Author Shorts: How do you define suspense?

Author shorts is back! And this time, I want to know, “How do YOU define suspense?” Of course, the Author Shorts twist is that there are no long-winded responses aloud. All answers had to be no more than two sentences. Brevity presents a greater challenge.   “Suspense is the moment you reach when you want to…

Otherworldly Words: Panic

  All month long, I’ve brought you words derived from Greek mythology, in honor of the goddess Maia, which May is named for. Have you ever been alone in the woods, and you were certain that someone was following you. The leaves rustled too loudly to be a squirrel. The snapping twig bore the weight…

Author Shorts : What’s the one thing that makes you squeamish?

I’ve asked a variety of authors— from horror to romance to comedy to non-fiction—to answer a few questions that I pose. Of course, I love a twist. All answers had to be no more than two sentences. Brevity presents a greater challenge. For me the process was delightful as well as insightful. I love that…

Otherworldly Words: Labyrinth

  May is named for the Greek goddess Maia, who was believed to influence growth and was known as a nurturer. In the theme of the month, I’ll look at four other words, with an otherworldly connotation, that derive from Greek mythology. When I think of a labyrinth, I often think of the confusing halls…

Otherworldly Words: Fury

  May is named for the Greek goddess Maia, who was believed to influence growth and was known as a nurturer. In the theme of the month, I’ll look at four other words, with an otherworldly connotation, that derive from Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, the Furies enacted revenge on those wronged. Much like the…

Dark Quotes: Words of Wisdom (?) from Benjamin Franklin

I love wisdom passed down in pithy, easily regurgitated quotes. This one from Benjamin Franklin makes great use of the (often misplaced) human fear of wolves to make a political statement. One has to wonder about the double-edged sword of these words, however. Does the advice eschew acts of kindness and generosity, thus making more…

Otherworldly Words: Echo

  May is named for the Greek goddess Maia, who was believed to influence growth and was known as a nurturer. In the theme of the month, I’ll look at four other words, with an otherworldly connotation, that derive from Greek mythology. First up is echo. While no longer capitalized, the word comes from the…

It’s Arbor Day. Show a tree some love.

It seems silly to profess my love for trees. Who wouldn’t love trees? Oddly, I had a friend visit once, and she declared, “I don’t really like forests,” as we walked through one of my favorite forest preserves. I tend to think she was having a bad day or purposefully being difficult. Too many studies…