Blog
“Me” time
Like most mid-life women (and undoubtedly men too), I don't get much time that’s solely for "me"—to recharge, reflect and "be" in myself. In the last week, though, I had that time and it reminded me of the importance of self-care in life as well as writing....
Going (to my second) home
If, like me, you've spent half your adult life living outside the country of your birth, "home" is flexible. Although "home" for me is wherever Tech Guy and English Rose are, beyond that, I often picture myself straddling a little island in the middle of the Atlantic...
Summertime…
With temperatures topping 30 Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Rideau Valley this week, it's indeed summertime in my small town. From the fishing spot off the town dock, to the outdoor swimming pool, and lines at local ice cream shops, everyone is savouring...
Celebrating fictional heroines: My top five
In each story I write, I aim to create strong, independent heroines who face real-life challenges that other women can relate to. I've realized, though, that the heroines and their journeys I create in my own books have much to do with my favourite fictional...
Driving English Rose
Some people like driving, and getting behind the wheel of a car and heading for the open road is one of their happy places. I'm not one of those people! As a sedentary writer, one of the things I like best about my small-town life is that I live within walking...
Important GDPR and blog subscription information
Dear readers, As some of you know, the European Union (EU) is introducing the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which comes into effect on 25 May 2018. I'm based in North America, but EU residents subscribe to my blog mailings. As such, and to ensure...
Advice for life after the happy ending
In romantic fiction, happy endings are a given. However, one of the reasons I enjoy writing (and reading) epilogues, as well as books in a series, is because I can dip into the lives of characters after the main story ends and they're living their happy ever after...
Joining a book club
Long before I became a writer, I was a reader. From childhood until today, books have been my comfort, joy and inspiration. The library is one of my happy places, and when life hurts, I return to the pages of my favorite books, finding solace there only well-loved...
Prayers for Humboldt
A week ago, on a remote Saskatchewan highway, sixteen people were killed and thirteen others injured in a crash between a semi-trailer truck and a bus carrying players, coaches, a trainer, a local radio announcer and others associated with a Canadian junior (ice)...
Photo by Robin Spencer, Spencer Studio