Someone asked me once about where my inspiration to write something originates. I had never really thought about it, so the following is what I came up with: First of all, I really do not think that I was inspired to write or to be a writer. As a kid, […]
The Accidental Alchemist, by Gigi Pandian
Gigi Pandian’s murder-mystery offers comfort on rainy days with teahouses, a warm kitchen and a fun read. She sets her scene in Portland, Oregon, a.k.a. Portlandia, the epicenter of the alternative fringe—a perfect place to hide in plain sight. So thought Zoe Faust, a 300 year old who doesn’t look […]
The Year of the French, by Thomas Flanagan
“Inequality is the root of social evil.” @Pontifex 4:28 AM – 28 Apr 2014 We reel from the impact of violence, persecution, massive migrations and political divisiveness, yet similar tribulations plague humanity over the millennia. History’s lessons unlearned, like demons, repossess the house from which they were driven. If we […]
Down Right Good, by Karen Kelly Boyce
This story of social media with training wheels follows ten-year-old Angie’s Saturday deliveries of newspapers and baked goods. Each customer along Angie’s route receives her gifts and shares conversations, usually revealing vexing problems. Angie gathers problems at each stop, not as burdens but with an intention of finding solutions. Angie’s Down […]
The Dead Key, by D. M. Pulley
The author, trained as a structural and forensic engineer, designed her young structural engineer protagonist, Iris, in her likeness. Iris’ boss at Cleveland-based WRE, asked Iris to map the inside of a mothballed 15-story bank building, an edifice with a complex and dark history. Lonely, scared and vulnerable, Iris was […]
Monday’s Writing Tips – The Second Draft
We have been working on one chapter of your novel. Let’s recap. First, we striped it down to the bones by removing all adjectives and adverbs. Afterwards we checked the validity of our bare bones plot. Second, we added unique and powerful adjectives as necessary. Instead of adding adverbs we […]
The Rosie Effect, by Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman’s loyalty, self-sacrifice, and problem solving genius, make him welcome as a friend. We first met Don in “The Rosie Project,” (see warning below) the story of a high functioning Asperger’s individual in search of a “mate.” Don exhibits marvelous STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills, a […]
Unholy Bonds, by Leslie Lynch
Leslie Lynch cranked up the suspense in Unholy Bonds, the second book in her Appalachian Foothills series. Lannis Parker, rape-survivor, juggled multiple threats as her life crashed about her. She found that “turning the other cheek” often invited another slap. Rejected by those who should have support her, she refuses […]
The Sisters of the Last Straw: The Case of the Haunted Chapel, by Karen Kelly Boyce
Rejection, unrealistic expectations and behavioral issues often brought frowns to the faces of children. The Sisters of the Last Straw addressed these issues, firmly and lovingly; inspiring and consoling their young readers with their examples. The Case of the Haunted Chapel, in stories and drawings assured that there […]
The End: Sweet Words for an Author, Sweet Experience for a Reader
The end. Two of the most satisfying words a writer can tap onto a keyboard. We’ve all dreamed of typing those six letters, and many of us have been fortunate enough to have achieved that particular success. In my past few posts, we’ve discussed beginnings and middles. Let’s talk about […]