That was first published in ClassicandCozyBooks.blogspot.com – the group blog I’ve participated in since February 2014 – two years ago from this coming Wednesday! We’ve all read books set in different countries, regions, time periods with characters from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. The attempt to capture the sound of speech and cultural nuances is […]
When We’re Not Who We Think We Are
As with many Americans, because my family came here as immigrants—as did everyone else in the world to their respective countries however long ago that was—I have an interest in my roots. Over time, roots get buried so deep that digging one up disrupts everything you thought you knew about yourself and who you thought […]
A Day to Unite the Civilized World – Again
November 13, 2015 Vive la France et les Français. Today, November 15, 2015 – the French Air Force has made their appropriate response to Radical Islamic terrorism. This is mine. […]
Snakes & Snails & Puppy Dogs’ Tails
We know the counterpart to the title of this blog, starting with sugar but enough is said about the Spice and Nice. About twenty years ago, I learned the counterpoint regarding boys from a book titled, Bringing Up Boys. I have three. Variously known as “the mother of those three” and “so you’re the one […]
September 11, 2001 – Honor but Always Question
In honor of all those who were murdered on this day, September 11, 2001, may they and their loved ones find peace. My most heartrending memory of this terrible event were the phone and email messages of love sent by the victims to their families and friends. There are still unanswered questions about this event: […]
Preview: Nights Before: The Novel
On the Night Before Labor Day, a preview of my latest novel: Opening chapter of first story. New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection and change. Jocelyn has more changes coming at her from all directions beginning on a Portland, Maine winter day than she’s faced since her mother’s death. None of it bodes well for […]
If There Are No Losers
I am known as “the mother of those three” – energetic, intelligent, competitive, independent boys. The number of complaints I and their father fielded on a daily basis while they were in primary and secondary school grew exponentially as each followed his brother into the hallways of government-run (public) schools. The main complaint? “They always […]
After the Contest Is Over
Tonight, one of the most prestigious contests for writers of romantic fiction, The RITA, has just come to its conclusion; the winners have been announced and the prizes have been awarded. With the coming year end too fast approaching (as always), for some of us the time is right to begin planning for 2016 and our […]
MSM & Women’s Rights Advocates Ignore These Facts
A few days ago, Kate Steinle was murdered at a popular tourist location less than six miles from my home. Her killer was a five-times deported, recently released felon awaiting another deportation hearing. (http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Pier-shooting-suspect-had-been-released-from-S-F-6365228.php). A young woman, living just 20 miles from my home, was brutally raped and beaten by a gang of young men […]
Linton Robinson’s Latest
Linton Robinson has a writing style like no other. From the first of his books I had the pleasure to read, Sweet Spot, to one of his most recent, Boneyard 11, I have been enthralled by his humor, caustic wit, sarcasm, insights and social […]