Geri Dreiling's Blog, page 3

What writers need to know about fair use

Some things exist that may bring you comfort. And yet, you may not really understand how to use them. Examples include the airplane seat cushion that doubles as a flotation device; the home fire extinguisher stuffed into a kitchen cabinet; and the fair use legal doctrine. In a previous post, I highlighted three copyright myths.… Continue reading What writers need to know about fair use

In a Lonely Place: Pulp fiction at its finest

The psychological thriller, In a Lonely Place, is a groundbreaking book — and one that you’ve probably never heard of. But thanks to efforts to resurrect the work of women mystery writers, this 1947 novel by Dorothy B. Hughes has been introduced to a new generation of readers. The setting is Los Angeles after the… Continue reading In a Lonely Place: Pulp fiction at its finest

Three copyright myths debunked for bloggers and content writers

You’ve just crafted inspiring text to share online. Now, you’re hunting for an image to complement your post. The last thing you want is to be on the receiving end of a letter from a lawyer claiming you’ve violated the copyright of a photographer or designer. If you’re a blogger, writer, content creator or digital… Continue reading Three copyright myths debunked for bloggers and content writers

To make the most out of a trip to Paris, avoid these 5 mistakes

When it comes to planning a vacation, guidebooks and TripAdvisor reviews are chock-full of helpful tips. For me, one of the challenges is that I can overlook some of the finer points of the travel advice because I’ve been swept away by a tsunami of information. Having just spent several days in Paris, I’ve come… Continue reading To make the most out of a trip to Paris, avoid these 5 mistakes

7 tech tasks for a long layover

‘Tis the season for travel. Whether you’re going to grandmother’s house or jetting off for a romantic trip to Paris, you may find yourself on a plane, train or even riding in an automobile during the holiday season. What will you do to pass the time while en route to your destination? Reading, scrolling through… Continue reading 7 tech tasks for a long layover

Thanksgiving foods we love to hate

Last week, I asked a controversial question on Facebook – and it had nothing to do with politics. The first reply came in a matter of minutes. Soon, a flurry of thirty responses and counterarguments were published.  The question that provoked the outpouring: What traditional Thanksgiving dishes do you dislike? This Thursday, we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving… Continue reading Thanksgiving foods we love to hate

Six lessons for writers from Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast – Part 2

In the 1920s, Ernest Hemingway struggled to make the jump from journalist to novelist. In A Moveable Feast, he describes the steps he took to improve his writing, as well as his decision to turn down good paying reporting gigs to hone his craft. Yesterday, I highlighted the first three lessons about writing that can… Continue reading Six lessons for writers from Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast – Part 2

Six lessons for writers from Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast – Part 1

Ernest Hemingway makes 1920s Paris come alive in A Moveable Feast. Feet splash in puddles. Fires warm cafes in the Paris of December. The smell of baguettes fresh out of the oven fills the air. Copious amounts of white wine accompany dishes of oysters or fried fish. But there’s more. The reader also learns of… Continue reading Six lessons for writers from Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast – Part 1

How art and research boost the pleasure of a big trip

When I was a kid, anticipating Christmas brought almost as much pleasure as the day itself. List making, tree trimming, shaking and squeezing packages while guessing the contents rivaled opening the gifts on December 25. As an adult, something similar happens when I book a big trip. Learning about my travel destination and understanding the… Continue reading How art and research boost the pleasure of a big trip

Three benefits of walking six miles with a loved one

What possessed me to suggest taking a long walk on a Sunday morning? That I can’t remember. But I do know that somehow, I convinced my husband to give it a try. A year later, we continue our weekly walking dates. Our outings began in August 2017 in Forest Park, an oasis of nature in… Continue reading Three benefits of walking six miles with a loved one