Category Archives: Random thoughts

Looking in the Mirror

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Patricia Kiyono

Our Wednesday Fox asked, “What four words best describe you?” I took some time to mull this over. Ten months ago, I might have chosen different words. These days, I’m learning to stay at home more and making do with … Continue reading →

Posted in blessings, careers, Daily life, Dealing with stress, decisions, experiences, Family, hobbies, Life, lifestyles, Patricia Kiyono, Random thoughts, The Author Life, time management, using talents | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Who’s My Relief Pitcher?

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

Our resident hound blessed us with a lot of things to think about. Here’s what he wants us to ponder this week: “Most of us (writers) will depart this earth with several unfinished manuscripts. Have you ever thought of what … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, decisions, Patricia Kiyono, Random thoughts, What if, writers | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Guest Tim Germain and “The Customs of Christmas”

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Tonette Joyce

Today, I bring you something interesting for the the beginning of the holiday season, as many people are starting their Christmas celebrations early this year. I also believe that with so many writers reading this blog, and Christmas being a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, big plans, blessings, blogging, Christmas, Compilations, experiences, Faith-centered stories, Family, food, Guest, Holiday, holidays, inspiration, interview, Miscellaneous, Random thoughts, research, traditions, winter, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

It Was a Noir and Stormy Night…

Posted on October 9, 2020 by Tonette Joyce

“What kind of book would you like to write that you haven’t tried before?”  I’d like to be able to write a REAL mystery, an all-out head-scratcher from start to finish. A gritty, serious, police or even a spy novel. … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, big plans, book series, Books, characters, Clean Writing, cozy mystery, experiences, Life, memories, Miscellaneous, Mystery stories, novels, plots, Random thoughts, romance, short stories, subplots, Tonette Joyce, villains, writing, writing from experiences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

“No, But I’m a READER”

Posted on October 2, 2020 by Tonette Joyce

I was in a meeting in an office and the subject of names came up. I needed my legal name and all of the names that had been used by me. It is odd with me, because I have a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, author's life, authors, awards, big plans, blogging, experiences, free week, honors, memories, Pen names, publishing, Random thoughts, reading, Tonette Joyce, Validation, writers | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

A Book I’ve Always Wanted to Read

Posted on September 24, 2020 by Jeff Salter

But something got in the way By Jeff Salter This week’s topic has triggered various types of responses, some of which focused on books we believe we were “expected” to read or “pressured” to read… but (for whatever reason have … Continue reading →

Posted in authors, book review, Books, experiences, Jeff Salter, memories, Miscellaneous, Random thoughts, titles, writers, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

POP Go the References

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Tonette Joyce

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Subleties

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Tonette Joyce

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 Tonette Joyce

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 Patricia Kiyono

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