Passionate Patriots: Valentine’s Day in Colonial America

This is a post I wrote in 2016, but these valentines speak to an era we seldom think of as romantic. They deserve another look, don’t you think? Passion conjures up images of Valentine’s Day more than it does the Fourth of July. The Founding Fathers were serious men about the serious business of changing the world through revolution and a brilliantly written document. But these men were passionate about their women, too. Just look at the love letters between John and Abigail Adams, for example. Addressing her as “Miss Adorable,” Adams wrote: “By the same Token that the Bearer Read More

Writing Lessons Learned from a Virus and a Puzzle

I’ve just recovered from a recent virus that laid me flat for over two weeks. In addition to a wicked sore throat, unstoppable cough, and absolutely no energy, I walked around in a brain fog. When I felt well enough to be vertical, I did jigsaw puzzles in spurts throughout the day. This is what this virus and my jigsaw puzzles taught me about writing. Sometimes Pieces Just Come Along and Fit I finished three puzzles in the course of the two weeks. The first one went together in my usual process: complete as much of the outside frame as Read More

Celebrating My Independence Day Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the winners of my “An Indie Author Celebrates Independence Day” firecracker of a giveaway. And the winners are:   Winners of a copy of LOVE’S COURAGE: April B. Dianne N. C. Heather S. Karen H. Winners of a Swag Bag: Catrina P. Amber T. Candy L. Lori S.       Winners of a $17.76 Amazon Gift Card: Shonda F. Allan M. Vladimir P Susanti   Thanks to all of you who followed, commented, tweeted, and joined in the fun. Happy July 4! Read More

An Indie Author Celebrates Independence Day

What better way to celebrate July 4th than by reading a book set during the American Revolution? InD’Tale Magazine gave Love’s Courage a 5 star review, calling it “breathless.” In celebration of Independence Day in the United States, I have a firecracker of a giveaway. Because we’re celebrating July 4th, I’m giving away 4 of each of the three prizes for 12 lucky winners! a Rafflecopter giveaway   If, by chance you don’t win—or you can’t wait, you can read Love’s Courage now.      Love’s Courage blurb: She had to leave him to save her father.  He had to follow Read More

Do You Judge a Book by Its Cover?

Have you ever bought a book just because you liked the cover? Maybe it wrapped you in its magic and walked you to the check-out counter. Maybe it called your name and the next thing you knew you were hitting “Buy now with 1-click.” As a reader, I have done just that. For example, one cover that captured me was this classic cover of The Great Gatsby.   I’ve had readers tell me they bought The Cavanaugh House because of the cover. My husband Rich created that cover from a photograph he took of the actual Cavanaugh House . . Read More