A few weeks ago I looked at my desk calendar and, mildly alarmed, pleaded, "Slow down, October!" October didn't listen. I was rushing to get my rough draft into decent-enough shape to give to my first reader by November 1st. (I managed it by the 2nd). But I wish the days would slow for another reason, too. This has been such a beautiful autumn, with warm, muted colors: maple reds, … [Read more...]

I am not a big fan of Halloween (except for the candy and cute kids) but since the day is fast approaching, I thought I would share a little about how it was observed in early 19th century Cornwall, the setting of my novel, A Castaway in Cornwall. Here's a brief excerpt: As you may know, All Hallows' Eve (often contracted as Halloween), is the eve of All Saints' Day, which, in many Christian … [Read more...]

I have just returned from a writers' retreat a few hours from my home at the beautiful Blue Belle Inn in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Sadly, a few friends (Erica Vetsch, Gabrielle Meyer, and Lorna Seilstad) had to stay home due to C*vid in their families or being sick themselves. Disappointing, for sure. But the rest of us regrouped to share rooms and have a fun, productive retreat. The attendees … [Read more...]

Welcome, autumn! Red maples, crunchy leaves underfoot, crisp air and crisp apples, and a return to routine. To usher in the new season, I thought I’d share what 10 classic authors (including some of my favorites) have written about autumn. Some quotes you probably know, while a few may be less familiar. If I’ve missed your favorite, please add it in the comments below. “Life starts all over … [Read more...]

My husband and I have long enjoyed the travel writing of authors like Bill Bryson (A Walk in the Woods, Notes From A Small Island, etc.), and we were recently surprised to learn that more than 100 years before Bryson wrote, the famous Mark Twain wrote humorous travel books of his own. My husband and I visited Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri about a week ago. In … [Read more...]