Piano Lessons: Then and Now
I wrote a few months ago that I started taking piano lessons again, after a hiatus of fifty years. I have continued the lessons through the pandemic, except for a few weeks during the early lock-down while the school of music figured out how to handle lessons remotely. That was a miserable experience. But since […]
When Errands Become Outings
One change in the last six months of pandemic sheltering is that annoying errands have become major logistical challenges. A trip to the grocery store requires more than just grabbing the list on the refrigerator door. I carefully peruse my list, add everything I can think of that we might need in the next two […]
Back to School . . . Or Not . . . That Is the Question
Today is Labor Day, the traditional last day of summer vacation. Though in recent years, as school seemed to begin earlier and earlier in August, the significance of Labor Day has diminished. We all have “back to school” memories. Maybe of our own first days of school—kindergarten, junior high, high school, or some other memorable […]
Advice for Beginning Writers
I’m preparing to give a presentation for The Story Center, which is part of the Mid-Continent Public Library in the Kansas City area. The Story Center offers a storytelling certification program for both writers and oral storytellers. One of the requirements of the certification program is to attend a session on writing in a particular […]
Another Year of New Technology
I’ve written before about all my technological devices needing to be upgraded at the same time. And now in 2020, I am repeating the experience. I needed a new tablet earlier this year, and was fortunate to get it in February before the pandemic hit. My old tablet was still functional, but starting to have […]
History of Smallpox in Oregon
As I research my next historical novel set in 19th Century Oregon, one issue I am looking into is when smallpox epidemics occurred. Some of my characters contracted smallpox in 1849 in Now I’m Found, and these same characters will be seen again in my next book, which will take place in 1864. How were […]
Langley Returns
My daughter is visiting at the moment, and she brought her dog Langley. I am delighted to see them both, of course. As I have written before, I like other people’s dogs. I’m just glad not to have one myself. Yesterday, my daughter and husband went to see relatives in Marshall, Missouri, and I stayed […]
Back To Work Thirty-Five Years Ago: I Couldn’t Have It All
In August 1985, thirty-five years ago this month, I returned to work after my second (and last) maternity leave. I’d left the office unexpectedly in mid-May, a week earlier than anticipated, when my daughter decided to come into the world two and a half weeks early. I enjoyed my first day back in the office. […]
Beta Reader Feedback Is In
I’ve now received all my beta readers’ feedback on the contemporary novel that is my work-in-progress. I have spent the past week or so reviewing their input and starting to make the changes I think appropriate. Most of their feedback is really helpful. A couple of my beta readers had strong technical expertise and provided […]
Guilt in the Time of Pandemic
In this crazy year, I feel guilty for the things I’m doing and also for the things I’m not doing. Guilt, of course, is a good Catholic emotion. Though my non-Catholic friends tell me it’s part of their tradition as well. These days, we’re made to feel blameworthy about everything. Advertisers work on our guilt […]