Hi friends, and Merry Christmas Eve!  Growing up, we opened our presents on Christmas Eve and our stockings on Christmas morning.  My husband did the more traditional opening of presents on Christmas morning, so that’s what we’ve done with our kids and, now, grandkids. But I still get to have everyone open one present on Christmas Eve, which is really special for me.  Picking which … [Read more...]

My mincemeat and fruitcake are made, and I’ll be baking cookies today. What are you up to? Are you all ready for Christmas? Since so many of us are thinking of the holiday, I thought I’d share an excerpt from my recent novella, A Sea View Christmas. I hope you enjoy it. See any similarities to your own Christmas plans or dinner menu? Either way, Happy Christmas, everyone! (Note: If you can't see … [Read more...]

By the time you read this, my husband and I will be gathered with all our kids and grandkids for an early Christmas together at our oldest daughter's home in Missouri. All 24 of these precious people under one roof for several days! Definitely my happy place! This photo is from last year, so everyone is a year older and wiser (and that tiny baby is walking now!) We've finally outgrown being … [Read more...]

A lot of writers are talking about AI: artificial intelligence. Some bemoan the rise of AI, and others, like me, are delighting in it. I use it for all kinds of things: brainstorming, getting title ideas, getting questions for my readers' group, coming up with games for events, creating videos, creating original songs, editing my manuscripts, finding overused phrases in said manuscripts, creating … [Read more...]