I should be writing! (The moment is now.)

When is the moment that I put aside the research tomes, sit at my big computer and open a file?

When do I know enough about the story to begin setting words on my screen?

When do I know the moment to begin?

When am I just procrastinating?

When I ask these questions, the moment is now.

The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy, 3 Book box set

This is the Kobo link.  Also at iBooks, B & N, and Kindle.  Just released, this set is for those who like to get sets at discount prices.  The usual price is 3 for 2.  On SEPTEMBER 21, this book will be OnlineBookClub's Book of the Day, and will be available on Amazon for JUST $0.99.  This is a great series.  Read it!

You're always a writer

I've been sick -- nothing serious and on the mend -- but that doesn't stop me from at least thinking about writing all the time!

I'm trying to read two hard copy books of literature of the Meiji-Taisho eras.

It's HARD.  First off, the books are large and cumbersome anthologies.  They're hard to cart around.

Second, they are both academic anthologies/translations and they're full of information that I am not sure I want.  I'd like to make up my own mind on the works.  I don't want to read reams of literary criticism.

Third, I will, though, because I read EVERYTHING.

Still, one book was very distanced from its characters.  Another has very obvious and deliberate author intrusion, but is involved with its characters.  More is coming.

Serious question, though.  Does literary criticism benefit me, as a writer of period fiction, or is it just confusing?

Wait and see.

On this perfect summer day...

I study the history of dragons.  I look up obscure educational acts.  The wind blows the trees.  the birds chirp.  Aaron Cat purrs at my feet.  I baked a cake, which I hope will be good.  It's a pineapple cake, recipe from Taiwan, spiffed up with some maraschino cherries (someone's bright addition) and a brown sugar glaze from Emeril Lagasse.  It's supposed to get better with age, and that's good, because my birthday isn't until Wednesday.

It's also VERY COOL that August 10, 2016, The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy, Book 1, Coming Home, will be BOOK OF THE DAY at Online Book Club!  It's on as deep a discount as I can give it, because I want YOU to start reading this exciting and wonderful series.

Summer Heat

The heat enfolds me as I step outside,
Warming me clear to my bones,
Dry and enveloping, like a welcome embrace.
I plunge into the cool water, refreshing and refreshed
and I never want to leave.


I couldn't live here, because I can't spend my whole life in a shaded pool, but it's a great place to visit.
I just got back from a short visit to Mexico, where I am finishing up some dental work.  I like the quiet efficiency of Mexico, a country full of ambitious entrepreneurs, experts practicing their arts and crafts, who have no need to flaunt their skill.  They have it, and it shows in their work.

The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy, Book 1, Coming Home, will be Book of the Day on OnlineBookClub.org for August 10, 2016!  It will be as discounted as possible, and is a great way to start this exciting series, just right for a lazy afternoon.  Enjoy!


The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy