When I was a young writer, my mother gave me good advice: “Never put in writing what you don’t want people to read.” Now that I am employed in a law office, that advice is reinforced on a daily basis. Every word must be scrutinized with the matters of law and interpretation firmly in mind. […]
Deadheading for Fun and Freedom
First, an brief explanation of the process of deadheading: with a very sharp secateur, you snip away the dead parts of plants so that the plant no longer pumps energy into the dead area. This somewhat similar to ‘phantom limb’ sensation. Since my secateur is buried in storage boxes awaiting the acquisition of a real […]
On the Approaching 12th Anniversary of 09/11/01
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” “The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer I have always been a political and social […]
In Respectful Memory
Delbert ‘Shorty’ Belton, WWII veteran, beaten to death by teenage thieves. Christopher Lane, killed ‘for fun’ because his teenage killers were bored. Mr. Belton, 88, brutally assaulted while waiting in a car to give a friend a lift. Mr. Lane, 22, shot in the back while running. My thoughts and prayers are with their families […]
Heroes
I started this post in September of 2012 and the first words I wrote were “This will be hard.” Now I can’t actually remember why I thought writing about heroes would be hard. This being my 100th post, I can’t think of a better topic. I write in a genre that celebrates heroes as the […]
Leigh’s Interview on Take Two On Romance: Today & Tomorrow
My answers to Jeff Salter’s interview questions about writing and creativity: http://taketwoonromance.weebly.com/1/post/2013/08/visit-from-leigh-verrill-rhys.html August 13-14, 2013: As Jeff says in his introduction, we go back a few years – but not that many! If you feel a comment coming on, please do!
A Free Press?
I found a scrap of yellowed paper from a paperback book among the various keepsakes I have carried with me from year to year. Though it is torn and crumpled, I will keep it with me always. In light of all the news regarding leaks and espionage, the dubious terrorist warnings designed to make all […]
In Mourning
My heart is breaking for the American people of whom I am proud to be one. As our President and Foreign Secretary have stated, the United States of America stands for freedom. Those who are guilty of this shameful, horrific act know who they are and why they did it. The guilt lies at the […]
Temptation & Inspiration
Today is Sunday, my quietest day of the week. This morning, I listened to KCSM 91.1 on my TV, DR’s favorite radio station at the moment. Jazz is an acquired taste in my book but for DR – a musician through and through – it’s life’s blood. For Sonny Simmons, music is his life’s mission […]
Intrusive Writer Syndrome
Earlier this month, the latest issue of my writers’ association’s journal dropped onto the coir mat behind my uPVC door. As I do, I skimmed through the table of contents and flipped through the pages. One article caught my attention and I sank into the chair at the breakfast table. I’m not revealing the association […]