Stephanie Verni's Blog, page 6

January 1, 2023

Living and Learning in the New Year

I’ve been at this blogging game since 2011. Sometimes I feel the need to switch it up, and I’m always looking for ways to do that. With a desire to blog more in 2023 (because I really dropped the ball in 2022), I came across the below stack of quote cards when I was out shopping and promptly bought them. On each of the cards is a quote; as well, there is one on the back. I’m sure you can sense what’s coming…

In 2023, I plan on sharing these quotes and writing impressions and thoughts about them, perhaps through a personal story or to provide inspiration. Anyway, that’s the plan, readers.

The first quote I pulled today is this one:

Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you. – John De Paola

Reflecting upon this particular quote, I realize that it applies to the decision I made in 2022, and the one I plan to continue in 2023. When I stepped down from full-time teaching in May and transitioned to part-time teaching in the Online University, it was just what the doctor ordered. I was feeling burned out. I’d been teaching since in some capacity since 1993 and working in a sort of frenzy for the last 14 years. The opportunity to pull back a little has offered me a completely new perspective on life. At my age, I don’t want to work harder, I want to work smarter. I want to write my novels. I want to spend more time with the people I love. I want to travel. I want to do some personal things I’ve been yearning to do (for example, I have joined a women’s group that meets every Wednesday morning and I absolutely love it, and I’m writing freelance travel articles). I’m working on my health and trying to get this back of mine up to snuff. I suppose you can say that everything I’ve needed to do has required me to slow down. End of story.

As I have truly felt the benefits of my decision, my wish for YOU is that you, too, can find some time to slow down, enjoy things that make you happy, and become rejuvenated. I know not everyone I’m talking to is at semi-retirement or retirement age. If you are someone who is beginning a career or is mid-career, do your best to find time in your life for yourself to do the things you love. Don’t pencil your time into your calendars – use ink and commit to it, so you don’t reach a state of burnout. Use all your vacation days, even if some of them are spent at the park, taking a day trip, reading your favorite book, or meeting family or friends at your favorite coffee spot or restaurant.

Think about starting the year off with a plan to slow down. The pandemic forced us all to do take this approach for a while. Let’s not lose sight of just how beneficial that aspect of what we went through was for a lot of us.

Happy New Year!

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Published on January 01, 2023 09:16

December 31, 2022

It’s A Sad State of Affairs

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Photo by Maria Orlova on Pexels.com

I hate to end 2022 on a sort of melancholy note, but I can’t help myself. Rarely, if ever, do I get preachy on my blog. Typically, I’m here to share news, light, personal stories, fictional writing, poetry, and my own uplifting insights. What will start on today’s post as a downer, I hope will turn into something positive as we move forward into 2023.

I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the news story about a hero in Western New York named Jay Withey who saved 24 people during the blizzard on Christmas Eve. It’s a heartwarming story—one that makes you proud of our capacity to do good and affirms a belief in the kindness of strangers. While saving people from the deadly blizzard, Withey ended up breaking into a school (breaking a window) as a means of finding shelter for those who had been stranded in their cars. When the blizzard subsided, he left a note for the school apologizing for breaking the window. The police later came to his home to commend him for his bravery. Happy stuff.

https://weather.com/storms/winter/video/new-york-man-breaks-into-school-during-buffalo-blizzard-saves-dozens

But the sad state of affairs to which I refer in the title of this post is the fact that, on Christmas Eve, with the storm raging and Withey trying to rescue those who were stranded, when he knocked on the doors of local people’s homes in the area asking if they could take refuge inside their homes, Withey and those he rescued were turned away. One after another.

One doesn’t have to look too far to feel a sense of despair about those circumstances. My husband and I both looked at each other when we heard the story and said, “Can you imagine not opening your door and welcoming into your home people in need like that?”

I suppose in this day and age of heightened skepticism and an untrusting nature of others, I shouldn’t be surprised. But I am. It was a matter of life and death. Of safety and saving people vs. having them freeze to death (as many did) in their cars. There was a frightening blizzard brewing. I am at a loss to understand this.

It also reminds me of another story, one in which a certain couple with a baby about to be born was told there was “no room at the inn.”

I hope this story comes as a lesson to us all as we are about to ring in 2023: perhaps consider opening your doors and your hearts to people in times of need, especially as ferocious, danger looms.

That is all, people.

That is all.

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Published on December 31, 2022 09:23

December 28, 2022

An End-of-Year Letter to Readers

Dear Readers,

Today, I’m going to start with one of the highlights of the year, and it has been handwriting letters to readers. I’ve handwritten over 100 letters to readers thus far. Without a doubt, this has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an author, for without readers, we are lost. When I published The Letters in the Books in July, I knew I wanted to do a special promotion with an independent bookstore. (If you order through Amazon or B&N, there are no letters inside). As well, since the protagonist of my book, a bookstore owner, handwrites uplifting letters that she slips inside books, I wanted to do the same. Park Books loved the idea of this promo, and it’s been my pleasure to handwrite letters that are tucked inside my own novel for readers to receive. If you can’t get to the store, you can order one through my blog here or via Park Books online.

And that’s why I decided to end the year with a letter to my readers, whether you follow me here on the blog or on social media. Please know that while it’s not handwritten, it is heartfelt. What follows is a recap of 2022.

Exciting Moments of 2022

To start, my son Matthew graduated college! In May, we celebrated his success with Widener University and celebrated his success in navigating college, especially under circumstances of a pandemic. We are very proud of him. He’s working for a cyber security company and is loving it—and is off to a great professional start. As parents, the best thing we can do when raising kids is to raise happy, healthy, and self-sufficient ones. Anthony and I are incredibly proud of his accomplishments.

My daughter, Ellie, had a big year, too. At Towson University, she is making strides in her Mass Communication and Deaf Studies programs (you should see her use her sign language skills—it’s amazing)! She’s also active in her sorority and is on the Fusion Dance team. We were thrilled to see her perform on the stage in April, and she even had a solo performance in the show. From the days of her being in middle school and wondering what to take as an arts class (I said, “Why not try dance? I think you’ll love it!), she has lit up our lives with her love of dancing.

In April, I received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Eastern Communication Association (ECA); it was such an honor. I’ve been a part of ECA for years and have helped plan conventions, helping my colleague Leeanne Bell McManus as she served in her leadership roles. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’ll look forward to presenting at the 2023 convention in Baltimore.

In May, we were able to take a trip to the Dominican Republic to celebrate Ellie’s graduation from high school (celebrating late due to the pandemic) and Matt’s graduation from college, as well. We bonded over the seven-day trip to lovely Iberostar Grand Bavaro and loved every minute of it. From taking dance lessons to participating in events on site, dancing in the disco, attending shows, swimming in the pool, enjoying the beach views, and making new friends, it was an absolute dream come true. My kids loved it, and my husband and I enjoyed the time away with them.

As well, in May I decided to step down from my full-time teaching position at Stevenson University. Working at the university since 2000 when I was pregnant with Matthew, I felt it was the right time to step back. Luckily for me, I was asked if I would consider moving into Stevenson University Online part-time to teach undergraduate and graduate courses. Thinking it through, this truly was the happy medium I was looking for in what we call “semi-retirement.” But the funny part is, I’m hardly semi-retired. I have a full plate of things I’m working on—writing for Maryland Road Trips, working on the second edition of our textbook, and working on my novels, in addition to other personal things I’ve wanted to do.

Yucky Moment of 2022

In October, 12 days before our 25th Anniversary trip to Italy, I herniated a disk in my back again. This was no ordinary herniation—it was awful. Our trip had to be cancelled, and I was pretty distraught (as was my husband about cancelling a trip we had planned for years). The herniation caused tremendous sciatic pain, and it was taking forever to heal. Physical therapy was helping a little, but it was a friend’s suggestion to see a chiropractor that made the difference. My chiropractor has helped me heal, and while I’m not perfect, I am WAY better than I was. We are going to reschedule our trip for next year, though we don’t know where we will travel just yet.

Fun Stuff in 2022

Anthony’s job at the Orioles is exciting, and it comes with lovely perks (and is so special to us as we met there!) This year, I attended more games than I have since I worked there back in the dinosaur ages. It was fun to be at the ballpark and be a good fan. As an added bonus, the team was really good and made the season super exciting! We also attended concerts, as the Orioles scheduled post-game concerts this year and a big concert at Camden Yards. Seeing Paul McCartney, The Struts, Flo-Rida, and other bands was exciting. As well, the team lets fans go on the field to stand in front of the stage when the groups perform. Super fun. The Orioles Christmas party was lovely, and I was so happy to be included.

Being invited to be on two podcasts was also a thrill. My colleague, Dr. Heather Harris, invited me on her podcast called It’s a WondHERful World, and my critique partner and fellow author, Sayword Eller, invited me on her podcast called About This Writing Thing.

We also took two short trips to Charlottesville, Virginia, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where we enjoyed our time away. In Virginia, seeing the University of Virginia and Monticello were highlights. In Lancaster, just ten days ago, we enjoyed the annual Christmas Show at the American Music Theatre called Home for the Holidays that I felt was on par with the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, which we have seen many times. While the Lancaster show did not have the Rockettes or camels, it did have an extraordinary amount of Christmas songs and carols, and it kept Jesus in Christmas, which was moving.

Book News

This year I published The Letters in the Books in July. It seems to be doing rather well, and I’m so glad to hear from so many people that this book makes them (1) happy, and (2) want to do something for others to lift their spirits. That truly was my intention with the book, and I love knowing I’ve brightened readers’ days with this story.

My former student and illustrator, Adrianna Murphy, agreed to partner with me in the reissuing of my Scrooge story. So, she tackled creating original drawings for the novella From Humbug to Humble. I’m so pleased with the way it turned out, and I even got a call from someone asking what I thought about turning the book into a play. Stay tuned. We’ll see what happens.

I also enjoyed attending events and local book clubs this year, and already have a couple on the docket for 2023. If you read one of my books, I’m happy to attend your meeting and answer any questions I can! Simply contact me at stephanie.verni@gmail.com to set something up.

Upcoming Books

Dodging Love: I am in the home stretch of writing Dodging Love, my newest work of historical fiction. Set in the late 1950s, the novel follows two newspaper writers right before the Brooklyn Dodgers leave for Los Angeles, and features a love story, an influential mafia woman, family secrets, and the noxious relationship between two sisters.

An Untitled Christmas Novella: I’ve said it a million times, but inspiration is all around us. After visiting an outdoor train garden in Pasadena, Maryland, I’ve been inspired to write a Christmas novella. I’ll be working on it this year, and hope to have it out by Christmas.

Anna in Tuscany/Anna’s Tuscan Christmas: Additionally, I published a short piece of fiction for Kindle called Anna in Tuscany. Wanting to continue Anna’s story, I’ve decided to write a second story called Anna’s Tuscan Christmas, and will publish them in book form this year.

Significant Impact

While there isn’t just one best moment, the most significant one for me has been my return to faith over the last few years, particularly this year. Somewhere along the line, I lost touch with my faith. Understanding it’s the most important aspect of my life and journey has been enlightening. I’m thankful to Walking with Purpose for helping to guide me, for the connections I’ve made, and for all that God has bestowed upon our family. This Christmas, more than ever, I feel incredibly blessed.

My Wish For You

So, readers, you’ve heard what’s been important for me this past year. What have been the most important aspects of 2022 for you? My wish going forward is that you have a wonderful, happy, successful, and fulfilling 2023. And as I like to write in the letters I stick in the books, always remember to be kind, and that small acts of kindness and doing good deeds for others is what life is all about.

Thank you for reading.

Wishing you many blessings and sending much love,

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Published on December 28, 2022 08:24

November 14, 2022

Freewheeling in Semi-Retirement

In Washington, D.C., with a view of the White House.

I’ve always thought of my blog as a place where I share information about writing, books, teaching, storytelling, and the like. But now that I’m in this precarious phase of life called “semi-retirement,” I have to figure out what I’m all about. Things change. I mean this statement in the best of ways…it’s weird to be in this place, for sure. And I haven’t really flushed out my thoughts on it until now.

I’ve been a teacher since 1993 when I taught my first college course. At that time, I was still working in baseball.

Since then, I worked for a newspaper, had children, created my own business (twice), and then became a full-time faculty member at Stevenson University. I got an MFA in Creative Writing in my forties. I’ve written 8 fictional books during my tenure at Stevenson University and one textbook.

We’ve raised two kids—one who graduated and is working full time, and one who is in her junior year at Towson.

I’m teaching part-time as an adjunct at Stevenson now—a graduate course, and I’ll teach one in the spring.

In Annapolis, celebrating our anniversary (which we were supposed to be celebrating in Italy). Soon. We. Will. Get. There.

My husband and I are essentially empty-nesters. He works in baseball (Orioles – what a season!), and I attend a lot of baseball games now, which I love. I’m living vicariously through his work with the Orioles, the place where we met, and the place where I spent 13 years working.

Writing for Maryland Road Trips – with my friend Jenny. We visited Robin Hill Farm and Vineyard on assignment and loved it.

My semi-retirement from teaching doesn’t mean I don’t have goals and things I want to accomplish in life. I do. There’s so much more I’d like to tackle. It’s just that it’s on my terms now.

I’m still writing books, still promoting them. I’m also in a pretty serious writing critique group with lovely women who meet once a month.

I’ve joined a church Bible study, something I’ve wanted to do for YEARS. We meet on Wednesday mornings, and I’ve enjoyed making new friends.

I’m dabbling in some crafts.

I was looking forward to traveling with my husband, but my back went all wonky on me again, so we’re trying to fix it. But soon, we’ll take that trip as we intended when I am healed.

I’m writing freelance travel pieces for MarylandRoadTrips.com.

I’m about to tackle projects around the house, as we’ve been in this one for nine and a half years.

I’m reconnecting with friends, playing in a neighborhood Pokeno group, getting ready for the holidays, and dabbling with my piano again.

Some people might not know what to do with themselves in retirement, or semi-retirement.

For me, it’s just the opposite.

I’m enjoying doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I worked really, really, really hard for many, many years. I’ve worked ever since I had a job at the age of 13 as a full-time babysitter for a neighbor. I also know I’m blessed to be able to do this.

Semi-retired doesn’t mean you’re done, finito, or almost dead. It just means you’re re-evaluating. Taking a pause.

Or better yet, freewheeling.

And it’s just what the doctor ordered.

Seriously.

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Published on November 14, 2022 13:10

November 7, 2022

I Believe the “New” Scrooge Would Adore this Collaboration

The beauty of being a teacher for so long is that you build a lot of relationships with people over the years. I’m very proud of my students after they graduate from college, and I’m always curious to see what they end up doing with their careers and their passions.

One such student, Adrianna Murphy, and I had a lot of conversations over the years about publishing, books, writing, and telling stories through words and art. That’s where this short story begins.

Last year when I published From Humbug to Humble: The Transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge in the midst of a hip replacement, I felt something was missing. Just as Charles Dickens did with his beautiful story A Christmas Carol , he set out to hire an illustrator for his novella, the great John Leech. As I decided to write “the rest of the story” and explore what exactly happened to Ebenezer Scrooge after he saw the ghosts (specifically, how did he make that wonderful transformation?), I wanted to hire an illustrator as well. I wanted a representation of the continuation of the story and to follow in Dickens’ exact footsteps of self-publishing, self-funding, and hiring an illustrator. Adrianna was just the person to do the job, and the illustrations she created are beautiful. I love how she captured the essence of the continuation of Ebenezer Scrooge’s story as I wrote it.

So, all this to say, the second edition, which is out now, has Adrianna’s illustrations inside the book!

The books can be purchased at Park Books in Severna Park, Maryland, Bethany Beach Books in Bethany Beach, Delaware, and via Amazon.com and BN.com.

I am so pleased with the outcome of the book, and I would hope my favorite writer would be pleased to see its end result. I would never want to disappoint Mr. Dickens.

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Published on November 07, 2022 09:40

October 18, 2022

The Irony & House of the Dragon

DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU ARE A FAN OF THE SHOW AND HAVEN’T WATCHED EPISODE 9 – I DON’T WANT TO SPOIL IT FOR YOU

Princess Rhaenys is the heroine of Episode 9, but did she make a mistake? After being locked in her room while the Queen’s advisors secretly plot to have Aegon sit on the throne, throwing away the wishes of King Vicerys to have his daughter, Rhaenyra, named Queen and sit on the Iron Throne, Princess Rhaenys ascends her dragon and scares the living daylights of everyone during the coronation. But should she have done more?

Princess Rhaenys

We all knew something was coming. You could feel it brewing the entire episode.

But here’s the irony.

In the episode of Game of Thrones in the final season called The Bells, when Daenerys Targaryen is on her dragon in that climactic moment when she decides whether or not to torch King’s Landing, we rooted for her to accept the surrender of the Lannisters. We wished for her not to go the way of the Mad King. We wanted to believe she was not all about power and vengefulness. We wanted her to be our “queen” and to see Cersei beg for mercy.

Then, on Sunday night, as Rhaenys was on her dragon, we remembered what was ahead (since the show is set 172 years before Game of Thrones). I actually found myself (along with many others on Twitter) wanting Princess Rhaenys to do the thing we wished Dani wouldn’t. We wanted her to torch the controllers, psychopaths, and connivers who were finagling Aegon to the throne and usurping Princess Rheanyra.

That’s the beauty of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. They toy with our emotions, who we like, and why we like them. It’s absolutely brilliant.

Now we’re all rooting for Rhaenyra and Daemon – and we all know Daemon is a psychopath, too.

What fun it is to watch this crazy show. I love it. It takes me away for an hour each week, as we watch the manipulations of power reflected in these characters.

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Published on October 18, 2022 11:04

September 28, 2022

Sorry, I Just Think It’s Weird—House of the Dragon, updates on a new book, a reunion & Italy

Thoughts on House of the Dragon’s Casting

Last Sunday night on House of the Dragon, they replaced the two actresses who played Raenyra (Milly Alcock) and Alicent (Emily Carey) with two other actresses as ten years had passed between the previous episode and Sunday night’s. The switch was jarring—they didn’t look or act like the previous characters. I’m sorry, I just think it’s weird in today’s era of movie making that they would choose to do this—films age characters all the time. What’s even stranger is that Matt Smith who plays Daemon, continues in his role, looking no older than before despite the passage of 10 years. As well, Paddy Considine, the actor who plays Dragon King Viserys, the father of Raenyra, was aged with makeup. What gives? I didn’t much care for the casting decisions by The Crown, either, when they decided to have young actors play the roles of Queen Elizabeth and Philip and others in the first two seasons, then hired a new cast for Seasons 3 & 4, and then again cast new actors for Seasons 5 & 6. Is this a new trend? Did they learn nothing from Brad Pitt’s portrayal and makeup/aging changes in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? As viewers, we’re okay with makeup and aging or making someone look more youthful. I want the old Raenyra back. She was amazing.

Sorry, I’m just not too pleased. And I love Game of Thrones, so it’s a little disappointing. They didn’t change any actors in the original Game of Thrones over the 10 years (except for the Daario Naharis switch when there was an actor conflict).

This is a small thing in life, I realize. But if I were those female actors, I’d be annoyed.

What I’m Writing Now – Dodging Love

My latest work of fiction that’s one the market — THE LETTERS IN THE BOOKS — and what is forthcoming, DODGING LOVE.

After you publish a novel, as I did in July with The Letters in the Books, the question you have to be prepared to answer is this: What are you writing now?

Well, I can answer that. I’m writing something a little different…a little darker…and it’s historical fiction. Taking place from 1956-1957, I’m writing a story about a female reporter/author who gets caught up in writing the story of a Mafiosi’s life (or mafia Godmother, as they are sometimes called), drama with her own sister, and a fellow writer as a love interest who enters the picture. It’s a story of family secrets, betrayal, love, and revenge. Right now, I’ve written 44,574 words, and I’m guessing it’s going to end up around 80,000 words, so I’m more than halfway there. I’m writing in a different style, too. Low on adjectives and adverbs and high on short, curt sentences, I’m working on painting the picture of a hurt and struggling protagonist. I’ve had to research the era, including what it was like in New York City, where the story is set. You may wonder why it’s called Dodging Love. The love interest of my protagonist is a sports writer who covers The Brooklyn Dodgers before they move to Los Angeles. What will happen to these two?

I’m looking forward to seeing where and how this one ends up. Even I will be surprised by the path this one takes.

Packing for Italy

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Photo by Ali Naaz on Pexels.com

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been getting organized for our 25th anniversary trip to Italy. This will be our second time visiting Italy, but it’s been a while. We went before we had children, so we’re excited to venture back. This trip will take us to Rome, Sorrento, Naples, Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and then back to Rome. The last time we went, St. Peter’s was under scaffolding as they prepared for the year 2000 celebrations. I’m excited to see it, as well as the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel again. I long to eat pizza and drink wine and sit in a piazza. Since we’re going in October, the weather can be tricky, so I’m packing lots of layers and comfy shoes for walking the streets of Positano.

Orioles Staff Reunion

Annual Reunion

Finally, on Friday night, the annual Orioles Staff Reunion took place in the outfield bar at Camden Yards. Approximately 60 of us showed up to catch up and celebrate the Orioles’ great season this year! It was fun to catch up with people who became family when we all worked together for the Baltimore Orioles over many years. When you work in baseball and have to produce 81 games a year, you grow up together and get to know each other well. It was great to see everyone, and I look forward to next year’s reunion!

Three of these couples met at the Orioles and married each other. Any guesses?

With some of my favorite people!

Happy Hump Day!

___________________________________

STEPHANIE VERNI is the author of THE LETTERS IN THE BOOKS; FROM HUMBUG TO HUMBLE: THE TRANSFORMATION OF EBENEZER SCROOGE; BENEATH THE MIMOSA TREE; INN SIGNIFICANT; LITTLE MILESTONES; THE POSTCARD; and ANNA IN TUSCANY. She is also a co-author of the textbook, EVENT PLANNING: COMMUNICATING THEORY & PRACTICE. Currently an adjunct professor at Stevenson University Online, she instructs communication courses for undergraduate and graduate students. She and her husband reside in Severna Park, Maryland, and have two children. On the side, she enjoys fashion and writing travel articles for marylandroadtrips.com.

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Published on September 28, 2022 10:56

September 14, 2022

The Good Things (and people) That Come From Instagram

When I completed my MFA in Creative Writing in 2011, for years afterward I felt a void with regard to my writing and garnering input from fellow writers. I yearned to be in a writer’s group – a critique group – where likeminded authors shared their work and offered and received feedback.

Two and a half years ago, I was invited into a group of fellow writers, people I’ve connected with through Instagram. I’ve been interacting with these women virtually since then, as we are writers from all over the United States, with one member in the United Kingdom. Not only are we all writers, but we are all published writers, and I value their feedback and input.

Joining author Sayword Eller on her Podcast and YouTube channel called “About This Writing Thing.”

Last week, I had the good fortune of being on my critique partner’s podcast. Talented author Sayword Eller has a wonderful podcast for writers called About This Writing Thing, which is available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and via YouTube. It was an honor to be her first guest of the season. You can listen to our conversation about writing by clicking the link above.

With author Colleen Young in Baltimore

Additionally, today I was able to meet author Colleen Young in person, another member of our critique group. Colleen lives in Florida and was in Baltimore on business. Luckily for us, we were able to sneak in a meal and good conversation, as we met in person for the first time. We talked about writing, traveling, children, jobs, and even about Instagram tips for writers. It was so good to see her in person and not through a screen.

Finally, last year when I wrote From Humbug to Humble: The Transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, author and member of the critique group, Megan Musgrove, our resident U.K. writer, willingly edited my Scrooge book to make sure it sounded “British” and not American. I was certainly thrilled and grateful to have her eyes on it.

For all the talk about social media, and as we weigh its positives and negatives, there are certainly good things that can come from it, namely these types of friendships. It’s a great way to make friends with like-minded people, or people with the same interests as you, for sure. Social media has the power to bring people together. It brought our whole group together, as well as our other members, authors Dana Armstrong and Jeré Anthony.

I’m thankful for my critique group because they hold me accountable for writing, they offer wonderful suggestions for character and plot development, and they understand this tough business—”this writing thing”—as Sayword calls it. And we can all relate to each other because we know what it’s like to navigate this writing thing one step at a time.

xx,

___________________________________

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Published on September 14, 2022 15:31

September 8, 2022

Does Mystery Love Company? Let’s hope so…

I’ll be heading to the Eastern Shore and one of my favorite towns, Oxford, next Saturday to visit Mystery Loves Company for a book signing for The Letters in the Books from noon – 2 p.m. Oxford also happens to be the setting of my third novel, Inn Significant, and this will be my second time visiting Mystery Loves Company. I’ll have copies of that book, Little Milestones (which is set in Oxford and St. Michaels), and of course, copies of my newest release.

In Oxford at the Robert Morris Inn & Tavern near The Strand

And while my novel isn’t a mystery, it’s set in Annapolis, and there is one element of “surprise” or “mystery” to the book. Without spoiling it, the question is this: Who wanted to harm Meg’s bookstore?

The Letters in the Books is a story about a bookstore owner and the ways in which she chooses to lift people up with the words she writes in letters that she slips inside the books of her customers. Four other main characters receive letters, and what unfolds is the story of how these five people find each other.

Book promo video

If you live on the Eastern Shore or can make the drive to Oxford, you will enjoy perusing Kathy’s bookstore. As well, you can take a tour of the town, eat ice cream at Scottish Highland Creamery, stroll the park, visit The Strand beach area, and dine at restaurants with views of the water.

I hope you’ll come visit me. I just may slip a letter inside your book.

xx,

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Published on September 08, 2022 10:17

September 1, 2022

The Death of Cursive and the Repercussions

According to an article by Christopher Bergland in Psychology Today, “accumulating evidence suggests that not learning cursive handwriting may hinder the brain’s optimum potential to learn and remember.” Thank you for validating what we educators have been saying for years: students remember material better when they take longhand notes rather than type into a computer.

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I’ve preached it. If you had a me as a professor, you know that I’ve shared these findings with you. Mind you, I’m not discounting the importance and relevance of digital devices, I’m merely focused on retention of information via handwritten notes.

In study after study, the results are in: there is a direct correlation between writing things down with pen and paper (or even a pen on a tablet) versus typing directly into the computer. Brain function increases. When you are strictly typing, the students function as a transcriber. When students handwrite, they are forced to be a gatekeeper and processor of information as they decide what needs to be written down to remember later.

Sometimes I hand write short stories, even now.

So, that’s reason number one for why we shouldn’t disregard teaching cursive writing and use it to take notes.

If you need more reasons to keep this lovely art alive, I can offer at least three more.

Let’s continue with signatures. I almost fell over when I saw how my son signs his names to documents. He writes an “M” and then a line and then a “V” and then a line. I said to him, “That’s your signature? What?”

The sloppiness of signatures today is ridiculous. Where once people took pride in how they wrote their name, it’s no longer a thing. We’re too busy trying to figure out which Instagram photo to post rather than working on our penmanship. How cool is it when you look at a document like the Declaration of Independence and can see, clearly, the signatures of those who signed? Or, to bring it closer to home, think about your old yearbooks. Isn’t it fun to see what people wrote in them back then? Most of my classmates wrote their messages in cursive.

As well, reason number three would be that we need to be able to READ cursive, not just be able to write it. If we don’t teach it anymore, how will others decipher the history of what has been penned in cursive—in longhand—in the future? Best for them to know how to read it, don’t you think?

And finally, reason number four, and this one requires a promise from you. If you haven’t already done so, promise me that sometime in your life you will write the people you love more than anything, a love letter…in cursive. There is nothing like receiving a heartfelt missive on beautiful paper that shares a piece of your heart. I, for one, would not like to receive a typewritten letter. Yuck. Nor would I want to receive a handwritten letter that is printed rather than in cursive.

Romance, people. A handwritten, cursive letter is about the most romantic thing you can give someone to cherish forever.

Encourage our young ones to learn cursive. Encourage others to write beautiful love notes in cursive. Write one yourself. Even if your penmanship isn’t perfect, just knowing someone took the time to sit with their feelings and transcribe them via pen and paper should make you feel like a million bucks.

You can listen to this post on Spotify/Anchor here:
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/DXDmAoAqYsb

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Published on September 01, 2022 09:02

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