Times they are a changing. The library I have the fondest memories of is the Alameda Public Library (now the Alameda Free Library). It was housed in a beautiful, historic building on Oak Street in Alameda, California where I grew up—across the bay from San Francisco. My family moved out of the area only a couple years after I graduated …

Libraries, libraries, libraries. As I noted in yesterday’s post, there are more than 9,000 libraries in the United States. So, how can I possibly narrow my posts to just a select few? First off, I’m sticking to the Southern states. That helps. Secondly, I’ve done a little research to try and find those that have something special to offer—not that …

I don’t know about you, but libraries have greatly impacted my life. One of my fondest childhood memories is of my mom taking me (and my siblings) to the small public library during the summer to choose books to keep us entertained (and most likely, out of trouble). It fostered my love for reading, which in turn, fostered my desire …

It’s that time—release week for Book 3 in my Bedford County series—Mayhem and Moonlight. If you’ve gone down this path with me before, you know I share a daily post about something pertinent to the book or setting. I also offer a chance to win a prize with each post—this time it’s a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Since Lillian Murphy …

A Star is Born Tomorrow is release day for Mayhem and Moonlight, so here is one last fun fact! The first book I wrote (that actually got published) was Providence. I’ve shared ad nauseum that it was the last book in the Apple Hill Series because I had to rewrite it so many times. It was a cathartic exercise in …

The Birth of A Book I’m always asked what inspires my novels. There isn’t any one thing—often it’s a small detail that I’ll ruminate on until it grows into something worthy of a story. I never know from where inspiration will come, but when I know it, I know it. Three years ago, a friend hosted a release party for …

Path to Productivity Not to continue beating the same drum, but I want to revisit the book Winning the Week: How to Plan A Successful Week, Every Week by Demir and Carey Bentley. Because here is another fun fact—I not only discovered a unique career for Luca Giordano, but while reading this rather short book, a light bulb went off …

Seeing Double If you read yesterday’s post, you’re expecting another fun fact that has to do with Demir Bentley, co-author (with his wife Carey) of Winning the Week: How to Plan a Successful Week, Every Week. First off, let me start by telling you that Bentley may be Demir’s pen name, but his “real” name is Gjokaj. Yeah, I’d find …

A Career is Born Yesterday I shared how Lillian Murphy became a librarian. If you’ve ever had a desire to make people do what you want, consider becoming an author. Just be aware that the Holy Spirit can (and will) override you on a regular basis. But the Lord also weaves the most incredible “coincidences” together to in the midst …

The Countdown Continues! Lillian the Librarian One of the challenges for me when I’m creating a story is finding a career/job for my characters that isn’t repetitive across my novels. If I went by my experience alone, every female character would either be a teacher, stay-at-home mom, or an office manager. Those are the only experiences I personally have. Anything …