When my partner, Charlie, and I merged households a few years back, I arrived with a dog to add to the two he already had. Mine was a beagle named Riley, about four years old. He had two pugs—Grace and Emmit—about the same age. Fast forward eleven years: Grace is no longer with us but … Continue reading Three Old Dogs and a Kitty
Author: Susannah Willey
My idea of a trip to hell
At the Mall
Book Review: “Shadows in Death,” by J.D. Robb
J.D. Robb novels are my not-so-guilty pleasure. Murder mysteries set in the 2050's decade with all sorts of futuristic technology, they are quick reads and just the kind of thing I want when I don't have to pay strict attention to the details. After reading fifty-one of her books (all but the newest), I know … Continue reading Book Review: “Shadows in Death,” by J.D. Robb
Meet the Men of “War Sonnets,” Part Two
The Japanese Imperial Army, 14th Army, Shimbu Group I have just finished sending off a draft of War Sonnets to beta and sensitivity readers. Am I a nervous wreck? You betcha! So to keep myself busy, I hereby introduce you to the Japanese side of the "Men of War Sonnets." Left to right: Corporal/Sergeant Tadashi … Continue reading Meet the Men of “War Sonnets,” Part Two
If I Could Be Any Animal…
Don't need flashy wings, a fancy tail, or polka-dotted fur, but, hmmmm, those shells look pretty darn comfy.
The Real “Harry and Sally”
Contrary to what you may think, this is not the real “Harry and Sally.” At least, that’s what my best friend in high school and I have always believed. Seriously - “best friends” not “This guy I’ve got a big crush on but he’s not interested.” He was the tall and handsome basketball jock that … Continue reading The Real “Harry and Sally”
Meet the Men of “War Sonnets”, Part One
United State Army—112th RCT As a writer, it’s important to know everything you can about each of your characters. Most of what you learn will never make it to your story, but digging deep into their personalities may reveal things you hadn’t thought of. Suddenly, that person is more than a name. They feel real, … Continue reading Meet the Men of “War Sonnets”, Part One
Yeah, that’s where you’d find me…
Book Review: “The Third Thing”, by Sirkka Smith
Love. Friendship. Weird Birds. Thirty-one-year-old Xiomara (Xo) wants a reset on life. She ditches her job and heads to the small town of Lingen where she accepts a part-time position doing what she loves: drawing and painting local birds for an upcoming field guide. As much as she would like a boyfriend, she feels awkward, … Continue reading Book Review: “The Third Thing”, by Sirkka Smith
Announcing…
So many of my ideas start with a picture in my mind whether I'm working on a novel, or brainstorming a blog post. Sadly, I'm no artist. But Sarah C. Bittel is and I'm excited to announce that we've teamed up to create this periodic comic strip, The Introvert Files. We hope you enjoy it.






