Social Media land, the likes of which I’ve never seen. Usually calm, intelligent, rational human beings turned into raving lunatics, spewing toxic sludge like word vomit across my feed. Everyone had something to say–the problem was no one seemed to be listening. Is it okay to be passionate about a subject? Absolutely. … Read More
Understanding Equality
As you know, The Scythian Trials, the first book in the new series, debuts this month. The origin of the story stems from an article about a burial ground discovered in Romania, which was believed to be remains of Amazon warriors. These women lived autonomously in villages and sought male companionship for procreation purposes only. I became fascinated with the … Read More