So, That’s the Reason

I sometimes ponder this question: why do I write? Writing takes up hours, days, weeks, months of my life. Writing is pouring my heart and soul into the life of my characters. It is taking words and forming them into a person. But then  (and this is the best part) using only words to make that […]

A Downhill Flight

A Downhill Flight

Something wet dripped onto my face. Very annoying. Did Mom know her roof leaked? Dad would never have allowed such a thing. My bed must be under a hole in the roof. Strangely, someone somewhere, was groaning. Pain twisted my mid section. Slowly, I raised my heavy hands and felt the seat belt stretched tightly […]

In My Opinion

In My Opinion

I’ve thought a lot about the state of affairs in America and in my opinion, that state of affairs is pretty bewildering. Once again, I’m reminded of the Aesop fable, The Boy, the Man, and the Donkey, or The Mixed Up Chameleon by Eric Carle, or Hans Christian Anderson’s, The Emperor’s New Clothes.  In The […]

Psalms and Writing

Psalms and Writing

A Writer’s Psalm Bless my writing, O Lord! May all my plots and characters praise You! The earth is rich in books; verily, it overflows with the written word. Large is the competition; great is the challenge.   When wicked reviewers come upon me, to demolish my efforts, may their computers develop glitches. Though an […]

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 […]

The Way It Was

The following story is from my mother’s book, Remembering Etta Bend. These are the words of Susie Latty, who, much later, became my mom. The year would have been around 1918. Most of the things we used were homemade and they had to last as long as possible. Papa carved his own handles and wood […]