Time Travel Tuesday

The poorest of peasants in France in the 17th century did not have horses, mules, carts, and carriages. They traveled on foot and, by necessity, carried whatever they could–but only what they needed. They used baskets, wooded frames, cross-body satchels, fardes (like a hobo’s bindle,)  and sac à dos — literally, ‘bag for the back.’  … Continue reading Time Travel Tuesday

Mystery Monday-I like mine cozy

My debut mystery novel, Rim to Rim- Death in the Grand Canyon is an Adventure Mystery because it doesn’t quite fit the criteria for a cozy mystery––but almost.  Here’s the story behind the story…I was on a five-day backpacking trip with the Sierra Club from the Grand Canyon’s north rim, down and across the floor … Continue reading Mystery Monday-I like mine cozy

Untamed – Netflix Series

People lose interest fast, so a good elevator pitch…or 30-second synopsis of your novel is a must. Find the essence of your book and relate it to listeners in an exciting, action-oriented way that answers the listener’s questions… What’s in it for me? Why should I care? A short-cut to capture their interest is to … Continue reading Untamed – Netflix Series

What is your cat reading?

A Reader's Review One of my readers, and fellow author, Patti Walsh, sent me a very clever review of Rim to Rim….Her cat's opinion of my novel. What a great idea. Here it is: At 19 years old, Cici Brannen may be slow, deaf, and nearly blind. To accommodate her limitations, her human mate, Pam, … Continue reading What is your cat reading?

Grand Canyon Quilts

The National Park Art Quilt traveling exhibit visits Will County, Illinois all during June. They're fabulous. Today I drove out to Channahon's Environmental Learning Center to view 30-40 additional quilts. I sought out the three Grand Canyon quilts, because I've backpacked across the Grand Canyon and then was inspired to write a mystery novel about … Continue reading Grand Canyon Quilts