historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
For the past eight months, I've spent most of my writing time researching and querying literary agents. I've sent out close to seventy query letters. The results? Crickets. Some agents do reply, with a (often form-letter) "lovely but not for me" kind of email. Most don't reply at all. I get it. A publishing company … Continue reading Another Post On Querying
Leo's troopship lands in the Lingayen Gulf in early February 1945, shortly after the main assault force lands in late January. They meet no resistance, but the remnants of battle are fresh. Leo's sonnet envisions the landing troops that preceded him. Tadashi and Kaito, the only survivors of the raid on the Cabanatuan POW camp, … Continue reading The Poetry of War Sonnets: War Zone
In 1897 Philadelphia there are limited choices for young women. If one has enough connections they will be invited to be "presented" at the annual Charity Ball, a fast ticket to a society marriage and a comfortable life. But Eliza Pearson Edwards wants none of it. Eliza has grown up in a family dominated by … Continue reading Book Review: “The Unlocked Path” by Janis Robinson Daly
Let's take a break from writing today and re-visit nature. Charlie and I recently spent ten days in Montana visiting relatives and boy was there a lot to see! We went to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, hiked a few trails, drove up and across the Beartooth Highway (elev at summit 10, 947 feet) and … Continue reading Where the Buffalo Roam…
Let me start by saying that I love Lisa Gardner's novels. Before She Disappeared, the first of Gardner's "Frankie Elkin" series, was no exception. I really bonded with Frankie; I can't say why because I am not a wanderer, nor an alcoholic, nor am I haunted by the ghosts of my past. But Frankie is … Continue reading Book Review: “One Step Too Far” by Lisa Gardner
Boy, I sure have read some awesome books this summer. The kind of books that make me wish I was "that good" at writing. I've added a couple of authors to my "read every one of their books" list. Some have been short, quick reads, others very long but they kept my interest. In all, … Continue reading June-August Book Recap
You may recall reading my posts about our three old dogs. The first one, in May 2021, introduced you to 15-year olds Emmit and Riley, 17-year old Kody, and Jelly Bean the cat. Emmit died shortly after that post. Then in August, we said goodbye to Kody. Fast forward one year, and the last of … Continue reading Three, two, one…
While I'm (not so patiently) waiting for responses to my search for an agent/publisher for War Sonnets, I decided to submit the manuscript to the Historical Fiction Company for a review. I so desperately needed some kind of moral boost! As the days passed, I realized that whatever the results, it would be a make … Continue reading A Five-Star Review for “War Sonnets”!
In September, 1942, Tadashi is on a troop carrier in the East China Sea en route to the Philippines when their ship is hit by a monsoon. As the ship rocks violently, as men are blown overboard and booms toppled, Tadashi fears that his decision to leave his family and defend his country will have … Continue reading The Poetry of “War Sonnets”: En Route to War
In the spirit of our recently celebrated Independence Day, I'd like make a proposal: National Service. It's true that military conscription is not the issue it was when I was a youth. Back then we protested being forced to participate in a war that we considered immoral. Back then we campaigned for the right to … Continue reading Soapbox: National Service
Susannah Willey Writes 