If you’re following along (and I hope you are!), you know that on Wednesdays, I like to talk about what I’m reading, or books that have made an impression on me. This week I’ve been reading my latest manuscript, with brief excursions into Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl. More on that book later. …Read More
You can probably tell from my photos that I spend a lot of time at our house. But the wonderful thing is that nature is never tiresome–it’s never the same from day to day. Occasionally I think about doing an Instagram or a regular post with a photo taken at the same spot every day of …Read More
Perhaps I’m showing my age here, but did anyone else’s parents advise them to take a typing class in high school so they would have “something to fall back on?” My mother suggested that I take typing, so I dutifully registered, even though it sounded kind of boring. But it also turned out …Read More
“Difficulty, my brethren, is the nurse of greatness – a harsh nurse, who roughly rocks her foster – children into strength and athletic proportion.” –William C. Bryant* *Translation: Do the hard stuff. Your life will be better. Don’t forget to share the title of your favorite love song for a chance on special …Read More
It’s been a long, challenging week in the Benedicts’ little corner of So IL. The DH was gone, and the boy got his driver’s license. I finished the first draft of The Intruder and have begun reading/editing. Winter and spring are in an early battle–I haven’t seen any buds on trees, yet. Praying that …Read More
I’ve been so touched by the wonderful support that’s come my way over the past six weeks or so since I started blogging every day. Thank you! Here’s a chance to win a special Valentine package from me: A copy of my latest novel, The Abandoned Heart, a custom-designed (by me!) mug and Valentine, plus …Read More
If you do a Google search for the phrase “Do The Hard Thing First” you’ll find it’s a pretty common theme–and for a good reason. It’s very practical advice, but it’s also a radical suggestion for procrastinators. Procrastination is natural. No one likes pain (well, most of us don’t), and doing difficult things …Read More
One is uncomplicated. One is doable. One is visible. One is easily contemplated. One is worthy of focus. One is satisfying. Multitasking takes away the satisfaction of accomplishment, the pleasure in the journey. What is one thing you could do, today? February 8th Words Journal: 205 Words Long Fiction: 0 Words Short …Read More
What does one do when one finishes an enormous, year-long project, like the first draft of a novel? On Monday, I finished the draft of The Intruder early in the day. I had some tummy trouble, so I arranged things so I could stay at home. I spent some time happy dancing (so restorative), and …Read More
I have some good news to share today! The first draft of my next novel–tentatively titled The Intruder–is done. There’s lots and lots of work to come, but as the saying goes: you can’t edit a blank page. Now, none of the pages are blank, so I will be able to make them all work together. But …Read More