I adore urban legends. I particularly loved them when I was a young teen because they were outrageous or scandalous stories with elements that hit close to home. My very favorite one is a little gross, so bear with me. (I loved scary stories as a kid, and was an early adopter of Stephen King …Read More
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