Category Archives: Random thoughts

POP Go the References

Posted on June 19, 2020 by

When we were discussing advice to young, new or would-be writers, I omitted some pieces of advice. One is: Avoid ‘pop’ references. As far as I am concerned, they age your work and make it seem irrelevant very quickly. Of … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, big plans, book review, Books, characters, Christmas, dialogue, helping others, history, imagination, Miscellaneous, movies, Random thoughts, reading, research, Tonette Joyce, writers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Subleties

Posted on May 15, 2020 by

I have always been aware of how a simple gift can lift a spirit, how a kind remark or compliment can make a day, or even be remembered for years by the recipient. I also know that a mean action … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, Books, characters, cozy mystery, decisions, experiences, Family, free week, helping others, imagination, inspiration, inspirational people, Life, phrases, plots, protagonists, Random thoughts, reading, Tonette Joyce, villains, writers, writing | 10 Comments

Guest: Donna Feyen, “More Than a Review”

Posted on March 27, 2020 by

We write here at 4F, 1 H. We have in guest authors talking about writing their books, so after some years, I thought I would turn the tables and bring in someone who reviews books all the time. Please welcome … Continue reading →

Posted in Anthologies, authors, blogging, book covers, book review, Books, careers, Clean Writing, Compilations, decisions, experiences, Faith-centered stories, Family, Guest, helping others, honors, imagination, inspiration, interview, jobs, Life, novels, Publishers, Random thoughts, reader interview, reading, reviews, Tonette Joyce | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Look Mom, I’m an Author!

Posted on September 16, 2019 by

This week, one of our foxes asked, “When did you first think of yourself as an author?” I suppose the answer depends on one’s definition of author. Is it simply someone who writes? Or is that title limited to those … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, experiences, Patricia Kiyono, publishing, Random thoughts, The Author Life, writing | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

If I Could Only …

Posted on August 19, 2019 by

This week’s topic is one I selected. I have the feeling I was dealing with various medical issues in my family and bemoaning the fact that I’m not as young as I once was. Some days just don’t have enough … Continue reading →

Posted in author's life, big plans, decisions, experiences, lifestyles, memories, musicians, Patricia Kiyono, Random thoughts, What if | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

What’s On My Mind?

Posted on July 1, 2019 by

This week, our resident hound asked whether or not we’ve included specifics of our daydreams into any of our stories. I’ve been doing a lot of quilting lately, and when I saw the topic of daydreams my mind immediately went … Continue reading →

Posted in creating scenes, Fantasy vs Reality, inspiration, Patricia Kiyono, Random thoughts, The Author Life | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Heartstrings

Posted on June 28, 2019 by

A whirlwind around me again lately and here I was without an idea about writing for this ‘free’ week. By Tuesday I was so busy, I couldn’t even worry about it; I had a number of errands to do in … Continue reading →

Posted in art, big plans, blessings, careers, decisions, experiences, Family, free week, goals, inspiration, Life, Miscellaneous, musicians, performances, Preparing for writing, Random thoughts, summer, Tonette Joyce, using talents | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

How Could I Earn A Living?

Posted on June 5, 2019 by

If I Couldn’t Work in the Book Industry… and if I were not already retired. By Jeff Salter Yeah, I really should make clear the disclaimer that my discussion of these possibilities might sound quite different if not for the … Continue reading →

Posted in careers, Jeff Salter, libraries, Miscellaneous, Random thoughts, What if, writing | 13 Comments

Productivity Lost and Found

Posted on May 2, 2019 by

What Drains and/or Blocks My Potential Productivity? By Jeff Salter Gosh, this is a deep topic… and to think, I was the one who proposed it (way back when). As our Friday Fox recently said (paraphrased), “I wish I could … Continue reading →

Posted in author's life, Dealing with stress, imagination, inspiration, Jeff Salter, Miscellaneous, Preparing for writing, Random thoughts, The Author Life, using talents, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

One of These Folks is Not Like the Others

Posted on March 11, 2019 by

Remember this song from Sesame Street? I’ve never had any reason to doubt my family’s love for me, but I’ve always felt like a bit of an odd duck. I suppose that’s what prompted me to pose the Question of … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, memories, Patricia Kiyono, Random thoughts | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments