Ivy, one of my mastiffs, is nine years old--she'll be ten the day after Christmas. She is and always has been the perfect dog: loving, gentle, protective, obedient, and playful. She even earned a Canine Good Citizen Award. Ten year old birthdays are rare for mastiffs--I once read that there was a special club for dogs who made it that far. Why? Something about their large hearts and large … [Read more...]
Headlines on the Frontier
When we imagine the Old West, we often think of wide-open plains, dusty boots, and rugged towns born almost overnight. But tucked into nearly every small frontier settlement was a heartbeat of civilization—the local newspaper. These humble print shops played a vital role in the daily life of townspeople in the late 1800s, delivering not just news, but connection, community, and a sense of order in … [Read more...]
A bouquet of pencils and a helping of grace
There's something about the middle of August. It's a time of bouquets of sharpened pencils and kids starting school. The temperatures are still blisteringly hot here in Indiana, but my kids started school this week. I have a senior and a sophomore in high school. And my recent college grad moved over the weekend and started his grown-up job after milking every moment out of his last summer. I … [Read more...]
Creating a Writing Life
Often when I tell people I’m an author, they’ll mention either wanting to write a book or beingclose to someone who wants to write one. Telling stories—our stories—seems to be a universaldesire. When I began my journey to publication, I didn’t know much about writing novels or thepublishing industry. But with time, research, and a lot of help from other writers, my knowledgegrew. I have a new … [Read more...]
More New Books For Your TBR Pile
I’ve had the pleasure of reading (and recommending) some recent and upcoming Georgian, Regency, Regency-Inspired, and Victorian era novels, and thought you might want to consider some of these for your own reading pleasure! A Worthy Risk by T. Elizabeth Renich (June 24, 2025) Don’t miss this recent release from my history-loving friend, T. Elizabeth Renich, who never fails to do her … [Read more...]
All Because Two People Fell in Love
I'm updating a post from 11 years ago since my blogging day once again falls on the day of my wedding anniversary. This year is 51 for my wonderful groom and me, and this is what I wrote back in 2014 on our 40th: Today is my 40th wedding anniversary. (Not sure how that can be since I'm only 35, but it's true.) And oh how quickly those four decades have flown! It seems like just yesterday I … [Read more...]
Inspiration? Alexandria! (And a giveaway)
Australian author Jessica Wakefield is guest-posting on the blog today and kindly offering a copy of her brand new book to one of you. We're delighted to have you join us here, Jessica! -Becky “Addey walked down King Street, huddled deep into her jacket, the chilly wind blowing her hair behind her. Christmas wreaths hung from the iconic iron lamp posts. The shops were bordered with green, … [Read more...]
You’re Invited!
Every year during the first week of August I host a big bookish bash in my Facebook group - The Posse. It's hard for me to believe, but this year marks year number 8 for the group, and we're still going strong. I'm so blessed by this community of readers. We have so much bookish fun and everyone is always quick with an encouraging word or a funny pun. And when I need brainstorming help or a focus … [Read more...]
Redefining “Booktrovert”
With all the “bookish” paraphernalia that has arisen in the past few years, one of the shirts I’ve long wanted to order is: I’ve latched onto the term. I decided it aptly described me as an introvert who reads. But the other day, I looked up the definition as others understand it. Mind you, this is not an actual dictionary word. But this definition is the one bandied about in the … [Read more...]
Coeur d’Alene Writers Retreat…22 years now in the books
Late last night, I returned from our annual Coeur d'Alene Retreat, a wonderful five-day weekend with a group of writers who have become so precious to me over the past 22 years. They're among my dearest friends, and I'm grateful for each of them. This weekend's retreat was especially meaningful. Because it was our last formal gathering in CdA. Only 7 (out of 11) were able to make it … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- …
- 347
- Next Page »