He definitely had a mind of his own and didn’t even try to fit into the mold of what was expected. He knew what he wanted and he pursued it, whether it was his dream of writing or the woman he would marry. Today is the birthday of Robert Louis Stevenson. He lived only forty-four […]

Afterglow from The Red Lamp
Good morning. Glancing out the window at the weather wand, I notice it points decidedly downward. So, we’re bound to have rain before too long. A rainy day is a wonderful time for coffee and a chat with a friend. Of course, a topic of interest is books: favorite genres, memorable mysteries, books that tend to make one […]

Coffee with Blanche
Have you noticed that August brings a change in the air, an almost imperceptible something that tells us summer is drawing to a close? Lawns need mowing less frequently. Those early spring flowers which filled the planters are succumbing to the heat; even the trees have a quiet, brooding look about them. And, of […]

That Pesky Roving Reporter
Roving Reporter: I’m so glad I caught up with you, Blanche Manos. It has been a while since I’ve interviewed you and I’d like to know if anything has changed in your life. Any new books in the works? Me: I’m so glad you asked. Yes. In September, Pen-L Publishing will release the fourth Darcy […]

Old Barns and Life
Last night as I sat on my deck listening to cicadas and frogs, I thought how many generations of my ancestors had heard these same night noises. These were age-old summer sounds: the jar flies as we called them, the frogs, a whole chorus of them. I felt as if I could close my eyes and be […]

Today is the Birthday
This is the birthday of someone very near, dear, and special to me. An old birthday song keeps playing in my head, “Today is the birthday, I wonder of whom; I know it’s for someone who’s right in this room. So, look all around you for somebody who is smiling and happy–my goodness! It’s you.” […]

