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Plotting

Although writing styles and reading interests change, authors still must have an engaging yarn to spin. Otherwise, no one will read beyond the first chapter, or even the first paragraph. To quote Jerry Jenkins, author of 200 books and counting, “grab the reader by the...

If you want something done right…..

At one time, people expected to receive good care in nursing facilities. Life expectancy after a serious medical crisis is longer now because of the surgical,  medical, and pharmaceutical progress we have made over the years. Yet that very progress has created a...

Oh for a Chef!

I call it the tyranny of the six-o’clock meal. It’s usually late afternoon and I’m deep into whatever project I’ve finally gotten to after blowing through the day’s dull tasks. Be it drafting an article, piecing a quilt, doing research, or playing the piano, I must...

Crossroads

I wonder how many chapters history will devote to the early 21st century. Simmering problems, like climate change, racism, and the fate of democracy, have come to a head in the wake of this endless Covid pandemic, and there’s no putting the genie back in the bottle....

Characters

I can have the best plot in the world, but without believable, interesting, three dimensional characters, I’m going nowhere. I must populate my saga with people who move, respond to events, struggle, fail, and hopefully succeed, to keep your nose in my book. While I...

Book Review: Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia

It is rare to find a practicing geriatrician and professor who also has the heart of a pastor, but John Dunlop, MD, blends clinical knowledge and scripture in his book Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia. His insights on dementia and caregiving are hard won because...

People Power

I don’t know how the heck America put a man on the moon when we can’t resolve our current national problems with solutions we agree on. I think the price tag causes the hang-up, as do the various industry lobbies. Infrastructure, clean energy, saving the planet, and...

Faith on a Wire

  I was one of millions glued to the TV as Nick Wallenda prayed his way across the Grand Canyon years ago. For someone who has difficulty navigating a sidewalk (and freezes two feet off the ground if there is nothing to cling to), I cannot imagine how anyone...

Birth of a Novel

My first novel was easy. I slid a fresh piece of paper into my Smith Corona and began with Chapter One. I kept writing until I reached the end of the story. Easy as pie. I think that manuscript lies deep in some closet in the house, where it belongs. R.I.P. Now, after...

Taking Care of YOU

  One Sunday I heard the shortest sermon in history. It was blistering hot, and the sermon was this: “You think this is hot?” So here’s my shortest blog ever. I’m taking a mini vacation this week but offer this link for you. It is from the Family Caregiver...