I Made A Thing! A Sewn Gold Necklace Thing.

There’s a subscription DIY company called For The Makers, and they have some pretty intriguing craft ideas I’ve never tried. One was this fantastic necklace. You start out with several foil disks, and you actually sew them together with a needle and thread to form a flower. You sew seed and bugle beads into the center. I made three flowers. … Read More

This is Exactly Why We Need “Women In Horror Month,” You Jerk.

Well. I’m mad. I’m not trying to be inciting or hysterical. But I am angry. A “fellow” horror writer lambasted a dear friend and amazing woman for doing book signings while in costume and…I’m not quite sure what else. Being a woman? He said women were especially bad at trying to grab attention (“claiming” we’re horror writers when we aren’t) … Read More

So Why Wasn’t I Invited to the Grammys?

This is the coolest thing! You know that I was thrilled to be a part of Gloria Gaynor’s book “We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song. When I received my copy and signed CD, I went all fan-girly. Even her handwriting is beautiful! So imagine my surprise when I get this super cool text … Read More

Valentine’s Day KISS: Keep It Simple, Sweethearts

My mother sent me this package earlier. It was simple. It contained cookie dough mix, frosting, sprinkles, and a cookie cutter. That was it. My kids and I loved it! What a pleasure to spend an hour making, baking, and frosting cookies. There was joy there, and no stress. Just a reminder. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day, my lovelies. Also, don’t … Read More

I’ll Be at LTUE This Weekend!

LTUE: Life, the Universe, & Everything is a very cool symposium that my writer’s group and I hit last year. We were able to meet some wonderful science fiction and fantasy authors, and take plotting classes from Orson Scott Card and Robert J. Defendi. I learned so much, let me tell you! Anyway, this year I’ll be speaking on the … Read More

Bob Milne’s Review. And Printable Valentines.

Bob Milne wrote the most beautiful review for Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love. It was a pleasure to read the words of somebody who understood what I was trying to do with that novel. Please take a second and read the review at Beauty In Ruins. Also, since it’s Valentine’s Day and Apocalyptic Montessa is … Read More

Miss Murder’s Black Forest Trifle

How about a fairly simple and gorgeous Valentine’s Day dessert? 1 jar maraschino cherries ½ cup sugar 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp vanilla extract 1 pound chocolate cake Chocolate shavings Drain the cherries, reserving the liquid. Mix the liquid in a small sauce pan with ½ cup of sugar. Simmer until the liquid becomes thick … Read More

Awkward Conversations with Geeky Writers: My Bloody Valentine Edition

Happy Friday the 13th, friends! Why don’t you spend that glorious day with the Geeky Writer’s crew? We’re having our first broadcast of the year, and you’re invited to participate! Ask us questions on the Facebook page and we’ll answer via live (and usually embarrassing) broadcast. Spend Valentine’s Eve with your four bloody Valentines. I’ll let Todd tell you the … Read More