First ever “Beta” reader
August 28, 2017
I recently finished a short story and realized it was time to get myself a Beta reader. The only people who have read my fiction in the past are close friends or relatives, but it was time to see what it felt like to send off a newly finished work to a total stranger. Thanks […]
Forgotten Flash Fiction story
June 20, 2017
A Flash Fiction challenge was offered on June 2 by the TerribleMinds blog (filled with the entertaining wordspewings of author Chuck Wendig) and it tickled my fancy, so I wrote something then and there. And then immediately forgot I wrote it until I stumbled over it yesterday (June 18), long after the challenge had ended. […]
Ramblings: Language in Politics and PR
April 28, 2017
I noticed something interesting over the past couple of days regarding the titles of press releases and other notices sent out by the Oregon Legislature. I’m on a mailing list for “Oregon State Legislature – Press Release Update” and noticed that the press releases from the Oregon Democrats over the last month have all had […]
What I’m Reading April 17th Edition
April 17, 2017
Just started reading “The Little Book of Hygge” this weekend. So far it’s all about candles (which I can’t stand) and lamps/lighting (which I love). So, a mixed bag for me. It’s a cute book though, with cute illustrations and beautiful print quality. Borrowed from the Salem Public Library, West Salem branch (which can be […]
My Contest Entry: James Patterson Masterclass
April 7, 2017
I was given the James Patterson writing Masterclass for Christmas, and enjoyed the class. Part of the class involved a contest to become a co-writer on a James Patterson book, and a lot of people took a stab at it — including me! Since the 10 semi-finalists have been announced and I’m not one of […]
Worldbuilding and naming
March 16, 2017
There was an interesting discussion in one of my Facebook writing groups today, about whether a fantasy novel needs to call a horse a horse or come up with all new beasts and names. The original poster wanted to know if it was OK to use Earth animals rather than coming up with her own. […]
2016 NaNoWriMo: concept development and worldbuilding
November 10, 2016
Another interesting bit of conceptual development from the NaNo worldbuilding forum. 1. What is valued most in your Society? (Money, Family, Love, etc.) Tesh (my main character) isn’t sure what her people value since she’s lost her memory; as the story progresses she realizes she values independence and knowledge. The La’an race values their Goddess, […]
2016 Nanowrimo plot post
This year I stumbled on thread on the NaNo forums where you were challenged to write your plot like a Pixar plot summary. The Pixar pitch goes like this: 1. Once upon a time there was … 2. Every day … 3. One day … 4. Because of that … 5. Because of that … […]
Fabric Paper Clip Art for Cookbooks
November 12, 2015
More rubber stamping for paper clip art last night, this time on strips of fabric with black StazOn ink. Bought two colors of plain cotton fabric in fat quarters at Walmart for $.97 each and used my pinking sheers to cut strips. Strips are about 2cm (just over 1/2 inch) wide, and about 3.5 to […]
Double Ribbon Altered Paperclip Tutorial
April 15, 2015
A couple of FB friends have asked how I made the double-layered ribbon paperclips I’ve been using in my planner, so I took a few cellphone shots last night while I was making one. Here’s the scoop. Step 1: Pick out two ribbons that coordinate, with one ribbon at least a slight amount narrower than […]