Two weeks ago I alluded to a fork in the road while researching Band of Sisters. I’d set my mind to write a particular story. But, after talking with my literary agent and editor, I knew something was missing. Revelation came in NYC, after days of trekking through Ellis Island and Lower Manhattan in search of a story that would …
Band of Sisters–Dedication
My mother turns 85 this year. Tomorrow we’re gathering four generations of family from far and wide to celebrate. We’ll laugh and light the candles, sing Mom’s favorite songs and cut the cake. We’ll tell family stories—especially the funny ones, offer tributes, and take photos until our faces freeze. We’ll remember and do our best to articulate (tears notwithstanding) all …
Band of Sisters–Fork in the Road
I’d planned to write a historical novel about female immigrants of the late 1800s who were hounded by traffickers lurking near Castle Garden, New York—gateway to the New World—and members of the settlement house movement who came to their aid. I was particularly taken with a feisty little Manhattan woman who took on the rogues with her umbrella! I’d planned …
Stork Delivery
Author copies of my September release, Band of Sisters, appeared on my doorstep this week! As any new mother, I’m thrilled! Holding a brand new book in my hands is a little like seeing my children graduate from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, college . . . With each step into their future they make new friends, impact …
Titanic: Finding Owen Allum
My husband’s last business trip, before retiring, was to San Diego. He invited me to go along—a great treat, both for the wonderful weather and for the opportunity to travel with him. Besides splashing in the clear Pacific Ocean and feeling the rush of sea breezes through my hair, I was eager to visit Balboa Park. There I did a …
New Chapter
Amid a flurry of good-bye lunches and well wishes, my husband retired this week, concluding 39 years of employment with the same company—a rare feat in today’s world. I’m proud of him. Our daughter and son-in-law came home to share the joy. We celebrated with his favorite dinner and dessert, a movie, and three rounds of his favorite board game. …
The Road Frequently Taken
I often escape to the library of a nearby town to write. It is quiet there, no one knows me, and there are no piles of dirty laundry to distract the muse. Once seated, everyone in the giant room is focused and happily doing just what I’m doing–reading, daydreaming, or pecking their hours away on a keyboard. I love the …
Transformational Fiction–“The Next Target”
We’ve just celebrated our American Independence Day with brilliant displays of fireworks, family gatherings, and picnics galore–absolute joy in total freedom! How easily we take those gems for granted. Last week I read a new release by award-winning author, Nikki Arrana, The Next Target. I don’t know much about Islam or Muslims in America, so was glad to find that this …
Happy Trails–Beyond Our Fears
Recently, en route to a Virginia speaking engagement, I stopped for dinner with my daughter and son-in-law. Relaxed and happy, excited to share our new projects with one another, I at last confessed that I was nervous about speaking the next day. My son-in-law, surprised, bluntly asked, “Why? What are you afraid of?” My first inclination was to tell him …
More Transformational Fiction–Perfect Summer Read
This week I read Murray Pura’s The Wings of Morning, a WWI novel set in Amish country. You’re right—that combination sounded like a conundrum to me, too. But I realized, as I read, that the challenges facing the Amish regarding war, the bearing of arms, the essence and sacredness of life, is something we all must come to terms with …