The author reminds us that we all share a terminal condition: life. Sooner or later it will end. A diagnosis of cancer suggests a sooner rather than a later demise. If not fatal, cancer certainly raises the specter of a war within our bodies between an invasive malignancy and the […]
Two by Alan Bradley
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust, by Alan Bradley I would not spill too many beans were I to say that in volume 007, Flaiva is older (12), wiser (IQ = 134) and exiled to the frozen tundra (Toronto.) Sad and virtually alone, Flavia, nevertheless, quickly returns to her […]
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 […]
It’s a Year for Writers!
Happy New Year Catholic writers! Here’s a few months of writing prompts for you bloggers. It’s amazing how many months-of-something have been declared by everyone from our bishops to self-promoting speakers to your local Economic Development committee. It’s possible for any of us to get together and claim this is […]
Celebrating Our First Christmas with Alzheimer’s Disease: Laughter Allowed
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME by Larry Peterson I guess the first time I realized that something was really wrong was about a year and a half ago. I have a bedroom I turned into an office, and I was sitting at the keyboard clicking away. I sensed someone behind […]
The Catholic Fiction Critique Group
“I remember the trembling, nausea, and inability to focus that hit me when I first submitted a chapter to a critique group. That was many years ago. Those symptoms persisted for several years. Despite the agony, I continued to submit chapters and to give critiques on others’ work, because I […]
Sisters of the Last Straw, Book # 3: The Case of the Stolen Rosaries, by Karen Kelly Boyce
The title suggests the work of the famous, pink cat-burglar, but Mr. Lemon cast a darker interpretation of the recent shenanigans on and about the convent property. With their usual aplomb, the sisters raise the level of hilarity as they investigate a crime with far-reaching, social consequences. Readers of […]
8 High Tech, Low Tech Healthy Writer Tips
Here’s a few tips for writers spending way too many hours at the computer: 1. I got an interval timer and set it to goose me every 40 minutes, at which point I MUST get up and move, shake, stretch, and otherwise un-vegitate until it rings again 2 minutes later. […]
Black Bear of Clermont County
Southwest Ohioans are tracking a black bear that has roamed the region for several weeks now. It likely swam across the Ohio river in a moment of disorientation and police want to get close enough to tranquilize it so they can transport it back to the hills of Kentucky or Tennessee. […]
Don’t You Forget About Me, by Erin McCole Cupp – Free on Kindle June 10-12
Don’t You Forget About Me is free on Kindle June 10 through June 12. Mary Catherine Whelihan dreaded the reunion at Our Lady of the Seven Dolors School. She, her former classmates and neighbors gathered to bury the dead. The exact number of funerals had yet to be determined. […]