Karen

  • On Journaling, Part 2: Using Journals in My Writing

    (This post was previously “Make It Happen,” a guest post on StoreyBook Reviews during the recent virtual book tour. Thanks again to Leslie for her support!) “I woke up with car keys in my hand.” That line appears on the… Continue reading

    On Journaling, Part 2: Using Journals in My Writing
  • Driftless Thursday: Growing Season, with Tomato Variety Picks

    May has arrived and the outside chores have started. I’ve learned you really can’t stop weeds in the country but upkeep of the flower gardens isn’t so bad with a little consistency. In the past, I’d go out after breakfast… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Growing Season, with Tomato Variety Picks
  • On Journaling, Part 1: 365 Journals

    In case it isn’t obvious from the cover of Driftless Spirits, a journal is central to the dream that launches Charlotte on her trip: “Write what you know,” as Mark Twain is quoted. I love journals. There are a lot… Continue reading

    On Journaling, Part 1: 365 Journals
  • Writing Update: Book 2, Draft 2 and Thoughts on POV

    I finished the “rewrite” of my first draft (although the saved file name calls is version 8). I mentioned in a previous post that I had a couple big problems to fix based on feedback from beta readers. I really… Continue reading

    Writing Update: Book 2, Draft 2 and Thoughts on POV
  • Driftless Thursday: Snake Stories

    If snakes freak you out, it’s okay to skip this one. It’s not all fawns and rainbows out here in the country. I’ve come to realize harmless snakes get a bad rap. I can’t say I like them, but I… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Snake Stories
  • Two Truths and a Lie

    (This was originally my guest post over at Ruff Drafts during the recent blog tour. I like it so much I wanted to repost it on my own site. Thanks again to Debbie De Louise for highlighting Driftless Spirits!) There’s… Continue reading

    Two Truths and a Lie
  • First Lines of Tangled Roots (and Subsequent Distractions)

    I’m hard at work, crafting the next draft of Tangled Roots to be the best it can be. I’m in love with the first paragraphs (but reserve the right for further edits): “Every storm has a story to tell, if… Continue reading

    First Lines of Tangled Roots (and Subsequent Distractions)
  • Driftless Thursday: Guess the Bird

    “What is that bird?” my husband said last Friday. He pointed out our sunroom window at the ground below our bird feeders. I had to admit, I was stumped as well. Here’s who we saw: First hint: It’s a sparrow,… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Guess the Bird
  • Cozy in the Driftless

    (This was originally my guest post over at Christy’s Cozy Corners during the recent blog tour. I like it so much I wanted to repost it on my own site. Thanks again to Christy for highlighting Driftless Spirits!) My husband… Continue reading

    Cozy in the Driftless
  • Driftless Thursday: Turkey Vultures

    High in the sky ahead, three black silhouettes flew in lazy circles over the road.  Their widespread wings rarely flapped as they glided beneath wispy clouds.   As she drew closer, Charlotte could see the glint of white feathers on the… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Turkey Vultures