Was It That Old Moon?

Was It That Old Moon?

The book could have been called March Madness Murders and that would have fit. Instead, the title is Moonstruck and Murderous which is a good description too. But, what, exactly is “moonstruck”? Another word for moon is luna. And, from that comes lunatic. So, you get the idea. Moonstruck is a somewhat lesser way of […]

Kin and Shirttail Kin

Kin and Shirttail Kin

Ancestors are fascinating people. You have them. I have them. Each ancestor has a story and, from their stories, we arrive and write our own stories to pass on. These people are our kinfolk, but then, there are shirttail kin. These are the people who are related to our relatives and who narrowly miss being […]

A Mystery and Your Big Toe

A Mystery and Your Big Toe

Does your big toe ache when a storm is approaching? Does your cat lick its paws excessively? Does your dog pace the floor and stick close by your side? Do you feel the urge to lose yourself in a cozy mystery?   For some strange and unknown reason, mysteries and weather somehow go together. For example, […]

I Heard a Little Voice

I Heard a Little Voice

I talk to the characters in my books. They have personalities and minds of their own. Sometimes, it’s a struggle to decide which would fit best in the story I’m writing–my thoughts or my character’s. Usually, my character is right. Me: Ned, I don’t believe you would go off hunting for an Indian message tree […]

Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself

Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself

Don’t get ahead of yourself. Have you ever heard that phrase? I’ve been thinking a lot about it this morning. To me, it means thinking or fearing something may be true or will happen.  It’s easy to over-think, to wonder and worry, not only about the future, but about what’s happening right now! Americans haven’t […]

Has Spring Sprung?

Has Spring Sprung?

Happy first day of Spring! Sometime in the late afternoon, winter will pack its bags and creep out the back door while spring bustles in the front. Here in NW Arkansas, winter is hanging on. It’s cold this morning! Known as the vernal equinox, this is the time day and night are most nearly equal. […]