I’ve been back writing for a few weeks now and what a great adventure I’ve been on with Mabel and friends in Petra, Jordan. It feels so great to have the first three chapters under my belt, especially when you begin a new story and despite all the research and planning you’re never quite sure […]

Elated today as I finished the first chapter for my third Mabel Hartley story. The first word, the first sentence, paragraph and page not to mention the first 13 pages are a bit like a trip to the dentist. You are so relieved when it’s done. And it feels so good to be back in […]

This week has been a tough one. We decided to put our 16 year old black lab, Dixie to sleep and the appointment is for tomorrow afternoon. Yesterday, I think I cried until there were no tears left inside. Even in bed last night I cried. Full of sorrow and overloaded with grief and sadness […]

Much of my day spent researching the Bedouin nomadic tribes’ customs that live in Petra. I’m interested in finding out how the Bedouins treat women and reading about what happens when a woman’s “ird” is lost. This refers to a woman’s honor which could be taken away by a sexual transgression, or really any kind of touching, […]

I wanted to bring you, my dear reader, up to date on where what this writer has been up to in terms of creating my third story. I spent much of the Fall finishing my research for this epic tale, and just when it seemed like I’d never get to the end of it, I […]

First day back at my third story. Bit of a tough one, like feeling for the bottom of the pond and not quite being able to find it. Then a rock, something to stand on, and another and another. January 2015. Day 1 back at the computer. Done.

In my research for my third story this week, I’ve been on the hunt for some physical drawings of Crusader castles from 12Century. At last, I’ve found one and very happy as the week comes to a close to have some more information that will be critical to the next story. Onward to spiked eggnog and […]

Fascinating morning for me learning again about how the knights in Western Europe rallied to fight in the Crusades. I love the idea of pilgrims and knights, women and children making the arduous journey to the Holy Land. But what happened to some of these knights after they reached Jerusalem? Did they go on to […]

I spent some time today researching what it might be like to live in the caves around Petra in Jordan. I love the idea of Mabel, Tabby and Hugh exploring these caves and making new friends with a Bedouin boy their age. Researching is going so well, I may be able to start writing the […]

Part of going to Jordan for Tabby, Mabel and Hugh is learning how to be part of a proper archeological dig. So I’ve been researching the schedule, tasks and what it takes to unearth treasures thousands of years old. It’s going to be very hot, very sweaty and very labor intensive for these teens as […]