I can imagine it–an early day family, perhaps some of my Cherokee ancestors–sitting inside their warm house, hearth fire blazing, wind howling outside sounding eerily like the howl of a wolf. Wolves would be hungry this time of year, searching for prey that may have been hibernating safely in trees or caves. Sometimes, the wolves […]
The Raven’s Long Shadow
“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping as of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.” – Edgar Allan Poe. Long ago, I memorized The Raven. I was fortunate […]
Does a Writer Resolve?
These resolutions are from a few years back, but they are still semi-appropriate. These writing resolutions are strictly my own and are not suggestions for other writers to follow unless, of course, the proverbial shoe fits. I firmly resolve and forswear to work hard at sharpening my writing skills by never, ever writing run-on sentences […]

Who, Me?
My friend said every time she sees an owl, she thinks of me. Who–oo, me? Well, it could be worse. Actually, I’m flattered because I greatly admire owls. They have a lot of amazing attributes and are thought to be slightly mysterious. Or, could it be because of their never-ending question, Who? I am certainly […]

What Lay in the Murky Bog?
Mallory sank down on a rock, trying to catch her breath. The night was so dark she couldn’t see a foot in front of her. Wispy tendrils of fog, like bony, white fingers curled around leaning headstones . Far, far below her, the Irish Sea pounded relentlessly against the coast. She had no idea where […]

Santa Brought What?
On the first day of Christmas, Santa brought to me a creative cozy mystery. On the second day of Christmas, Santa brought to me two tidy murders and a creative cozy mystery. On the third day of Christmas, Santa brought to me three suspects skulking, two tidy murders, and a creative cozy mystery. On […]

