-
A to Z Challenge: “M”ystery authors
There are many types of mystery novels – amateur or professional sleuth, police procedural, thriller, suspense or romantic suspense, historical, private eye, noir, crime, caper, etc. I grew up reading Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt mysteries (a mix of romantic/historical suspense) and would check them out of the library as soon as they arrived, in hardback! I like a wide variety of authors and genres, but I’m highlighting some of my favorite cozy/amateur sleuth mystery writers in today’s blog. Cozies were made popular by Agatha Christie, usually contain a bloodless crime and a victim that won’t be missed. And, they are usually as much character as plot driven, especially if…
-
A to Z Challenge: “B”log has a new look
I haven’t written much on my blog since last year so I thought the Blogging A to Z Challenge was the perfect way to 1) begin blogging again and 2) redesign my blog and get feedback. I enjoy writing. Most of what I do is for a nonprofit that I work for, so while it can be creative, it’s mostly informative. My blog enables me to have a more personal voice. And, I’m comfortable with photography and enjoy it as well. Since those were the two elements that I wanted to highlight, I chose a WordPress theme (by Sculpture Qode) that was more visually appealing. I even have a slider…
-
St. Francis
I’ve always loved animals. When I was young, we had turtles, a Welsh Corgi and my parents raised and showed English Springer Spaniels. Today, my husband and I have one dog, Hershey (although he prefers to think of himself as a person), and four cats (three are rescues). I shared this love of animals with a good friend of mine, Becky, who passed away last year from lymphoma. She was with me when I spied Hershey as a puppy and was supportive of Joe and me adopting him. Did you know that St. Francis of Assisi, who lived from 1182-1126, felt he could communicate with animals and that he was…
-
“R”escue
My entire family loves animals – dogs and cats especially, but we’ve had our fair share of turtles, hamsters, a pet rabbit – you get the idea! I think “love of animals” is in our DNA. Hershey at 8 months old, stopping to smell the roses! Photo © Diane Weidenbenner Before my husband and I got married, I promised him that we’d only (ever) have two kitties – I’d always had two because if I traveled and had to leave them alone in my condo, they wouldn’t be lonely. We’ve been married 13 years as of July 1 of this year and we have four cats and one dog. All…
-
“Z”eal
Today marks the end of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. This has been one of the best writing experiences that I’ve had in the last 10 years. I honestly have had a certain zeal to finish it. Honestly, I did back-date a few posts but I was determined to finish on time (and under budget – ha!) The dictionary describes zeal as “excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end.” Check! “A feeling of strong eagerness.” Check! “Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; ardent and active interest; engagedness, enthusiasm.” Yes on all accounts. Check! I’ve been extremely busy this month with work and I’ve also worked…
-
Blogging from A to Z: Oh, no, my dog ate my …
Woke up this morning to Hershey eating a paper item that he had acquired off my bedside table which I soon discovered was my blog calendar for the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Hershey is our (now two-year-old) Australian Cattle Dog/Labrador dog. We love him to death but it’s always a mystery as to what he’s eating next. I also found another hole in our down comforter this morning. I’ve already spent enough time on him in my blog post entitled, Hershey, an apology and Down for the count among others. Suffice it to say I need an extra day to recreate my blog calendar. So, this is my blog…
-
Blogging from A to Z: Novel idea
I have written about 100 pages of a cozy mystery novel and I’m stuck. You’ve heard of writer’s block? Well, I have “self-critique block.” After I’d written the first part of my book, I began reading more about the art of novel writing. I also attended a few writers’ conferences and began following several authors I enjoy, Nancy Pickard, Diane Mott Davidson and Janet Evanovich to name a few. (When I say “follow,” I mean reading their most recent books, not out-and-out physical stalking). Everyone has an opinion, or advice, on how the best novels are written. Some authors talk about outlining and plotting. Not that the story can’t change…
-
Blogging from A to Z: Hershey, an apology
Hershey, age 2 months, during his formative years. Note: Hershey is our 2-year-old Australian cattle dog/labrador retriever mix dog. Joe and I are first-time dog owners and we thought it was necessary in our puppy’s development for him to learn the importance of an earnest apology. Here, printed in its entirety, is his letter to Dish Network. Yes, he dictated it to me and I typed it, otherwise the company would not have been able to read his paw-writing. He insisted on us using a younger photo of him although he now weighs in at 51 pure-muscle pounds. Dear spare parts coordinator: My name is Hershey and I am 2…
-
Blogging from A to Z: Coffee and creativity, best when freshly brewed
Ever notice the smell of fresh coffee beans? They smell so good, you can almost taste the deep, rich flavor without even brewing a pot. I’m fond of exotic flavors of coffee like Chocolate Raspberry, Toasted Hazelnut or Cinnamon Bun. Many times the smell of the beans is more gratifying than the actual cup of coffee, unless I add Stevia and loads of cream. This Blogging from A to Z Challenge is just that: a challenge for me to write something substantive each day in April (sans a few Sundays). When I first signed up, I had robust intentions of writing the first six blog posts and scheduling them to…
-
Help me reach my goal …
I’d like to write at least one blog a week in 2011. As you can see, I’m starting this goal a little late – it’s March already. To spur me on, I’m asking for friends to visit my blog and click “follow me” on the top right-side menu. You can sign in using your Google, Twitter or Yahoo account. You’ll be notified when (and if) I write a new blog post. So, in essence, you’re keeping me honest and motivated to complete my goal. In return for your faithful following, I will try and give you a chuckle or laugh at an interesting anecdote or happening in our meager lives…
