Holy Relic Cake

This morning, a librarian contacted me about a fund raising campaign to build a new library in Jefferson, Oregon. They are collecting recipes for a cookbook called Authors and Appetites. I knew immediately which recipe I would submit. Frances Gugeler (GOO-gler) was...

Writing what YOU know.

Anyone willing to share memories of taking piano lessons as a kid? I’m writing a scene for two sisters, ages 15 and 10. They are both beginners. The older one won’t have the patience for practice, but the younger one will take to it and make progress more...

Taking piano lessons from Doc Holliday

Recently, a reader wrote, “I envy you taking piano lessons… Alas! At 68, it is too late!” Nonsense. At 60, I am as cognitively challenged as most geezers. I can’t multitask. I need a nap in the afternoon. I don’t have senior moments; I...

Going west-ern

Since writing THE SPARROW, I’ve attended a number of science fiction conventions and enjoyed them hugely, but I’ve never been one to wear Spock ears or dress up as an Imperial Stormtrooper. This reluctance to live out fantasies in public could be a sign of...