I’m an avid reader of cozy mysteries. Not much of a surprise, I know, but cozies are only one type of book on my bookshelves. I love to read. I can usually be found with my e-reader or a book nearby. When I shop for a new purse, I walk right by bags that are … Continue reading Avid Readers and How to Become One
Tag: cozy mystery blog
Why Character Names Matter…
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) Not so fast there, Will. I beg to differ. Names carry a lot of meaning and, if you’re writing a character-driven mystery, getting names right is essential. This week two events led to this post. First, a politician gave a speech in Lima, Ohio. “No!” I yelled … Continue reading Why Character Names Matter…
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
Agatha Christie’s Eleven Missing Days and the Loss of Privacy
In December 1926, Agatha Christie vanished. If, like me, you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, you already know about her disappearance. She left her home in the evening on December 3 and her abandoned car was found off the side of the road the next day. Eleven days later, after massive searches of the area … Continue reading Agatha Christie’s Eleven Missing Days and the Loss of Privacy
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
Why does reading make me feel better?
Last week on a gloomy afternoon, I curled up in my reading chair and dove into the pages of a book. Ice cold raindrops trailed down the window as I switched on the lamp beside my chair. I was miserable after running errands in the freezing rain and didn’t feel like reading a grocery list, … Continue reading Why does reading make me feel better?
Book Review: The Dead Ringer by M.C. Beaton
Books, books, everywhere…. I shamefully admit that the books in my “To Read” stack are piling up. But I did finish The Dead Ringer, the 29th installment in the Agatha Raisin series by M.C Beaton. In The Dead Ringer, the Cotswold village of Thirk Magna, renowned for its medieval church of St. Ethelred, is all … Continue reading Book Review: The Dead Ringer by M.C. Beaton
How Harriet the Spy took my writing to the next level
Recently I revisited an old favorite from grade school: Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. This classic children’s book stands out in my memory as one of the first books that made me want to be a writer. In case you aren’t familiar with the story, Harriet M. Welsch is a spunky sixth-grader with literary … Continue reading How Harriet the Spy took my writing to the next level
Is a Little Bedtime Reading Bad for You?
Not to get too personal, but how do you like to read? Do you prefer a paper and binding book? An e-reader? A tablet or phone? And where do you like to read? Curled up in a chair? Stretched out on the floor? At the end of the day, do you like to read in … Continue reading Is a Little Bedtime Reading Bad for You?
