historical fiction writer, amateur photographer, retired computer guru and math geek
Twelve-year-old Meredith Whitson and her sister, Nina don't know what they did to make their mother, Anya, hate them. Well, maybe hate is too strong a word, but Meredith and Nina believe she definitely doesn't love them. In fact, other than knowing their mother is Russian, everything about her is a mystery--the girls don't even … Continue reading Book Review: “Winter Garden” by Kristin Hannah
Introvert At a Party
Frankie Elkin is an alcoholic, and she's on a mission: She finds missing girls that everyone else has stopped looking for. Don't ask her why--it's a motive that isn't clear to even her. But she is driven. She started her quest long ago, leaving her home in California and her friend, Paul, the man who … Continue reading Book Review: “Before She Disappeared” by Lisa Gardner
In April 2020 I thought I had completed a decent first draft of War Sonnets… until I attended a seminar and realized my “draft one” should more appropriately be referred to as “draft zero.” Yes, it had a beginning, a middle, and an end. But the character and story arcs were badly lacking. It wasn’t … Continue reading War Sonnets—Draft Two
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
At the Mall
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
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
Don't need flashy wings, a fancy tail, or polka-dotted fur, but, hmmmm, those shells look pretty darn comfy.
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”
Susannah Willey Writes 