Posts Tagged ‘gratitude’
How to Make a Writer’s (or Anyone Else’s) Day
Years ago, when I was a dance teacher, I made a point of saving the notes and cards I’d received from appreciative students. Whenever I was having a bad day, I’d get them out and re-read them. They were a definite pick-me-up! I loved feeling that I’d made a difference in my students’ lives. I’ve…
Read MoreFeeling Grateful
We’ve all had those days and weeks as writers when nothing seems to go well. We get a slew of back-to-back rejections, our critique group is less than thrilled with our latest submission, and our work-in-progress is, well…stalling. Only that pesty compulsion to write keeps us going. Fortunately, there are other weeks when lots of…
Read MoreCelebrating the Gift of Life As We Age
This afternoon, Joyous Singers, my chorus of music-loving seniors will sing at the memorial service of a longtime beloved choral member. On a recent Thursday at one of our final rehearsals before the start of our spring concert series, a group of us chatted amiably before the start of practice. Our soon-to-be deceased friend seemed…
Read MoreThe Magic Works When I Least Expect It: Writing When I Don’t Feel Like It
I had one of those crazy weeks where fitting in writing time was a definite challenge. First there were the days working on taxes which unfortunately reminded me that yes, writing really is a business. Then there was the meeting with our tax guy, the health scare for my husband which had a happy ending…
Read MoreThe Writer’s Life: Sometimes You Need a Reminder of Why You Do This
Derby Rotten Scoundrels, our local chapter of Sisters in Crime, decided to sign up for the Kentucky Flea Market, a three-day affair. Not only could we hopefully sell some of our books, but we might attract some new members to our group. After spending Friday, Saturday, and Sunday making small talk with passers-by, people-watching (which…
Read MoreMy Thankfuls (and My Unthankfuls)
I’ve often told the story of how when my sons were growing up, we used to pass the candle around the dinner table on Sunday nights and talk about what we felt thankful for. One Sunday, our younger son announced, “Let me just start with my un-thankfuls.” Of course, he was right. There are invariably…
Read MoreIt’s Almost Here: MISSING MOM’S Official Release
I admit it. It never gets old to welcome a new book I’ve spent long hours working on. Tuesday, January 14th, MISSING MOM’S official release day, is just three days away. Even though this is my sixth novel, the thought of holding a copy in my hands still makes all those hairs on the back…
Read MoreFeeling Grateful (And A Bit Overwhelmed!)
As 2025 is about to begin, I’m feeling so grateful for my wonderful family and the lovely husband I get to share my life with. How did I get so lucky to marry a man who’s not only hilarious and incredibly caring, but whose hobby is cooking? I have no idea, but I’m not asking…
Read MoreA Special Gift in the New Year
A little over a year ago, we lost our 17-year-old cat, Lucy. She was the most affectionate, loving cat we’d ever had and was especially attached to my husband. When we finally had to let her go because of her severe health problems, we both wept and felt her loss keenly. We decided to wait…
Read MoreReaders Make It All Worthwhile
I’m not sure whether it’s because I’m a writer or just generally a nosy person, but I read the acknowledgements that typically appear at the ends of books. I’m always curious about the folks who helped other authors on their journeys to publication. I spent yesterday reading a riveting debut thriller, A Flicker in the…
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