It’s summer. I live within walking distance of the beach. I’ve waited many long months for beautiful weather like this and for leisurely afternoons to enjoy it. Most of all, I’ve waited for my family and friends to visit so I can do all of the wonderful, summer-y things this area has to offer. At the same time, I have a book to finish, a deadline to meet. These conflicting desires pull me in … [Read more...]

Sometimes a writer’s journey is more than just staring out a coffee shop window, daydreaming. Sometimes those dreams take on reality . . . like when I skipped across the pond in May to roam the wilds of England. I know what you’re thinking. England—Wild? Sheesh. The only thing dangerous over there are the roundabouts. To which I reply, Ahh, perhaps, but only if you’re looking through the … [Read more...]

Let’s talk about romance. No, I don't mean the boy-meets-girl-and-they-fall-in-love-and-live-happily-ever-after kind of romance (although that is nice, too). I'm talking about "romance" as a way of life. Romance the way the Victorians thought of it—art for art's sake. Beauty for beauty's sake. Webster has a definition of romance that is this: A quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and … [Read more...]