Kate Collins's Blog, page 34
June 9, 2019
SUMMER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
By Mary Kennedy
Ah, the long lazy days of summer. Okay, for many of us, they're not so long and they're definitely not lazy. But there is something special about summer; the tranquil breezes, the blooming flowers, the sweet perfume in the air, that makes us want to try new experiences and explore untraveled paths. By the way, this Eiffel Tower photo above was taken by my son.
Speaking of untraveled paths, this is Alecks, who is bi-lingual, exploring Death Valley. But you don't have to go far afield to start a new adventure and learn a new language.
There are so many ways to teach yourself a second (or third!) language. The most obvious way, of course, is through books and DVDs.
If you're motivated and the diligent type, you can set up your own study schedule and tackle whatever language appeals to you. You can even enlist the help of a friend who will be a "study buddy" for you. That's good for accountability and important for those times when you really don't feel like tackling French verbs.
Some people like to learn online at their own pace and there are loads of possibilities, both free and inexpensive.
Some people prefer the interaction with a group either in a structured class, offered by your local community college or learning institute.
Or if you like a more informal approach, you can try Meet Up and connect with people who want to learn the same language you do.
One of my favorite online sites is French Word a Day by Kristin Espinasse. She delivers wonderful photos about her life in the south of France with a vocabulary section at the end. Her posts are always entertaining, insightful and make you want to hop on a plane for Provence. I've been following her blog since she started it in 2002 and find it very helpful. It's fun and a painless way to stay "au courant" with French slang.
You can sign up for it right here. I look forward to every one of her posts. https://french-word-a-day.typepad.com
Duo Lingo is also a fun experience and makes vocabulary and grammar almost painless. A series of tests and buzzers guides you through both beginner and advanced language studies. https://www.duolingo.com/ You'll find an amazing selection of languages and it takes only a few minutes a day. The secret is consistency. Don't slack off!
Choose whatever learning method suits your style and pretty soon, you'll be chatting away like a world traveler.
So whatever you choose, make a vow to start today and stick with it. Yo'u'll be surprised at how much fun you'll have and how enjoyable your foreign travel will be.
Bon voyage! Mary Kennedy
Ah, the long lazy days of summer. Okay, for many of us, they're not so long and they're definitely not lazy. But there is something special about summer; the tranquil breezes, the blooming flowers, the sweet perfume in the air, that makes us want to try new experiences and explore untraveled paths. By the way, this Eiffel Tower photo above was taken by my son.
Speaking of untraveled paths, this is Alecks, who is bi-lingual, exploring Death Valley. But you don't have to go far afield to start a new adventure and learn a new language.
There are so many ways to teach yourself a second (or third!) language. The most obvious way, of course, is through books and DVDs.
If you're motivated and the diligent type, you can set up your own study schedule and tackle whatever language appeals to you. You can even enlist the help of a friend who will be a "study buddy" for you. That's good for accountability and important for those times when you really don't feel like tackling French verbs.Some people like to learn online at their own pace and there are loads of possibilities, both free and inexpensive.
Some people prefer the interaction with a group either in a structured class, offered by your local community college or learning institute.
Or if you like a more informal approach, you can try Meet Up and connect with people who want to learn the same language you do.
One of my favorite online sites is French Word a Day by Kristin Espinasse. She delivers wonderful photos about her life in the south of France with a vocabulary section at the end. Her posts are always entertaining, insightful and make you want to hop on a plane for Provence. I've been following her blog since she started it in 2002 and find it very helpful. It's fun and a painless way to stay "au courant" with French slang.
You can sign up for it right here. I look forward to every one of her posts. https://french-word-a-day.typepad.com
Duo Lingo is also a fun experience and makes vocabulary and grammar almost painless. A series of tests and buzzers guides you through both beginner and advanced language studies. https://www.duolingo.com/ You'll find an amazing selection of languages and it takes only a few minutes a day. The secret is consistency. Don't slack off!
Choose whatever learning method suits your style and pretty soon, you'll be chatting away like a world traveler.
So whatever you choose, make a vow to start today and stick with it. Yo'u'll be surprised at how much fun you'll have and how enjoyable your foreign travel will be.
Bon voyage! Mary Kennedy
June 7, 2019
When your character won't talk
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
I'll admit it. I've been struggling. The character I love above all the ones I've ever created is Jeff Resnick. He's been with me for a very long, long time. I tested him out in fan fiction (back in the day I was writing that), not once, but twice. So when I was sure I knew his history, I began writing the Jeff Resnick Mysteries.
I had planned to write a book for Jeff and his brother, Richard, during the first quarter of this year. But the thing is ... Jeff wasn't talking to me. He's got a lot on his plate and he just isn't ready to share that with me. It has both confused and confounded me. I know him better than anybody on the planet and I cannot figure out where he's coming from.
I 'd given myself from January until the end of May to write his latest adventure and I've barely scratched 7,000 words.
My plan was to start writing Booktown #14 as of June 1st, only I didn't know that I would be slapped with the copy edit for Victoria Square #6 (Murder Ink) just two days before that. So, I spent four days going over that copy edit and began Booktown #14 on Tuesday. Holy cow! If Jeff wasn't willing to talk to me, Tricia has been a complete blabbermouth. No sooner did I start to think about the next (and possibly last) Booktown Mystery than Tricia started dictating what I should write. The ideas seemed to flow like lava spewing from a volcano. In 48 hours, I had written more than 5,000 words an had ideas for at least 50% of the book.
So now I'm feeling lost and hurt. Jeff has been with me for a lot longer than Tricia. Why is he holding back?
Yeah, I know it sounds stupid. Jeff and Tricia are fictional characters, but they also speak to me. I'm sure I'm not the only author who feels this way about her characters. So, Tricia and I will be spending the summer together. And my Victoria Square co-author, Gayle Leeson, and I will be spending time with Katie Bonner and her crew of vendors, friends, and (possible) lovers during that same timeframe. I can only hope Jeff will get over his baggage and soon start talking to me again, because I need to reconnect to him like I would a long-lost relative or friend.
In the meantime, I'll just keep plugging along and hope that Jeff gets over whatever is bugging him and wonder if it isn't MY baggage that's keeping me from writing about his.
What do you think?
I'll admit it. I've been struggling. The character I love above all the ones I've ever created is Jeff Resnick. He's been with me for a very long, long time. I tested him out in fan fiction (back in the day I was writing that), not once, but twice. So when I was sure I knew his history, I began writing the Jeff Resnick Mysteries.I had planned to write a book for Jeff and his brother, Richard, during the first quarter of this year. But the thing is ... Jeff wasn't talking to me. He's got a lot on his plate and he just isn't ready to share that with me. It has both confused and confounded me. I know him better than anybody on the planet and I cannot figure out where he's coming from.
I 'd given myself from January until the end of May to write his latest adventure and I've barely scratched 7,000 words.
My plan was to start writing Booktown #14 as of June 1st, only I didn't know that I would be slapped with the copy edit for Victoria Square #6 (Murder Ink) just two days before that. So, I spent four days going over that copy edit and began Booktown #14 on Tuesday. Holy cow! If Jeff wasn't willing to talk to me, Tricia has been a complete blabbermouth. No sooner did I start to think about the next (and possibly last) Booktown Mystery than Tricia started dictating what I should write. The ideas seemed to flow like lava spewing from a volcano. In 48 hours, I had written more than 5,000 words an had ideas for at least 50% of the book.So now I'm feeling lost and hurt. Jeff has been with me for a lot longer than Tricia. Why is he holding back?
Yeah, I know it sounds stupid. Jeff and Tricia are fictional characters, but they also speak to me. I'm sure I'm not the only author who feels this way about her characters. So, Tricia and I will be spending the summer together. And my Victoria Square co-author, Gayle Leeson, and I will be spending time with Katie Bonner and her crew of vendors, friends, and (possible) lovers during that same timeframe. I can only hope Jeff will get over his baggage and soon start talking to me again, because I need to reconnect to him like I would a long-lost relative or friend.
In the meantime, I'll just keep plugging along and hope that Jeff gets over whatever is bugging him and wonder if it isn't MY baggage that's keeping me from writing about his.
What do you think?
June 5, 2019
Cats and a Special Bookstore
by Karen Rose Smith
Last weekend, I was pleased and excited to spend Saturday afternoon at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, Pennsylvania, meeting readers and signing copies of my new release MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES. Cupboard Maker is one of my favorite bookstores because it features two of my passions...books and cats. Located in a warehouse-type building in Enola, (near Harrisburg), the store carries a large selection (90,000 to 100,000 titles) of general stock hardbacks and paperbacks...both new and used. The outside walls of the building are painted to resemble a giant bookshelf, featuring both classics and works by local authors. I was honored to have my MURDER WITH LEMON TEA CAKES cover added to the "shelf."
Annika
Cupboard Maker is also the home of two bookstore cats--Squeekie and Annika--who interact with store patrons or just snuggle up on a bookshelf somewhere in the store. Michelle also fosters two or three felines who are in need of "furever" homes. So every time I visit, there are new occupants in the adoption cage. This visit I met Tyler, a long-haired ginger, and Archie, a white and ginger short hair who had just arrived in the store. It's not unusual to see one of the felines walking on the catwalks above the bookshelves around the store.
Archie
Archie's cage sits beneath the catwalk lined with
photos of felines who were previously adopted. Fellow cozy author Misty Simon and I greeted guests as they arrived. Conversations at the signing table varied from books to cats, from the publishing industry to favorite authors. Squeekie even joined the chat for a while. Everyone seemed to leave with a stack of new reads and, of course, the satisfaction of having interacted with one of the store's resident felines. Following store policy, some even left written messages on the shelves about their experience.
This was truly an enjoyable afternoon of chatting and sharing with friends (old and new) and interacting with some adorable felines. If only I could have tucked Tyler or Archie in my tote bag when I left. But I think my husband would have noticed!
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Amazon
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Barnes and Noble
Last weekend, I was pleased and excited to spend Saturday afternoon at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, Pennsylvania, meeting readers and signing copies of my new release MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES. Cupboard Maker is one of my favorite bookstores because it features two of my passions...books and cats. Located in a warehouse-type building in Enola, (near Harrisburg), the store carries a large selection (90,000 to 100,000 titles) of general stock hardbacks and paperbacks...both new and used. The outside walls of the building are painted to resemble a giant bookshelf, featuring both classics and works by local authors. I was honored to have my MURDER WITH LEMON TEA CAKES cover added to the "shelf."
AnnikaCupboard Maker is also the home of two bookstore cats--Squeekie and Annika--who interact with store patrons or just snuggle up on a bookshelf somewhere in the store. Michelle also fosters two or three felines who are in need of "furever" homes. So every time I visit, there are new occupants in the adoption cage. This visit I met Tyler, a long-haired ginger, and Archie, a white and ginger short hair who had just arrived in the store. It's not unusual to see one of the felines walking on the catwalks above the bookshelves around the store.
Archie
Archie's cage sits beneath the catwalk lined with photos of felines who were previously adopted. Fellow cozy author Misty Simon and I greeted guests as they arrived. Conversations at the signing table varied from books to cats, from the publishing industry to favorite authors. Squeekie even joined the chat for a while. Everyone seemed to leave with a stack of new reads and, of course, the satisfaction of having interacted with one of the store's resident felines. Following store policy, some even left written messages on the shelves about their experience.
This was truly an enjoyable afternoon of chatting and sharing with friends (old and new) and interacting with some adorable felines. If only I could have tucked Tyler or Archie in my tote bag when I left. But I think my husband would have noticed!
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Amazon
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Barnes and Noble
Wish I was there...
I’ve been trying to get the forever shoebox of pictures in some kind of order. These are from back in the day when I actually had physical pictures to put in shoeboxes.
There are the usual pictures of the kids born, growing up, first day of school etc and then there are the pictures I inherited, stuff that happened before my time. Pictures are great, reminds us of what was but nothing beats actually being there.There’s this picture of my parents wedding. I wish I could have been at the wedding. They look so young and happy and full of life.
And there’s a picture of grandpa Angelo’s store on Canal Street when we had canals in Cincy. Wish I could have shopped there...and ridden on a canal boat.There’s a picture of my uncle coming home from WWII. I would have loved to been in NYC for that parade and been a part of the end of WWII. Maybe stand beside that sailor kissing the girl. Heck I would have love to be that girl!
There’s a clipping of the first moon landing. I sure would have been neat to be standing on the moon too. Then there’s that newspaper clipping of the Titanic. I’m glad I wasn’t there for that one!I would have like to have been in the shop or whatever when Gutenberg printed his first something on the printing press. I bet they all held hands and did the Snoopy dance ‘cause they had to know they were really on to something.
I know I would have liked to witness firsthand the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Talk about some brave dudes. High treason is dangerous business.So what about you? Is there something you would have liked to witness up-close and personal? Something you wish you’d been a part of? Be with Adam and Eve in the Garden? Watch Babe Ruth slam a homer? Be there when Mr. Hershey made his first kiss!
June 3, 2019
Spring Colors
June 2, 2019
THE ELUSIVE GIFT PLOT
By Mary Kennedy
I've had some wonderful experiences researching my books, met some fascinating people and have discovered plot ideas that were a "gift" (as many writers say). A "gift" plot is something you don't have to slave over; it just comes to you in one piece. Beginning, middle and end, plot, characters, setting, theme and story arc.
Does it happen often? Sadly no. But when it does, I'm always very grateful. Who wouldn't be?
When I was in Key West for a few days researching a children's mystery for Scholastic, I was at my wit's end. The plot had to involve a crime, but it couldn't be drugs or murder, and there couldn't be any hint of alcohol or violence.
Key West was lovely, peaceful and serene. It was hard to imagine a crime taking place there. I had an iced tea at Margaritville and pondered my choices. Scribbled a few half-hearted ideas on a napkin and got nowhere.
Finally I wandered down to the dock and on an impulse took a glass bottom boat ride. A touristy thing to do, but it was sunset and it looked inviting.
They had a narrator on the boat who gave a terrific presentation on the ocean, the ecology, the coral reefs, etc. He was very impressive,not at all what I expected from the host of a glass bottom boat. At the end of his spiel, I introduced myself and told him my dilemma. How in the world could I find a crime in Key West that didn't involve drugs or murder?
It's easy, he told me.
Then he explained what was going on with the coral reef, which is seriously endangered. In fact, coral is so valuable. people were stealing chunks of it and making big bucks. They chartered a small private plane and landed on a desolate point near the shore. Then they filled rowboats with coral they'd chiseled off the reef. One boat could hold a few thousand dollars worth of coral and they went back and forth all night long. And then flew away with their haul.
I ended up using plot in one of my Boxcar Mysteries and am forever indebted to the narrator. By the way, he gave me his card and he was a Ph.D biologist on sabbatical from National Geographic. No wonder he was so knowledgeable!
The perfect "gift plot."
By Mary Kennedy
I've had some wonderful experiences researching my books, met some fascinating people and have discovered plot ideas that were a "gift" (as many writers say). A "gift" plot is something you don't have to slave over; it just comes to you in one piece. Beginning, middle and end, plot, characters, setting, theme and story arc.
Does it happen often? Sadly no. But when it does, I'm always very grateful. Who wouldn't be?
When I was in Key West for a few days researching a children's mystery for Scholastic, I was at my wit's end. The plot had to involve a crime, but it couldn't be drugs or murder, and there couldn't be any hint of alcohol or violence.
Key West was lovely, peaceful and serene. It was hard to imagine a crime taking place there. I had an iced tea at Margaritville and pondered my choices. Scribbled a few half-hearted ideas on a napkin and got nowhere.
Finally I wandered down to the dock and on an impulse took a glass bottom boat ride. A touristy thing to do, but it was sunset and it looked inviting.
They had a narrator on the boat who gave a terrific presentation on the ocean, the ecology, the coral reefs, etc. He was very impressive,not at all what I expected from the host of a glass bottom boat. At the end of his spiel, I introduced myself and told him my dilemma. How in the world could I find a crime in Key West that didn't involve drugs or murder?
It's easy, he told me.Then he explained what was going on with the coral reef, which is seriously endangered. In fact, coral is so valuable. people were stealing chunks of it and making big bucks. They chartered a small private plane and landed on a desolate point near the shore. Then they filled rowboats with coral they'd chiseled off the reef. One boat could hold a few thousand dollars worth of coral and they went back and forth all night long. And then flew away with their haul.
I ended up using plot in one of my Boxcar Mysteries and am forever indebted to the narrator. By the way, he gave me his card and he was a Ph.D biologist on sabbatical from National Geographic. No wonder he was so knowledgeable!
The perfect "gift plot."
By Mary Kennedy
Please pass the relish tray
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Years ago, Mr. L took me to a wonderful restaurant that has now been abandoned for decades. Before your dinner was served, they set out a relish tray. The highlight for us was the corn relish that came with other relishes, pickles, and veggies. Over the years, we've lamented the fact that the restaurant is history ... but what about making a relish tray?
Here's the definition of a relish tray according to the Stack Exchange website:
"A relish tray is an assortment of pickles, olives and small sticks of celery and or carrots. You might also have chow chow or chutney. Any type of relish like fancy cranberry relish or a little savory you might add to your dinner plate might be on a relish tray."
We've tried corn relish in jars, but they just don't have the taste we remembered for that restaurant, so I guess it's time to try and find a recipe and make it for myself.
I'm not a stranger to such things. Last weekend I made rhubarb chutney, which is relish-like. (And boy is it good.)
Lately, we've been making small relish trays. The only real relish we include is a hot sweet pepper relish. Other items on our small tray are bread-and-butter pickles, banana peppers, and dill slices. I'm more than willing to add more things to our relish tray. Do you have any suggestions?
Years ago, Mr. L took me to a wonderful restaurant that has now been abandoned for decades. Before your dinner was served, they set out a relish tray. The highlight for us was the corn relish that came with other relishes, pickles, and veggies. Over the years, we've lamented the fact that the restaurant is history ... but what about making a relish tray?Here's the definition of a relish tray according to the Stack Exchange website:
"A relish tray is an assortment of pickles, olives and small sticks of celery and or carrots. You might also have chow chow or chutney. Any type of relish like fancy cranberry relish or a little savory you might add to your dinner plate might be on a relish tray."
We've tried corn relish in jars, but they just don't have the taste we remembered for that restaurant, so I guess it's time to try and find a recipe and make it for myself.
I'm not a stranger to such things. Last weekend I made rhubarb chutney, which is relish-like. (And boy is it good.)Lately, we've been making small relish trays. The only real relish we include is a hot sweet pepper relish. Other items on our small tray are bread-and-butter pickles, banana peppers, and dill slices. I'm more than willing to add more things to our relish tray. Do you have any suggestions?
May 29, 2019
New Release--MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
by Karen Rose Smith
I am pleased to announce that MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES, the third book in my Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries, has been released this week by Kensington Books. I have just completed the line edits on the fourth book in the series, MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS, a December 2019 release and I am completing final edits on the fifth book, MURDER WITH CLOTTED CREAM, scheduled for release in 2020.
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
Daisy’s Tea Garden in Pennsylvania’s Amish country is known for its elegant finger foods—but now owner Daisy Swanson has to finger a killer . . .
Restaurant critic Derek Schumaker, notorious for his bitter reviews, is about to visit Daisy’s Tea Garden, and Daisy and Aunt Iris are simmering with anxiety. A bad word from the culinary curmudgeon could really hurt their business, but Daisy tries to stay confident. After all, how can he resist her cucumber sandwiches with pimento spread—not to mention the cheesy cauliflower soup and strawberry walnut salad?
Schumaker takes a to-go order when the afternoon tea service is done, which Daisy hopes is a good sign. But when he perishes from a seizure, it looks like his food was dosed with something deadly. Considering a threat that recently appeared on his blog—and whispers of scandal in his past—Daisy has quite an assortment of suspects to sift through . . .
Includes delicious recipes!
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Amazon
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Barnes and Noble
I am pleased to announce that MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES, the third book in my Daisy's Tea Garden mysteries, has been released this week by Kensington Books. I have just completed the line edits on the fourth book in the series, MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS, a December 2019 release and I am completing final edits on the fifth book, MURDER WITH CLOTTED CREAM, scheduled for release in 2020.
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
Daisy’s Tea Garden in Pennsylvania’s Amish country is known for its elegant finger foods—but now owner Daisy Swanson has to finger a killer . . .
Restaurant critic Derek Schumaker, notorious for his bitter reviews, is about to visit Daisy’s Tea Garden, and Daisy and Aunt Iris are simmering with anxiety. A bad word from the culinary curmudgeon could really hurt their business, but Daisy tries to stay confident. After all, how can he resist her cucumber sandwiches with pimento spread—not to mention the cheesy cauliflower soup and strawberry walnut salad?
Schumaker takes a to-go order when the afternoon tea service is done, which Daisy hopes is a good sign. But when he perishes from a seizure, it looks like his food was dosed with something deadly. Considering a threat that recently appeared on his blog—and whispers of scandal in his past—Daisy has quite an assortment of suspects to sift through . . .
Includes delicious recipes!
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Amazon
MURDER WITH CUCUMBER SANDWICHES on Barnes and Noble
For the Love of Sherlock!
Hi, All. Duffy Brown hereI’m a Sherlock fan...actually I’m a Sherlock nut that is proved by the big Sherlock Bear I just bought. Like my bio says when other girls wanted to take Brad Pitt to the prom I wanted a date with SH...and I still do! I love anything Sherlock. My license plate is Shrlock! The license plate holder is: Come, Watson, Come The Game is Afoot. Don’t you love it.I read Sherlock as a kid but the real love affair started with the new BBC series Sherlock played by Benedict Cumberbatch and the best Dr. Watson ever played by Martin Freeman. The only drawback is these two terrific actors can only get together for three episodes a year…or every two years. Dr. Watson in old movies is often kind of a stupid guy. He’s a doctor so he’s intelligent but not all that clever. Not so with the new Dr. Watson. He’s smart and clever and a perfect match for Sherlock.
The thing with the new Sherlock series is that they brought it into the 21stCentury. I thought I’d hate this but the writers and produces did such an amazing job of making Sherlock true to his character. And the stories are a take off of the original ones. A Study in Scarlet became aStudy in Pink. The Sign of Four became The Sign of Three. You get the pictureBut enough of the new Sherlock there is still the magic of the old Sherlock to consider. What is amazing to me is despite the old-fashioned language and pace the stories have stood the test of time and are still captivating. IMO it's not really the mystery that’s the draw but the character of Holmes himself. It really is amazing that a character such a product of his times can be still so intriguing over a hundred years later. Sherlock is a super-hero in many ways but also an enigmatic and flawed hero which makes him so intriguing. So, are you a Sherlock fan? Do you think you know your Sherlock? Here’s a little Sherlock quiz. Let me know how you do.Sherlock questions: What instrument did Sherlock play? Where did Holmes live (Do you know the address?) Who was his sidekick? What was the first Sherlock Holmes book? Name of his brother? Name of his nemesis? His one love interest? Who was his housekeeper?What did he take up when he retired? (That’s a tough one) Author of Sherlock Holmes?So, how did you do?Are you a Sherlock nut like me? Have Sherlock memorabilia? I think I need therapy.Hugs, Duffy Brown
May 28, 2019
WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?
by Maggie SeftonFor those of you who first discovered my mystery novels by reading my suspense trilogy---DEADLY POLITICS, POISONED POLITICS, BLOODY POLITICS---or my Historical Mystery---SCANDALS, SECRETS AND MURDER---you may not be familiar with the Kelly Flynn Mysteries, set in Fort Connor, Colorado (a fictional version of my real town of Fort Collins, CO).
A great way to get a glimpse of the many characters participating in these mysteries is to take a look at my introduction to them in WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?
It's a closer look at all the characters in the Kelly Flynn Knitting Mysteries and is only available on Amazon.
