Writing is an often isolating endeavor, so opening a day, I have learned over the years, with a post on some issue that grabbed my attention, helps me clear my head and get going.
“An interest of mine…”
“Who Do You Think You Are?”
What nationality would you be if you could not be what you are? Do you ever *think* you’d like to be someone else, and from somewhere else?
Three-In-One
Whatever else I do or write, those first three novels will always mean so much to me. They are where I began. You would not be here if it weren’t for them.
To Calais And Back
In case you haven’t noticed, I pay attention to as much as I can when I’m traveling. You never know, as a writer, what you might be able to “use” someday. 😉
A Writer’s “Labo(u)r”
I have lived here in England for nearly two decades. There are still times I don’t understand a “Britishism” tossed at me in conversation. Or my English Mrs. will warn me if I have just said something not normally heard here: “You’re speaking American.”
Sunday Reflections
Who says “romantic” historical novels can’t teach us something?
The Artist As A Coward
If you fear what you create for the public will be critiqued, I suggest it would be best if you did not create anything for the public.
After A Brief “Exile”
Macmillan grumbled that life had lost a huge joy if one is unable to read. Whenever I have those moments, I understand that feeling. It’s truly awful – an isolating and even lonely feeling – being unable to enjoy a book.
Men Of State (And State Of Men)
Fear not, we can at least still fire off an enraged tweet or concoct a cutting Instagram meme: that’ll make the bastard tremble at his keyboard, no doubt.
“Rootlessness” And A Price For It
If I think back here to where I was at age 20 (then, I was living in Fairbanks, Alaska), and then at 30 (I was in Paris), and then at 40 (I was married by then and here in London), and, uh, well, you get the idea…
Chesham, Codicote, And Beyond
I feel it’s invaluable and even necessary as writers to “use” what we know. You may think what you experience is “uninteresting,” but to others out there unfamiliar with, for example, places about which you write, it may prove an eye-opener.
“A third post in but three days…”
I admit I resisted sharing a third post in but three days, but in the end I thought ’tis acceptable. I hope to-day sees you well.
“Wherever you are in the world”
When I began writing that first book in 2012, I had thought it might interest mostly Americans. There is a group of Americans – I learned as a college lecturer – who love reading books about Europe, and especially about France.
The Reach
Here’s one for the Department of “If You Think No One Is Paying Attention, You’re Wrong.”
A Small, Distant, Weak, Fascinating Land
I find that early period in our history to be truly remarkable. I think it also makes for some pretty good romance/historical novel material, too…
