This Season of Discovery

What a difference a week makes! Just last week I was writing about my quandary about attending a couple of out-of-town mystery events and now both have been canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak. Since Sunday I’ve been sheltering in place with my husband and, of course, Tulo. It’s...

Coronavirus Dilemma: Cancel or Not to Cancel?

It’s so stressful to figure out whether to cancel out-of-town book appearances during this time when we don’t know enough about the coronavirus. This is my writing year, so I don’t have much lined up but I do have two events (more than a hundred people) for this month....

Pasadena Mid-Century

During Tulo’s regular walks, we pass by some great architecture. Here’s a local landmark that has been featured in HBO’s “Enlightened.” Not only is the condo mid-century, but I guess I am, too!  ...

No Writer’s Block Here

I recently heard that writing leads to more writing, which I’ve found that is true. While being immersed in my novel-in-progress, I’ve been called to contribute some unrelated essays, short stories as well as new installments to my serial, Silk, on Discover Nikkei. What I’ve found is that the...

What to Do in a Pandemic?

People–well, to be specific, members of the CDC (Center for Disease Control)–have said that it’s only a matter of time before the COVID-19 novel coronavirus comes to the U.S. in full force. I’m the type that doesn’t get overly fearful about such pronouncements, but I also have a neurotic...

TULO TUESDAY: Blooming

Tulo, thank goodness, has adjusted to his missing toe, and is back jumping up on curbs. He’s not 100 percent, but at least 88 percent.  ...

Inspiration from Book Events

  When you become a published writer, the bookstore or event venue becomes your networking station. That’s where you meet other fellow writers, exchange gossip and sometimes share challenges in the publishing world. On occasion–and perhaps it should be every occasion, you learn craft. I went to two book...

Kindle as Manuscript Reader

However you may feel about Amazon and the Kindle, I have to say that it’s a good device. Jeff Bezos wanted an electronic reader that a grandmother could easily use and he achieved his goals. Now that more people are reading off of their phones and iPad, I wonder...

Tulo Tuesday: Rest and Recovery

Tulo got his bandage and cone off! My job is to get him to stop licking the wound, but if I lost a digit, I probably would be licking, too. In the meantime, plenty of rest–and on satin sheets, no less!...