As I’m preparing for the upcoming homeschool year, I’m going to take a break from book reviews to touch on a related literary subject–struggling readers. I have one of these. In fact, I have two. The younger one is a typical boy who’d rather spend time outside and therefore commits way less than his full […]
Mom's bragging rights
Sunday I had the priviledge of helping my daughter publish her first book. It was a high school creative writing assignment that the teacher strongly encouraged her to “try to get published.” Well, I know a little something about that. My only stipulation–she had to use a pen name. So over the weekend I taught […]
An interesting bit of history
Last night I was talking to my elderly uncle who shared a bit of family history I had never heard before. In light of the book I just released, Beneath the Slashings, I found it pretty interesting. It seems I have a great, great, great Uncle Peter whose father died when he was 13 years old. […]
Indie Endeavors, part 1 – My Eight-Year Journey
Last year, I choose to become an independently-published author (affectionately dubbed an “Indie”). This year, I’m going make an effort to share some of my experiences with others who may be considering the same route. Today, as my first post in this series, I’ll describe the eight-year road that precluded my own decision. Actually, I’ve […]
World Premier Performance!
Tomorrow I get to write my name next to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rodgers and Hammerstein! Okay, my hometown isn’t exactly Broadway. And an audience of 200-300 doesn’t exactly compare to the millions who’ve viewed “Phantom.” All right, all right, half of those in attendance probably will be parents and grandparents come to wave to the toddlers taking the stage between acts. […]
Research and Recreation
A great story cannot achieve excellence unless it has been faithfully and completely researched. Trying to make due without is rather like sewing a fabulous gown only to tuck the bottom hem into your underwear the night of the ball. The dancer comes off looking utterly ridiculous. This hasn’t been too much of a dilemma […]