When I was a teenager, my first summer job was as a camp counselor. Yep, it was the traditional tents in the woods, meals in a lodge, and campfires every evening. Around those campfires we sang songs and played games, one of which was Round Robin. If you’ve never participated in a round robin, the … Continue reading Round Robins: Flexing Those Creative Muscles
Category: History
Friday Classics: The Golden Age of Mystery
Before we settle into Friday Classics featuring the Golden Age of Mystery fiction, it might be a good idea to define the boundaries. The questions of when, where, and what kind of mystery might pop into a reader’s mind. Are they cozies? Are they hard-boiled or over easy? Amateur or detective? British country house or … Continue reading Friday Classics: The Golden Age of Mystery
Book Amnesia: How to Find a Forgotten Book Title
Have you ever read a book that worms its way into your memories and then, when you want to read it again, you can’t remember the title or the author? Dang. Did it become a mini-obsession, something that sticks in your mind until you can figure out what was that book? That happened to me … Continue reading Book Amnesia: How to Find a Forgotten Book Title
Mea Culpa and Thank You!
If you’ve read anything about writing a blog, the number one piece of advice is be consistent. Set a schedule and, above all, stick to it. Don’t let your readers down by dropping out. What did I do for the last couple of months? I dropped out. I owe everyone a big, slurpy apology for … Continue reading Mea Culpa and Thank You!
Am I the Pigeon or the Statue? Setting my Writing Routine
from Jane Austen Is My Spirit Animal (Facebook) Yesterday I ran across this meme after initially seeing it, oh, so many moons ago. At about the same time, I was reminded of the saying, “Some days you’re the pigeon and some days you’re the statue.” What’s the connection, you ask? If you look closely, both … Continue reading Am I the Pigeon or the Statue? Setting my Writing Routine
Book Hoarders: Thomas Jefferson Meets Marie Kondo
“I cannot live without books.” – Thomas Jefferson In recent months, I have seen the above quote splashed on posters, postcards, tote bags, and t-shirts. Last week, I passed a rack of mugs emblazoned with this declaration of book love. In my favorite use of the quote, Colonial Williamsburg jumped onto the Jefferson book train … Continue reading Book Hoarders: Thomas Jefferson Meets Marie Kondo
Bringing History to Life
This weekend I played tourist. Because I’ve lived in many places in several countries, I discovered that one of the best ways to learn about my home was to seek out the tourist spots. It’s a great way to look at the place I live with different eyes. That’s why on Saturday my husband and … Continue reading Bringing History to Life
JOSIE'S COZIES 