The Red Bike
Whenever I take my favorite morning walk, I pass an abandoned red bicycle that’s leaning against an old pump. Some authority has tagged it with a warning that it will soon be removed, but so far the bike hasn’t been claimed or disturbed. Grasses and weeds grow tall through its wheels, attesting to its immobility, and yet it still speaks of motion to me. It’s red, after all: the exciting color of birthday presents and scraped knees. It looks ready to go, temporarily parked, a snapshot of fleeting movement. It… Continue reading
Draft 2: Another Milestone
Earlier this month, I reached another milestone when I finished the second draft of my current novel. Though it is hard to have a clear perspective on it and I had a brief, miserable spell when I was convinced my novel was horrible, these days I’m really happy about how it’s coming together. I’m deep into the third draft now, and I’m completely immersed.
What I find most satisfying is the way a given scene keeps evolving. When I revise a scene, I’m making it the best that I possibly… Continue reading
Happy 4th of July!
Patriot Fruit Tart
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, with sweet memories of neighborhood block parties from my girlhood, and gratitude for being an American. My youngest sister, Nancy, was born on the 4th of July, so my family also celebrates her birthday, and I started the day with a lovely catch-up with her over the phone. This afternoon, I’m joining my son-in-law’s family for more good cheer, and I’m looking forward to it.
This past Sunday, I joined my daughter-in-law’s family for an early… Continue reading
Still Here, Still Writing
If there’s an abiding theme of my blog, it probably has to do with how uneventful a writing life is most of the time. When a book comes out, there’s a bit of a hubbub, but that happens once a year or two. In between times, the work largely involves sitting on a couch with my fingers typing and deleting, sentence by sentence. The milestones are small and marked in tens of pages or small aha!s. Sometimes, after several months, I reach the end of another draft, but that… Continue reading
Spring Light
It’s spring at last in New England, and green is exploding in every direction. Driving, walking, or gazing out my library windows, I see new leaves and fresh color. After half a year of gray, the brilliance brightens the soul.
As for my writing, I’m happy to report that I’m deep into revisions of my new YA novel and it, too, is blooming. This morning, I’m working on a tricky piece of dialogue, and discovering how my characters cause each other to question how their upbringings have limited their perspectives.… Continue reading
To Alex, the Angel of the Larpenter Avenue Exit
Alex the Angel
I cannot thank you enough. When you pulled over to help me dig out my car from the snow at side of the road on Saturday, you were a godsend, and I am eternally grateful for your kindness.
I was in Minnesota for my cousin’s wedding and driving from the ceremony in White Bear to the reception in downtown St. Paul with my elderly, fragile mother in the passenger seat when the worst of the April 14th blizzard hit. The roads were practically obliterated under ever-deepening snow.… Continue reading
Ari & Milo, my serial novel, is now up on Wattpad! I drew illustrations to go with each chapter, and best of all, it’s free! Because of problematic themes, this novel is for mature readers age 17+.
Book Trailer for Promised