Robin’s post a few weeks ago inspired me to write out my own publishing history. I can’t claim nearly as many years or books as Robin (or nearly as many awards, though Robin humbly didn’t mention those in her account!) but it is fun to look back on how everything has unfolded in my career as a writer. I knew from the time I was twelve that I wanted to someday write a book. I never dreamed I’d … [Read more...]

Have you heard of a "blind date with a book"? Essentially, a library or bookstore or friend will wrap several books and then write clues on each one. You pick the one that matches your mood based on the clues, unwrap it, and go on a date with it by reading it. Today, I'm doing the very same thing virtually! The advantage here is that you can "unwrap" them ALL. Here's hoping I've … [Read more...]

Sanditon is back and it's brighter and more colorful than before. Season 2 (now based even more loosely on Jane Austen's unfinished novel) became available for US viewers  on March 20th. I watched episode one and was impressed and delighted with the new production. The set and costumes have been much-improved and taken to a whole new level with far more color and detail. The producers … [Read more...]

A couple of weeks ago I shared an assortment of facts about chickens. Today I'm going to share a few things only a chicken person would know. A hen's egg-laying apparatus--it's officially called the oviduct--is like an assembly line. Before I had hens, I knew nothing about this sort of thing, so I'm happy to share what I've learned. It's FASCINATING. Like a woman, a hen is born with all … [Read more...]