Author Archives: headywriting19

Look for the Beauty

I was delighted to see this beautiful and innovative way that a high school English teacher had decorated her classroom. The actual windows offered a few a nothing more than the roof of the next wing of the building, and a tiny patch of sky. But the teacher had taken one wall and covered itContinue reading “Look for the Beauty”

What Makes a Great Book?

Essentially, a great book is one that grabs you on the first page and doesn’t let go, not even at the end, because you walk around thinking about it for the next couple of days. A great book also is written with beautiful language. The author knows how to play with words to create sensationsContinue reading “What Makes a Great Book?”

The Importance of Reading Fiction

I read an interesting article in the New York Times yesterday entitled “What Should Children Read?” I am providing the link so you can read it for yourself. Whatever the “experts” who have written these national standards might think, reading fiction has a value far more than just time-filling entertainment that has no practical useContinue reading “The Importance of Reading Fiction”

Review of David Bell’s The Hiding Place

Although The Hiding Place is certainly not a Thanksgiving book, I though it appropriate to post my review of this book which appeared in Suspense Magazine. This novel deals with two families and the secrets that were kept for many years. It seemed fitting for the holiday season in that it emphasizes how easy itContinue reading “Review of David Bell’s The Hiding Place”

NaNoWriMo (What the Heck Is That?)

This year, for the first time, I participating in National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short. The goal is to write 50,000 words during the month of November. This is a pretty short novel, but a darned good start. I have been so caught up in the release and promotion of Lydia’s Story thatContinue reading “NaNoWriMo (What the Heck Is That?)”

Week 19: The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Oct31 by Kathleen Heady I’m participating in my first blog hop, which will take us from one author to the next, and introduce some new writers and their works. I hope you will follow our blog hop and be introduced to some exciting reads as well as works in progress. You will learn about meContinue reading “Week 19: The Next Big Thing Blog Hop”

Reading Outside the Box

I read mostly mysteries and suspense novels, because that is what I write and because I review books for Suspense Magazine. But occasionally I read something outside of those genres. I find that a different type of book and writing style can spark my own writing and stretch my creativity. Last night I downloaded TheContinue reading “Reading Outside the Box”

Giving Birth to “Lydia’s Story”

My newest novel, Lydia’s Story, is now available all the major book sellers. If you are a writer, you know what a wonderful rush comes along with writing those words. If you are not a writer, just think of any major project you have embarked on in your life — giving birth to a child,Continue reading “Giving Birth to “Lydia’s Story””

Why Set My Story in World War II?

My newest novel, Lydia’s Story, is a sequel/prequel to my first novel, The Gate House. It is a sequel because the same main characters, Nara Blake and her family, continue their story of life in a small English town, where too much seems to happen. It is a prequel because the book also tells theContinue reading “Why Set My Story in World War II?”