Roadtripping through New Orleans
I’ve always loved Louisiana’s New Orleans, and have passed through this unique city many times. On a roadtrip two years ago with my younger son, one that took us through much of Texas, I remember being sorry that we couldn’t squeeze in a trip to New Orleans. So when we took another American roadtrip last…
Read MoreTrying to practice monogamy … in my writing!
Had you there, didn’t I? But I’m definitely speaking about writing. I always jump from project to project, so I decided to go ahead and try something new. Actually sticking with one project start to finish without looking around for the new, shiny object – and setting a timeframe for completing it. Although I do…
Read MoreSteep hills and dead poets in the Marche’s Recanati
My son and I were traveling through Marche and actually stopped off in picturesque Recanati by mistake. Italy is one of those fabulous places when a wrong turn can introduce you to a fabulous hilltown filled with stunning views, art and culture. Every year, we are in Ancona for races, and often tag some time…
Read MoreMy 2022 WFWA reads
I often write about the wonderful Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the WFWA. I so enjoy being active in this fantastic group – and I always enjoy reading and reviewing as many new releases by fellow WFWA authors as I can. I decided to compile my WFWA reads for 2022, including my full reviews for these…
Read MoreThe burial ground of genius : Florence’s Santa Croce Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Croce is a must-see destination when you are visiting Florence. Groundbreaking for this church began in 1295, and work was completed in 1385. The church is an artistic gem – with work by Cimabue and Giotto. But the real reason to visit this basilica is its fame as the burial ground…
Read MoreSuper excited to receive the Feathered Quill Reviewer’s Choice Book Award
Recently received the news that I was awarded the 2022 Feathered Qull Reviewer’s Choice Award for my most recent novel, In The Shadow of The Apennines. This meant a lot to me because it is the book reviewer’s selection of her favorite read for the year. You can read my Feathered Quill review here. As…
Read MoreThe fried olives keep calling us back … to Ascoli Piceno
Can you blame us? Every time my younger son and I travel to Ancona, the regional capital of Italy’s Marche region, for his track & field races, we detour from the highway to visit the striking town of Marche’s Ascoli Piceno. While we greatly admire this picturesque town and its stunning architecture (you can see…
Read MoreKicking off my 2023 reading year…
I’ve been doing a lot of writing since the start of the new year, but I’m still squeezing in a fair bit of readng. While the new year is all fresh and shiny, I thought it would be a good time to look back at the books that have kicked off these first weeks of…
Read MoreVisiting Durham Cathedral, UK
The spectacular Durham Cathedral is a stunning monument that dominates the Durham cityscape on a rocky prominotory next to the castle high above the Derwent River. I’ve already written about the stunning views afforded by climbing those daunting 325 steps to enjoy tower views over all of Durham and the surrounding countryside. Today, Durham Cathedral…
Read MoreAuthor interview and new book launch for Kerry Chaput
I’m lucky enough to know author Kerry Chaput from the wonderful Women’s Fiction Writers Association and its lively sub-group on Historical Fiction. I love her work and am impressed by her versatility across genres, so I’m especially honored to have her as a guest this week. Born a California girl, Kerry now lives in Bend,…
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