I posted several months ago that I was having to learn to write a Welsh character's dialogue for my novel in progress (I do keep choosing characters who don't speak like I do... unless of course they choose me, then it's totally not my fault). Since that post has...

After the Mohawk (see yesterday's blog post), the second eastern-most tribe of the Iroquois League, or Haudenosaunee, were the Oneida, or Onyota’a:ká:. Their name translates as People of the Standing Stone. Though no nation of the League was unanimously pro-British or...

e to time I write a blog post dealing with a subject I've researched for my 18th century-set novels. I like to do this for the benefit of other writers, or anyone interested in that particular subject, coming along behind me on this research path. Today I'd like to...

I've never met author/agent/blogger/speaker/teacher Donald Maass in person (though I once lured him to this blog with the mention of chocolate lava cake). But I've found his writing craft books invaluable for honing the craft of fiction writing. Especially his book...

With skillful hands He led them. Psalm 78:72 When you are unsure which course to take, totally submit your own judgment to that of the Spirit of God, asking Him to shut every door except the right one. But meanwhile keep moving ahead and consider the absence of a...

Shush! I'm readin'! Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz From the book cover: On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move...

I'm back from the WaterBrook Author Retreat. It was intense, educational, motivational: The authors who gathered for this retreat (Joanne Bischof, Katie Ganshert, Mona Hodgson, Meg Moseley, Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark, Kim Vogel Sawyer and me) were given a...

I read a lot of blogs. Many are helpful to me as a writer, or entertaining to me as a reader. Sometimes, though, I find a gem. I've got one of those for you today. It's a two-parter on the subject of interviews (primarily but not exclusively for writers), by author...

Here's a favorite dessert for summer. Since I'm rather deathly allergic to most fresh fruit, this is how I get to enjoy my strawberries. I'm not complaining. 🙂 A tip for making better pie crusts: I started out making pie crusts with Crisco and butter (half and half),...