New York! New York! My heart is stolen. You were all that you promised and more. Bright lights. The murmur of a hundred languages. Boots. Everyone wears boots in New York. Sturdy, sensible boots with low heels for walking and walking and walking. Canyons of concrete and glass. Tiny patches of green with wrought iron garden benches tucked between buildings. …
A Gangster, Mint Juleps, and a Pair of Hens
Research is one of the most fascinating parts of writing to me. Oh, the details that turn up that give wings to my imagination. Last week, Max and I threw our suitcases in the SUV and took off. We had a destination in mind, and I’d printed off a few of the places I wanted to visit, but mostly we …
>The Joy of Research
>Last week, Max and I loaded up the SUV and took off for a long weekend of R & R – Recreation and Research! Destination: East Texas. Since our 38th wedding anniversary was just around the corner and I had decided to set my next book in this area of Texas, we headed south. I inhaled the Texas air when …
>Writing Nostalgia – Part Two
>Things to consider when writing nostalgia: There must be a reason for placing your story in a certain year or decade. To simply place a story in a past decade because it sounds cool is not enough. You need a backdrop of world events or social customs that are unique to the era. Some examples from the 1950s and 60s …
>SAY WHAT? Historical Tidbits on Language and Tradition
>My thanks to my good friend, Debbie, who sends me all kinds of mesmerizing, worthwhile emails. This one’s a keeper. Ever wonder where some of our unusual phrases and traditions came from? Take a step back to 1500 and read on . . . Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they …
>SOME JAZZY RESEARCH
>A week or so ago, I mentioned trying to research using Google Maps—a fun and somewhat helpful method of seeing my setting without actually being there. But as several of you responded, you prefer the “in person” method of doing research. Today I took your advice, and with a notebook and camera, went for a drive. First stop: Downtown Tulsa …
>LOST ON GOOGLE MAPS
>I meant to post here last night, but on a whim decided to look up an area I’m researching for my current novel. Wow! With Google Maps, I looked at it from the satellite view, zoomed up close, then took a tour through the neighborhood. There’s a little man you can drag on the screen over to the area you …