The thesaurus is out to get us

Originally posted on ADRIANLILLY.COM:
As writers, it’s easy to get in the habit of relying on words. These words are old friends we know well and they work for us. I know—when I search one of my manuscripts for over-used words, I find some favorites over and over and over. Yikes! It’s time to…

For(e)Fathers

Eye blinking at suddenly light The misery of an early sage No shame to be earnestly contrite. How can we claim all that’s right? Gather sheets from history’s page Eye blinking in sudden light Built on shoulders bent by blight The riptide of pent up rage No shame to be earnestly contrite. Earlier still, death…

closer than they appear

I watch you watch life through the rear view mirror not knowing what you’ve seen until it has passed and only then a backward reflection I watch you watch us fading into the distance looking passed our future never knowing I was left behind, lost in your blind spot I watch you leave and know…

Dust on My Head

You collect your pretty, pretty things on the shelf  for everyone to see. Caveat emptor!   Had I known then, what I know now, the person I would be.

Set the mood, don’t ruin it

Some readers love descriptive detail that transports them to another place or time. Others, not so much. So, how does one walk that very fine live to satisfy as many readers as possible? First, you have to know your reader. Are you writing to an audience that loves sumptuous detail and the power of beautifully…

Time Out of Mind (part 4)

Previously:  In ancient Rome, Peter prepares to execute Katrina. Droplets of moisture dribbled down the stone walls of the Roman prison.  Katrina found herself alone, frightened.  How could she correct things in her current life, when she was powerless in this one? She wondered. Rattling outside the door alerted Katrina to someone’s approach.  The wooden…

New review of The Wolf at His Door

From the review: “Overall the storyline was outstandingly captivating, oozes brilliance and is well paced.” Read the full review! Add The Wolf at His Door to your shelf on Goodreads.

Time Out of Mind (part 3)

Previously: After Katrina is hit by a car, Peter is torn, blaming himself for her accident and the fight which prompted her to run into the street.  His guilt is compounded by Katrina’s mother’s reaction to her daughter’s horrid condition.  Siting in a empty waiting room, Peter is confronted by an odd, old woman who…