Kate Collins's Blog, page 254
September 26, 2012
What's Wrong with Barbie?
by Julie
I was taken aback by a letter from a reader to an advice columnist in the paper recently.** The mom of a soon-to-be five-year-old wrote in worried about her daughter's upcoming birthday party. She was seriously concerned that her daughter might receive :::gasp::: Barbie or other "fashion" dolls as gifts. What to do? Should she contact parents of attendees ahead of time and specify that such dolls would not be welcomed?
I remember when my kids were five and I can relate to how a parent's decision of what to allow and what not to allow should be honored. If this mom really thinks that Barbie dolls are evil and she prefers to keep them out of her house, so be it. I'm guessing that she's afraid that her little one will become fascinated by clothes and learn a false sense of beauty.
But...I think she's overreacting. I can't help but see drama in his household in future years. From the very beginning, I have always believed that it isn't necessarily a "thing" that is bad, it's how a person relates to it. When my kids encountered new experiences, I like to believe that I helped them understand it and determine whether it worked for them or not. Teachable moments, you know? I worry that this little five-year-old will miss out on skills that allow her to decide whether or not things work for her.
My thought is that if you imbue an object, a word, a person, with so much power that you avoid it at all costs, then you've lost a little bit of your own strength. Rather than run away from items, words, people, why not learn more about them and grow from the experience?
Getting deep here, and that was not my intent...seriously... I started out talking about plastic dolls, right?
For the record, I had Barbies. Still have some. My daughters, too. Barbies can have lives, and horses, and careers in a way that baby dolls don't. The Barbies in this house have lived stories that my kids made up. They have (hideous) clothing that my kids sewed themselves. They have homes and places of work made from cardboard boxes and plastic crates. The Barbies in this house helped grow my kids' imaginations the same way their books, building blocks, squirt guns, Hot Wheels, puzzles, and art supplies did. Honestly, unless a toy posed a physical danger (swallowing, poke an eye out), it was allowed.
Have you ever encountered a kids' party where certain gifts were prohibited? Do you think there are situations where a parent *should* tell others what's allowed and what's not? I mean, barring some allergic situation...
Just wondering...
Julie
**The advice column was ASK AMY, in the Chicago Tribune. Amy's Facebook Like page is here: Amy Dickinson.
[image error]
I remember when my kids were five and I can relate to how a parent's decision of what to allow and what not to allow should be honored. If this mom really thinks that Barbie dolls are evil and she prefers to keep them out of her house, so be it. I'm guessing that she's afraid that her little one will become fascinated by clothes and learn a false sense of beauty.
But...I think she's overreacting. I can't help but see drama in his household in future years. From the very beginning, I have always believed that it isn't necessarily a "thing" that is bad, it's how a person relates to it. When my kids encountered new experiences, I like to believe that I helped them understand it and determine whether it worked for them or not. Teachable moments, you know? I worry that this little five-year-old will miss out on skills that allow her to decide whether or not things work for her.
My thought is that if you imbue an object, a word, a person, with so much power that you avoid it at all costs, then you've lost a little bit of your own strength. Rather than run away from items, words, people, why not learn more about them and grow from the experience?
Getting deep here, and that was not my intent...seriously... I started out talking about plastic dolls, right?
For the record, I had Barbies. Still have some. My daughters, too. Barbies can have lives, and horses, and careers in a way that baby dolls don't. The Barbies in this house have lived stories that my kids made up. They have (hideous) clothing that my kids sewed themselves. They have homes and places of work made from cardboard boxes and plastic crates. The Barbies in this house helped grow my kids' imaginations the same way their books, building blocks, squirt guns, Hot Wheels, puzzles, and art supplies did. Honestly, unless a toy posed a physical danger (swallowing, poke an eye out), it was allowed.
Have you ever encountered a kids' party where certain gifts were prohibited? Do you think there are situations where a parent *should* tell others what's allowed and what's not? I mean, barring some allergic situation...
Just wondering...
Julie
**The advice column was ASK AMY, in the Chicago Tribune. Amy's Facebook Like page is here: Amy Dickinson.
[image error]
September 25, 2012
Introverts Unite!
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
I’m an introvert and proud of it! When I was a girl, I thought something was seriously wrong with me - few friends, holed up in my room reading until my mother dragged me out to socialize, public speaking really freaked me out and I avoided it like swine flu... I liked animals more than people:)...
Now that I'm wearing big girl pants, I've found a comfortable sense of self and I'm okay with me.
We introverts aren’t misfits or weirdos. We grow up to be scientists, musicians, philosophers, artists, poets, writers.... Add traits like flexible, independent, the most loyal friends, creative…the list goes on and on.
Here’s a little about us:
We don’t follow the crowd. We march to a different drummer. Yes, we talk, but only if we have something to say.We don't need a gaggle of friends, just a few really cherished ones.Sure, we like to go out, but not for as long. We need to recharge often.Interaction is best one on one, not within a big crowd.Our idea of relaxing is at home or in nature.No, we aren't shy, but we are more observers than participants. Go ahead, talk to us.Introverts think a lot, tend to daydream, solve puzzles, read books and books and more books. See, we aren't so bad. Just a little different.
Introverts, you probably know who you are. For the undecided, here’s a test you can take to find out.
Introverts unite! Stand up and be counted!
I’m an introvert and proud of it! When I was a girl, I thought something was seriously wrong with me - few friends, holed up in my room reading until my mother dragged me out to socialize, public speaking really freaked me out and I avoided it like swine flu... I liked animals more than people:)...Now that I'm wearing big girl pants, I've found a comfortable sense of self and I'm okay with me.
We introverts aren’t misfits or weirdos. We grow up to be scientists, musicians, philosophers, artists, poets, writers.... Add traits like flexible, independent, the most loyal friends, creative…the list goes on and on.
Here’s a little about us:
We don’t follow the crowd. We march to a different drummer. Yes, we talk, but only if we have something to say.We don't need a gaggle of friends, just a few really cherished ones.Sure, we like to go out, but not for as long. We need to recharge often.Interaction is best one on one, not within a big crowd.Our idea of relaxing is at home or in nature.No, we aren't shy, but we are more observers than participants. Go ahead, talk to us.Introverts think a lot, tend to daydream, solve puzzles, read books and books and more books. See, we aren't so bad. Just a little different.
Introverts, you probably know who you are. For the undecided, here’s a test you can take to find out.
Introverts unite! Stand up and be counted!
September 24, 2012
Time is Speeding By
by Maggie Sefton
It's been a busy week since I last posted on Cozy Chicks. I started a round of booksignings the weekend of Sept 15 & 16 which are still continuing. This week I visited a new independent bookstore in Arlington, VA, where I grew up. One More Page Books has a great atmosphere as well as helpful staff who LOVE books. On Thursday, I signed at the Barnes & Noble in Fair Lakes Promenade shopping center in Fairfax, VA. I've signed there several times over the years and have always had a great time---as well as meeting lots of wonderful readers.
Last Saturday I had a VERY busy day, travelling south to Richmond, VA where I signed at a suburban Barnes & Noble with fellow Cozy Chick Ellery Adams/Jennifer Stanley. It was wonderful having some time to chat with Jenn/Ellery plus meet some great new readers. After that, I drove off from Richmond around 4:00pm and headed west to Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia. It was a gloriously warm early Fall day with sunshine and no rain. Perfect for visiting bookstores and even made the driving easier. Afterwards, I drove back to Northern VA and my daughter's condo apt where I've been staying since Monday of last week. A long day into the night, but a perfect time of year to do it.
Of course I've done more than booksignings last week. I also saw my granddaughter Natale's volleyball team dig deep and pull off a victory one evening, and I joined old friends for a wonderful dinner last Friday night. And last night, Monday, I spoke to students and alumni at my alma mater, George Washington University in Washington, DC. The topic was writing "Bestselling" novels. I'm afraid I had to tell them there were no secrets to be share. We writers write a lot, pray a lot, then offer our books up to the Gods. Readers are the Gods. They make you a bestseller. :)[image error]
It's been a busy week since I last posted on Cozy Chicks. I started a round of booksignings the weekend of Sept 15 & 16 which are still continuing. This week I visited a new independent bookstore in Arlington, VA, where I grew up. One More Page Books has a great atmosphere as well as helpful staff who LOVE books. On Thursday, I signed at the Barnes & Noble in Fair Lakes Promenade shopping center in Fairfax, VA. I've signed there several times over the years and have always had a great time---as well as meeting lots of wonderful readers. 
Last Saturday I had a VERY busy day, travelling south to Richmond, VA where I signed at a suburban Barnes & Noble with fellow Cozy Chick Ellery Adams/Jennifer Stanley. It was wonderful having some time to chat with Jenn/Ellery plus meet some great new readers. After that, I drove off from Richmond around 4:00pm and headed west to Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia. It was a gloriously warm early Fall day with sunshine and no rain. Perfect for visiting bookstores and even made the driving easier. Afterwards, I drove back to Northern VA and my daughter's condo apt where I've been staying since Monday of last week. A long day into the night, but a perfect time of year to do it. Of course I've done more than booksignings last week. I also saw my granddaughter Natale's volleyball team dig deep and pull off a victory one evening, and I joined old friends for a wonderful dinner last Friday night. And last night, Monday, I spoke to students and alumni at my alma mater, George Washington University in Washington, DC. The topic was writing "Bestselling" novels. I'm afraid I had to tell them there were no secrets to be share. We writers write a lot, pray a lot, then offer our books up to the Gods. Readers are the Gods. They make you a bestseller. :)[image error]
September 23, 2012
Oh, Those Cute Pet Videos
by Kate Collins
Have you seen the video yet about Mudd the dog frolicking on a trampoline? Or the little pig who saves a baby goat? Or anything with a kitten in it?
I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for those videos. If I watch one, I’ll end up watching others, usually for fifteen minutes or more. They’re irresistible, especially when I’m supposed to be working.
What I don’t like are the comments that follow the videos. Often, they’re buzz-killers. I’m not sure why people feel as though they have to say something negative. Why not just go on to the next?
That also happens in on-line news articles. Sometimes there are good discussions after the article, but often the comments are just people taking nasty swipes at other people. Could that be one reason why the e-newspapers are becoming so popular?
How about you? Are you a sucker for animal videos? Why do you think they’re so popular? Have you ever put up a pet video? Do you read the news on line?[image error]
Have you seen the video yet about Mudd the dog frolicking on a trampoline? Or the little pig who saves a baby goat? Or anything with a kitten in it?
I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for those videos. If I watch one, I’ll end up watching others, usually for fifteen minutes or more. They’re irresistible, especially when I’m supposed to be working.
What I don’t like are the comments that follow the videos. Often, they’re buzz-killers. I’m not sure why people feel as though they have to say something negative. Why not just go on to the next?
That also happens in on-line news articles. Sometimes there are good discussions after the article, but often the comments are just people taking nasty swipes at other people. Could that be one reason why the e-newspapers are becoming so popular?
How about you? Are you a sucker for animal videos? Why do you think they’re so popular? Have you ever put up a pet video? Do you read the news on line?[image error]
September 22, 2012
My Dog With the Human Brain
by Leann
I talk often about cats, post their cute videos, write books about them, have loved them since I was a child. But my love of animals has never stopped there. I have owned all sorts of pets in my life--hamsters, turtles, rabbits, birds. Once, as a child, I stumbled on a 'possum nest in the woods behind our house and yes, I foolishly disturbed it and brought home two tiny naked baby 'possums. Please forgive me. I was an animal loving kid who didn't know any better. The end of the 'possum story is sad, so we won't go there.
The day after my husband and I married, we were at the animal shelter looking at kittens, We brought home Ralph--an orange tabby--and Fanny---a tortie. Brother and sister. We loved our cat-kids. Then came the dogs after we had our human children. At one point I even bred Shelties and my sweetheart for fifteen years was a sable and white Sheltie named Bridget. Most loyal dog who ever owned me. There were lots of cats through the years and as many of you who read this blog know, three of the best cats in the world all passed away within a year. It broke my heart. I still miss Indigo, Agatha and Archie so much,
When I was diagnosed with Lyme in 2006 and took early retirement because of it, we had been without a dog for more than a year. I had my cats, but I have always had dogs, too. My heart ached for a dog. That's when a mutt came into our lives. She was six weeks old and a bundle of energy. We soon learned she is probably the smartest little animal we have ever had the pleasure to know. Mixed breed dogs are like that!
Rosie is her name and during the time when I was at my sickest, she would come and sit in front of me, reminding me it was time for my medicine. She can tell time (she knows when it's my bedtime), she can bring my husband his shoes when it's time for a walk, she can roll over, dance, sit up, retrieve, lie down, sit and stay, heel and all this with very little training. She still lets me know when it's time for my meds--even though I take far less than I used to. She knows so many words, I couldn't name them all. I only know there are several--squirrel comes to mind--that we have to spell. This is a dog who hugs me when I cry or when my husband sneezes, dances for joy when I've been gone even for an hour, can bring in the paper and the mail and drop it inside the door. In other words, in my world of many cats, I have a genius dog. And when she needs my affection--especially when I'm caught up in writing and haven't paid her enough attention--she will take a pair of my socks from the laundry and sit in front of me. Yes, that's my Rosie and it's about time I told the world how much I love her. :-)
How about you? What special pets have you had in your life?[image error]
I talk often about cats, post their cute videos, write books about them, have loved them since I was a child. But my love of animals has never stopped there. I have owned all sorts of pets in my life--hamsters, turtles, rabbits, birds. Once, as a child, I stumbled on a 'possum nest in the woods behind our house and yes, I foolishly disturbed it and brought home two tiny naked baby 'possums. Please forgive me. I was an animal loving kid who didn't know any better. The end of the 'possum story is sad, so we won't go there.
The day after my husband and I married, we were at the animal shelter looking at kittens, We brought home Ralph--an orange tabby--and Fanny---a tortie. Brother and sister. We loved our cat-kids. Then came the dogs after we had our human children. At one point I even bred Shelties and my sweetheart for fifteen years was a sable and white Sheltie named Bridget. Most loyal dog who ever owned me. There were lots of cats through the years and as many of you who read this blog know, three of the best cats in the world all passed away within a year. It broke my heart. I still miss Indigo, Agatha and Archie so much,
When I was diagnosed with Lyme in 2006 and took early retirement because of it, we had been without a dog for more than a year. I had my cats, but I have always had dogs, too. My heart ached for a dog. That's when a mutt came into our lives. She was six weeks old and a bundle of energy. We soon learned she is probably the smartest little animal we have ever had the pleasure to know. Mixed breed dogs are like that!
Rosie is her name and during the time when I was at my sickest, she would come and sit in front of me, reminding me it was time for my medicine. She can tell time (she knows when it's my bedtime), she can bring my husband his shoes when it's time for a walk, she can roll over, dance, sit up, retrieve, lie down, sit and stay, heel and all this with very little training. She still lets me know when it's time for my meds--even though I take far less than I used to. She knows so many words, I couldn't name them all. I only know there are several--squirrel comes to mind--that we have to spell. This is a dog who hugs me when I cry or when my husband sneezes, dances for joy when I've been gone even for an hour, can bring in the paper and the mail and drop it inside the door. In other words, in my world of many cats, I have a genius dog. And when she needs my affection--especially when I'm caught up in writing and haven't paid her enough attention--she will take a pair of my socks from the laundry and sit in front of me. Yes, that's my Rosie and it's about time I told the world how much I love her. :-)
How about you? What special pets have you had in your life?[image error]
September 21, 2012
On the Cozy Bandwagon
The Cozy Chicks are pleased to have the very talented Lucy Burdette visiting us! She's talking about cozy mysteries--and we all know how much we enjoy those. Cozy up, grab your cup of coffee (or tea) and read Lucy's theory on why these books are so popular. But be sure to tell us why YOU think cozies are so popular, too.
by Lucy Burdette
When I had my first mystery published back in 2002 (Six Strokes Under, written as Roberta Isleib), cozies were doing fine, but certainly not threatening to clog the bestseller list. Now I’ve just published my tenth (DEATH IN FOUR COURSES) and it seems to me that cozies are experiencing a delightful resurgence. A bunch of my pals have hit the New York Times bestseller list (yay Denise Swanson! Julie Hyzy! Krista Davis! Sheila Connolly! Maggie Sefton! Lorraine Bartlett! Kate Collins! Leann Sweeney! Jenn McKinlay! Ellery Adams!)—and tons of new series are announced every month. Why does it feel like now everything is all cozy, all the time?
I have a theory. The world is a scary place lately—really scary. The news is almost always bad coming out of the Middle East. Even our less “foreign” neighbors, the Europeans, are struggling. Closer to home than that in our own country, people find themselves in danger in their hometown movie theatres or their places of worship or in college classrooms. And so is it any wonder that readers want to get away to a simpler place and time, where the bad guys get what’s coming? Period?
Of course, there are murders in cozy mysteries. But the damage is contained and the bad guys are punished and order is restored by intrepid amateur sleuths who help the law enforcement guys see what was right in front of them. And while all that is happening, readers are introduced to life in a small town and they get to meet the sleuth’s friends and neighbors along the way.
All that said, the next time your stomach turns when you’re partway through a newspaper or the evening news or whatever, pick up a cozy. In the Key West food critic mysteries, I promise you no uncertain outcomes. And the food is divine. And you might just fall in love with funky, foodie Key West and Hayley Snow, the way I have. Which oh, by the way, is another way to keep your mind off current events—sign on to write a series of cozies! I swear you’ll start to think that new world you’ve created is real….
"Anyone who's ever overpaid for a pretentious restaurant meal will relish this witty cozy." Publishers Weekly on Death in Four Courses
Lucy Burdette is the author of DEATH IN FOUR COURSES and AN APPETITE FOR MURDER published by NAL/Obsidian. You can read more about her food critic mysteries at her website (www.lucyburdette.com), or “like” her on facebook (www.facebook.com/lucyburdette), or follow her on Twitter (www.twitter.com/lucyburdette). She also blogs with the fine writers at Jungle Red Writers (www.jungleredwriters.com) and Mystery Lovers Kitchen (www.mysteryloverskitchen.com).
[image error]
by Lucy BurdetteWhen I had my first mystery published back in 2002 (Six Strokes Under, written as Roberta Isleib), cozies were doing fine, but certainly not threatening to clog the bestseller list. Now I’ve just published my tenth (DEATH IN FOUR COURSES) and it seems to me that cozies are experiencing a delightful resurgence. A bunch of my pals have hit the New York Times bestseller list (yay Denise Swanson! Julie Hyzy! Krista Davis! Sheila Connolly! Maggie Sefton! Lorraine Bartlett! Kate Collins! Leann Sweeney! Jenn McKinlay! Ellery Adams!)—and tons of new series are announced every month. Why does it feel like now everything is all cozy, all the time?
I have a theory. The world is a scary place lately—really scary. The news is almost always bad coming out of the Middle East. Even our less “foreign” neighbors, the Europeans, are struggling. Closer to home than that in our own country, people find themselves in danger in their hometown movie theatres or their places of worship or in college classrooms. And so is it any wonder that readers want to get away to a simpler place and time, where the bad guys get what’s coming? Period?
Of course, there are murders in cozy mysteries. But the damage is contained and the bad guys are punished and order is restored by intrepid amateur sleuths who help the law enforcement guys see what was right in front of them. And while all that is happening, readers are introduced to life in a small town and they get to meet the sleuth’s friends and neighbors along the way.All that said, the next time your stomach turns when you’re partway through a newspaper or the evening news or whatever, pick up a cozy. In the Key West food critic mysteries, I promise you no uncertain outcomes. And the food is divine. And you might just fall in love with funky, foodie Key West and Hayley Snow, the way I have. Which oh, by the way, is another way to keep your mind off current events—sign on to write a series of cozies! I swear you’ll start to think that new world you’ve created is real….
"Anyone who's ever overpaid for a pretentious restaurant meal will relish this witty cozy." Publishers Weekly on Death in Four CoursesLucy Burdette is the author of DEATH IN FOUR COURSES and AN APPETITE FOR MURDER published by NAL/Obsidian. You can read more about her food critic mysteries at her website (www.lucyburdette.com), or “like” her on facebook (www.facebook.com/lucyburdette), or follow her on Twitter (www.twitter.com/lucyburdette). She also blogs with the fine writers at Jungle Red Writers (www.jungleredwriters.com) and Mystery Lovers Kitchen (www.mysteryloverskitchen.com).
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September 20, 2012
It's sweater time!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Once upon a time, I thought sweaters were dorky. Only nerds wore sweaters, and I wanted to be cool.
But, it turns out that I'm much more nerd than cool and I swear sweaters. A lot.
Come the colder months (and it was 49F out when I woke up this morning), I not only wear sweatshirts, but add a sweater on top. Growing up, we never had the thermostat above 68 -- now that I'm paying the utility bills, I set it at 70. (Big improvement, huh?) I also have a little heater in my office (since it is the room farthest from the furnace and therefore any forced air that actually makes it here is COLD), so sometimes I even have a sweater or small afghan across my knees. Cats are great and toasty warm, but they aren't big enough to cover my entire lap. (They're such picky eaters -- if they'd only eat all their Friskies it wouldn't be a problem.)
So it's sweaters for me. I have a bunch of light-weight sweaters that are perfect for cool summer evenings, and then I have a few big-time HEAVY sweaters. My mother made two of them on her knitting machine and they are BIG and HEAVY. You stay warm, but you grow tired from hauling all that sweater weight around all day. I like cardigans. I like being able to take them on and off easily without wrecking my hair (as with a pullover).
Tricia Miles (from my Booktown Mysteries) wears sweater sets all year round. (She keeps her mystery bookstore, Haven't Got a Clue, air conditioned during the warmer months, don't you know, and those New Hampshire winters get plenty cold.) I've never worn a sweater set in my life, but I thought Tricia would look good in them. She's a nerd, but she looks cool.
So, are you a sweater nerd or are you one of the cool girls -- or are you like Tricia and both?
[image error]
Once upon a time, I thought sweaters were dorky. Only nerds wore sweaters, and I wanted to be cool.
But, it turns out that I'm much more nerd than cool and I swear sweaters. A lot.
Come the colder months (and it was 49F out when I woke up this morning), I not only wear sweatshirts, but add a sweater on top. Growing up, we never had the thermostat above 68 -- now that I'm paying the utility bills, I set it at 70. (Big improvement, huh?) I also have a little heater in my office (since it is the room farthest from the furnace and therefore any forced air that actually makes it here is COLD), so sometimes I even have a sweater or small afghan across my knees. Cats are great and toasty warm, but they aren't big enough to cover my entire lap. (They're such picky eaters -- if they'd only eat all their Friskies it wouldn't be a problem.)
So it's sweaters for me. I have a bunch of light-weight sweaters that are perfect for cool summer evenings, and then I have a few big-time HEAVY sweaters. My mother made two of them on her knitting machine and they are BIG and HEAVY. You stay warm, but you grow tired from hauling all that sweater weight around all day. I like cardigans. I like being able to take them on and off easily without wrecking my hair (as with a pullover).
Tricia Miles (from my Booktown Mysteries) wears sweater sets all year round. (She keeps her mystery bookstore, Haven't Got a Clue, air conditioned during the warmer months, don't you know, and those New Hampshire winters get plenty cold.) I've never worn a sweater set in my life, but I thought Tricia would look good in them. She's a nerd, but she looks cool.So, are you a sweater nerd or are you one of the cool girls -- or are you like Tricia and both?
[image error]
September 19, 2012
A PSA, sort of...
by Julie
I had the chance to talk to a wonderful book discussion group last month. Enjoyed myself immensely. I think part of what I love best about being a writer is meeting all the amazing readers who buy authors' books (thereby ensuring more books in the future) and hearing *their* stories.
Meeting readers via email is just as much fun and I've been honored to learn so many people's stories -- personal stories they were willing to share with me. Some are funny, some are touching, and some bring a tear to my eye. I cherish them all.
I'm fortunate to be able to share some of my stories with them. Not just in the novels I write, but some of my more personal experiences, too. That's mostly what we Cozy Chicks do here - share a bit about ourselves so that you know us as people. And we so love hearing from you, whether it be in the comments below, on Facebook, or via email.
Anyway, this is a long way around to tell you that when I talked with that book discussion group, I found out that even though the members had read most of my Manor House Mysteries and White House Chef novels, they had NO idea that I'd written several other mysteries years earlier.
My first three novels, Artistic License, Deadly Blessings, and Deadly Interest, are out of print, but I've brought them back to life as e-novels for Kindle, Nook, etc.
The book club members were surprised, and *I* was surprised that *they* were surprised. Sometimes I worry that I yak about myself way too often online. Thus I don't always shout updates, even when there are readers who might be interested in them.
It's in that spirit that I offer today's post as a PSA (Public Service Announcement) - both for readers and for all of us here at The Cozy Chicks.
There's a link up at the top of the page, just under the banner, that says "Cozy Chicks E-books"-- that's a link to the same page. If you click it, it will take you to a comprehensive list of all our backlist books and even some of our newer, original offerings now available for e-readers.
Many of you probably already clicked through all the links above when you were first exploring our blog. There's a chance things have been added since you visited these links last. Take a look - you may be surprised by the fun things you find.
Best always,
Julie
I had the chance to talk to a wonderful book discussion group last month. Enjoyed myself immensely. I think part of what I love best about being a writer is meeting all the amazing readers who buy authors' books (thereby ensuring more books in the future) and hearing *their* stories.
Meeting readers via email is just as much fun and I've been honored to learn so many people's stories -- personal stories they were willing to share with me. Some are funny, some are touching, and some bring a tear to my eye. I cherish them all.
I'm fortunate to be able to share some of my stories with them. Not just in the novels I write, but some of my more personal experiences, too. That's mostly what we Cozy Chicks do here - share a bit about ourselves so that you know us as people. And we so love hearing from you, whether it be in the comments below, on Facebook, or via email.
Anyway, this is a long way around to tell you that when I talked with that book discussion group, I found out that even though the members had read most of my Manor House Mysteries and White House Chef novels, they had NO idea that I'd written several other mysteries years earlier.
My first three novels, Artistic License, Deadly Blessings, and Deadly Interest, are out of print, but I've brought them back to life as e-novels for Kindle, Nook, etc.
The book club members were surprised, and *I* was surprised that *they* were surprised. Sometimes I worry that I yak about myself way too often online. Thus I don't always shout updates, even when there are readers who might be interested in them.
It's in that spirit that I offer today's post as a PSA (Public Service Announcement) - both for readers and for all of us here at The Cozy Chicks.
There's a link up at the top of the page, just under the banner, that says "Cozy Chicks E-books"-- that's a link to the same page. If you click it, it will take you to a comprehensive list of all our backlist books and even some of our newer, original offerings now available for e-readers.
Many of you probably already clicked through all the links above when you were first exploring our blog. There's a chance things have been added since you visited these links last. Take a look - you may be surprised by the fun things you find.
Best always,
Julie
September 18, 2012
Financial Security Begins in Your Panty Drawer
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
Those of you who’ve read my Gertie Johnson stories know that ninety-two-year-old Grandma Johnson is one mean woman. Poor Gert, she has to live with Grandma on a daily basis. Good thing she has a strong sense of self or she would have been beaten down long ago. Like Grandma’s dead husband was.
Grandma doesn’t particularly like men (or women or dogs or…), so when she decided to write a guerrilla guide for women called Hide This Book: A Woman’s Secret Guide to Controlling a Man, Gertie knew her M-I-L was going to cause all kinds of trouble.
But just try to stop her!
Murder Begins at Home features some insight into Grandma’s rather twisted mind. Yet she’s lived a long time, making her a wise meany. Like thinking women should have their own stash of cash. Gone are the days of hiding money in the cookie jar. Here are Grandma’s hiding suggestions for building a nest egg of your own.
In your sewing basket
Tape an envelope filled with George Washington’s to the back of a picture hanging on the wall
Slip bills between the pages of a romance novel
Hide a wad in the freezer, but not under the ice cube tray. He uses thatStuff them in a feminine product box Any other creative hiding places you want to add? Join in and help Grandma with the chapter called Financial Security Begins in Your Panty Drawer. You might find your ideas (and acknowledgement) between the covers.
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Those of you who’ve read my Gertie Johnson stories know that ninety-two-year-old Grandma Johnson is one mean woman. Poor Gert, she has to live with Grandma on a daily basis. Good thing she has a strong sense of self or she would have been beaten down long ago. Like Grandma’s dead husband was.Grandma doesn’t particularly like men (or women or dogs or…), so when she decided to write a guerrilla guide for women called Hide This Book: A Woman’s Secret Guide to Controlling a Man, Gertie knew her M-I-L was going to cause all kinds of trouble.
But just try to stop her!
Murder Begins at Home features some insight into Grandma’s rather twisted mind. Yet she’s lived a long time, making her a wise meany. Like thinking women should have their own stash of cash. Gone are the days of hiding money in the cookie jar. Here are Grandma’s hiding suggestions for building a nest egg of your own.In your sewing basket
Tape an envelope filled with George Washington’s to the back of a picture hanging on the wall
Slip bills between the pages of a romance novel
Hide a wad in the freezer, but not under the ice cube tray. He uses thatStuff them in a feminine product box Any other creative hiding places you want to add? Join in and help Grandma with the chapter called Financial Security Begins in Your Panty Drawer. You might find your ideas (and acknowledgement) between the covers.
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September 17, 2012
Old Friends, Now Golden
by Maggie Sefton
Ever since Labor Day, I've been visiting with old friends from childhood in Northern Virginia. I grew up across the street from two sisters, Nancy and Diane, in Arlington, Virginia. I was six years old, Nancy was five, and Diane was four. We grew up together, played together, walked to school together every day (elementary, junior high, senior high), and shared every stage of childhood together. We all went to separate colleges and universities, but always returned to our childhood homes across the street from one another and shared our experiences.
As the years passed, we each married and started building separate lives and careers with our husbands, and moved away from Arlington. Nancy and Diane and their families both live west of Arlington in Vienna, Virginia, a lovely wooded suburb. Our family lived in Fairfax, Virginia, then moved to West Lafayette, Indiana (home of Purdue University) then moved to Fort Collins, Colorado (home of Colorado State University), where I continue to live today. No matter where we all lived, we still managed to see each other even if it was only in summer or during holidays when we returned to see our families. We would share some of the various adventures and challenges that Life had presented to us along the way. Shared Life's "seasons", if you will.
As we've matured and aged over the years, I've noticed that those childhood-into-adulthood relationships have grown dearer and more precious to me. I treasure them. And I now make it a point to return and visit my dear childhood friends more frequently. It's become much more important for me to keep in touch. How about you? Do you still stay in touch with childhood friends?
Notice: Please check my website Tuesday afternoon to see the new schedule of radio interviews for Wednesday, September 19th. I'll be talking about my new Suspense release, DEADLY POLITICS, on various morning shows around the country. Check my website Tuesday afternoon for times and stations.
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Ever since Labor Day, I've been visiting with old friends from childhood in Northern Virginia. I grew up across the street from two sisters, Nancy and Diane, in Arlington, Virginia. I was six years old, Nancy was five, and Diane was four. We grew up together, played together, walked to school together every day (elementary, junior high, senior high), and shared every stage of childhood together. We all went to separate colleges and universities, but always returned to our childhood homes across the street from one another and shared our experiences.
As the years passed, we each married and started building separate lives and careers with our husbands, and moved away from Arlington. Nancy and Diane and their families both live west of Arlington in Vienna, Virginia, a lovely wooded suburb. Our family lived in Fairfax, Virginia, then moved to West Lafayette, Indiana (home of Purdue University) then moved to Fort Collins, Colorado (home of Colorado State University), where I continue to live today. No matter where we all lived, we still managed to see each other even if it was only in summer or during holidays when we returned to see our families. We would share some of the various adventures and challenges that Life had presented to us along the way. Shared Life's "seasons", if you will.
As we've matured and aged over the years, I've noticed that those childhood-into-adulthood relationships have grown dearer and more precious to me. I treasure them. And I now make it a point to return and visit my dear childhood friends more frequently. It's become much more important for me to keep in touch. How about you? Do you still stay in touch with childhood friends?Notice: Please check my website Tuesday afternoon to see the new schedule of radio interviews for Wednesday, September 19th. I'll be talking about my new Suspense release, DEADLY POLITICS, on various morning shows around the country. Check my website Tuesday afternoon for times and stations.
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