As I was enjoying a short story by Louisa May Alcott, I found spirited conversations among the characters about reading and writing. I seriously doubt that it was the author’s intention to pass along writing tips in her story, but I got a kick out of the subtle wisdom and commentaries on the writing life … Continue reading Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters
Author: skyblueseagreen
Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
It's February, the month we celebrate love, and here is a most fitting book to celebrate. Celia Bassingdale was about to take a long journey—the longest on earth—from the unreal to the real.First line Celia’s romantic interest in a young man (whom her grandfather was convinced was only after the fortune she would inherit when … Continue reading Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
Thank you Google
A clear, simple, straightforward template for Terms of Service has been on my wish list for years. Google has just granted my wish! Their new format for January 2022 is a pleasure to read. And I see other tech companies switching their wording as well. Kudos to all of you Technical Writers that worked tirelessly … Continue reading Thank you Google
The Story of the Irritated Eagle
Me: (craning my neck to get a good shot between the branches) Eagle: Hey! Quit buggin' me! Me: What, are you kidding me? How can I bug you when you're sixty feet above me?! My zoom lens can hardly see you! Eagle: (glares, ruffles white tail feathers, rolls his eyes) Me: Anyway, I only got … Continue reading The Story of the Irritated Eagle
The Nativity Scene – a Reminder
Whenever you see a nativity scene, be reminded that God wants to be closer to you.
Too Many Books
Is it possible for a book-lover to have too many books? Yes. If they are making you crazy. Otherwise, no. Tee shirt given to me by a friend and fellow book-lover who, like me, has also run out of shelf space While I was working in schools, it was a joy to come home and … Continue reading Too Many Books
Beauty for Ashes
I revelled in the summer heat When others fried And sighed, Goodbye, And went inside. Trusting, I smiled When hot became warm, The return of summer's norm, Simply a mild forewarn Of climate's transform. Too soon it seemed Leaves turned to gold. Yet still no cold! Larch and aspen--behold! Facing autumn serene and bold. Fun … Continue reading Beauty for Ashes
When Choosing Fiction, Don’t Settle for Less
To borrow and repurpose a related quote: The book you want exists. Don’t settle until you find it. It’s fun to browse around the library's “New and Notable” shelves. I read plenty of classic fiction so I appreciate it when others recommend new novels and authors. But I have noticed something in the past five … Continue reading When Choosing Fiction, Don’t Settle for Less
Self-Publishing and the Local Library
Just when I think I've become familiar with all the resources at my local library, I'll happen upon yet another free feature. Today it was the surprise of finding a self-publishing community! Indie Author Project--bringing together public libraries, authors, curators, and readers--started out as a partnership with Library Journal, and turned into a publishing community. … Continue reading Self-Publishing and the Local Library
Relax, there will be an Answer
Have you ever had a dilemma and suddenly--without any effort from you--the answer became clear? That's what happened to me last week. The dilemma was one of those fuzzy impressions, hard to put my finger on, a nagging weight on my mind, frustration. It seemed to be related to my many writing projects and interests, … Continue reading Relax, there will be an Answer
Happily Writing 