Sunday, December 30, 2012
The Doorway and Other Stories (SFand fantasy adventures)
And don't forget that its free January 1 & 2, 2013 here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2
Friday, December 28, 2012
Mooving Out (flash fiction fun)
Note: This is sort of connected to Moovin' Up.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Hidebound (publication news)
Btw, Hidebound was serialized in The Fifth Di-- (after being a co-winner in their contest); and later it ran in Once Upon A World (after being a co-winner in their contest).
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Instead of fads, let's try timeless (link)
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Jesus of Nazareth
Saturday, December 22, 2012
"Dawn, and the Sunset, and ..." (publication news)
For more background: http://www.asimovs.com/_issue_0612/dawnandsunset.shtml
Friday, December 21, 2012
Updating your homes and furniture
Convex mirrors were used in the past to reflect candlelight. Though not as necessary today (unless you're in one of those homes that lack overhead lighting), they're beautiful and interesting. Update some furniture with paint and hardware--or reupholster it. The sagging settee definitely needed help, but the wing chair lost its shape. EEK!
There are fun travel destinations, and another essay on enjoying a quiet New Year's eve with family and friends away from noisy crowds. And the closing essay has a line I love re what's on TV today: "Now I flip through banality till my thumb is sore."
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Solid surface countertops (link)
Check out these solid surface choices (Basil by Corian is lovely):
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/kitchens/solid-surface-kitchen-countertops/pictures/page-2.html
And there are other kitchen countertop suggestions on the webpage.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Storage alternatives (link)
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/wardrobes-that-wow/pictures/index.html?nl=HGRM_120412_featlink2_wardrobe-closets
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Washing machine problem
Anyway, I called the GE repairman to ask him about the smell, and he suggested doing a load with water and bleach. Well, I should have gone with the rinse cycle as he suggested, but I decided I wanted to run it longer, and so the machine drained all the water I had added bucket by bucket since these new machines--to save water--won't let you decide on a level. I was mildly irritated. (Hah, hah, hah, hah, eeeekk!!!) I will try again another time...
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Bedroom design dont's
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/bedroom-design-donts/index.html
Friday, November 23, 2012
Whortleberry Press (links)
Looking for Christmas gifts? Check out their books, which include Strange Christmas (how apropos), Strange Halloween, and Strange Mysteries: http://whortleberrypress.com/
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Entertaining for the holidays
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Kitchen remodeling help (link)
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Purple: The color of drama (link)
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/behind-the-color-purple/index.html?nl=HGRM_112012_centerlist3_purple-rooms
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Home for the holidays--or not
There are other entertaining and decorating ideas in this issue, and the edible treats include gourmet marshmallows; and the mini brown-sugar cheesecakes certainly look tempting. Hang sleigh bells on your door knobs and have the wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree match the colors of the tree decorations. Now that's a challenge. Put the kids to work doing that!
There are deer figurines (from Michaels) on a mantel in one home; we just picked up a nice one at Junk Prince. We bring our deer figurines out on center stage at Christmas.
And if you're into soap making, wrapping the oval bars in coffee filters before packaging them is a lovely idea. My sister makes soaps for Christmas gifts now and then, and she likes that idea.
The Real Estate Sampler focuses on houses with turrets. These are the real deal--more than 100 years old.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Painting help (link)
http://www.hgtv.com/paint-guide-interior-painting-tips-tools-and-tricks/package/index.html?nl=HGRM_111312_bottom4link1_painting-guide
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Helpful home hints
Bake cupcakes in ice cream cones.
Whip up your store-bought frosting to make it go further.
But I'm not sure if storing your sheets in the matching pillow case (to keep them from being separated) will work. I've never tried that, though I've read about it before. Stuffing them in a pillowcase would not be easy, and I wouldn't want to put pressure on the pillowcase material. Let me know if anyone tries it.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Christmas craft ideas
Pet ornaments: LowesCreativeIdeas.com/PetOrnaments
http://lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/cats-and-dogs-christmas-ornaments
LowesCreativeIdeas.com/FauxFire
http://lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/faux-fireplace-logs
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Pantry ideas (link)
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/kitchens/pantry-options-and-ideas-for-efficient-kitchen-storage/pictures/index.html?nl=HGRM_110612_bottom1link1_perfect-pantries
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Bathroom flooring choices (link)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Basement makeover (link)
'Course with a puppy, sometimes doors on the bottom of bookcases are a good idea.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The Doorway and Other Stories
Monday, October 29, 2012
Home decorating and design
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Hurricane Sandy
Update (10-25): Sandy is now a cat 2 and is still heading north. We may get some rain and wind gusts as it passes by. South Florida is getting rain bands.
Update (10-26): Sandy is now a category 1 and heading north--and then to the northeast. Here we got a lot of wind--and downed branches--but hardly any rain.
Update (10-28): Sandy is making its turn now towards the east coast and is expected to make landfall between NYC and Washington, D.C., bringing wind, rain, and power outages. I read recently that if you get a generator, don't forget the fuel for it.
Update (10-29): Hurricane Sandy is making landfall in New Jersey, though it covers a lot of territory, and along with the wind, rain, and storm surges, there are power outages in New York and up to Boston. And lots more happening elsewhere...
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
The Doorway and Other Stories (free SF/fantasy ebook)
Monday, October 22, 2012
Tropical Storm Sandy
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Entertaining at Thanksgiving
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Home decorating and entertaining ideas
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Tropical Storm Rafael
Update (10-14): TS Rafael is heading NNW and should become a hurricane tomorrow.
Update (10-21): Rafael did become a hurricane and is gone now, I think. Hey, I'll catch up with the one that has a 60% chance of development.
The Doorway and Other Stories (free ebook)
The Doorway and Other Stories will be available free on Kindle Sunday, October 14. And don't forget the free Kindle apps: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2
If anyone sees a problem, I hope you'll let me know. (That's why I'm doing it for only one day this time.)
Laminate floor care (link)
Bamboo flooring (link)
Friday, October 5, 2012
Kitchen cabinet choices (link)
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Tropical Storm Oscar
(Thanks, Lloyd)
Note: Nadine is finally gone.
Update (10-5): Oscar has already fizzled out.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Kitchen cabinet decisions (link)
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Hurricane Nadine
The record for the longest-lasting named storm is 27 days for Ginger.
Btw, tonight's full moon is the harvest moon or fruit moon.
Update (10-1): Last night it was heading NW, as I recall, but now it's moving SE, I think. Those circles make it hard to keep track, but last I heard, it was the fourth longest-lasting named storm.
Update (10-2): Now it's moving east and is headed for the Azores for the second time.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Fall fun
Thursday, September 20, 2012
The House Counselor (link)
Friday, September 14, 2012
Home decorating and entertaining ideas
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tropical Storm Nadine
(Thanks, Lloyd)
Update (9-14): Nadine is heading north and is still expected to become a category 1 hurricane; it is also expected to curve east.
Update (9-20): Nadine is still wandering around in the Atlantic; at one time the spaghetti models looked like a demented cat playing with a ball of yarn. It did make it to a hurricane (cat 1), and is a tropical storm again and is now heading east. Will this storm give Spain some much-needed rain?
Update (9-24): Nadine is still wandering around in the Atlantic: I'm afraid it didn't make it to Spain, which could use the rain. I believe it's heading east and will turn again... Check its path out here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/145430.shtml?5-daynl
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Vinyl flooring (link)
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Tips for new home buyers (links)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Engineered stone for countertops (link)
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/kitchens/engineered-stone-kitchen-countertop-guide/index.html?nl=HGRM_090412_featlink2_kitchencounters-quartz
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Tropical Storm Michael
Update (8-5): TS Michael is still off to the east and is much smaller than Leslie.
A piece of the remnants of Isaac has made a loop and returned to the Gulf; it may or may not merge with the cold front, and if it developes further, it could become Nadine.
Update (8-6): Michael is a hurricane (cat 2) and is headed NE.
Recessed lighting
Catalog link: www.plowandhearth.com
Friday, August 31, 2012
Kitchen cabinet ideas (link)
For more ideas, look here: http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/painted-kitchen-cabinet-ideas/pictures/index.html?nl=HGI_082912_featlink3
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tropical Storm Leslie
From NOAA: THIS IS THE SECOND-EARLIEST FORMATION OF THE 12TH NAMED STORM ON RECORD IN THE ATLANTIC BASIN...ECLIPSED ONLY BY LUIS OF 1995.
Update: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo_atl.shtml?201208292329
Leslie may become a category 2 hurricane.
Update (8-5): Leslie is a hurricane and may become a cat 2. It's heading north and probably staying away from the east coast.
Update (8-6): Leslie missed Bermuda and may be headed for Nova Scotia.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Tropical Storm Kirk
Update (8-30): Kirk is now a hurricane and is moving NNW; it may make it up to a category 2.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Tropical Storm Isaac
Update (8-27): Isaac is heading NW--probably towards New Orleans. It may become a cat 1 hurricane tomorrow morning--and then maybe a cat 2 because the Gulf water is so warm. We got only a few scattered showers here today; the heavy bands of rain stayed on the east coast.
Update (8-28): Isaac is now a hurricane (cat 1) and is making landfall; a number of Louisana parishes are being evacuated and evacuations have also been ordered in Mississippi.
Isaac has been wobbling a bit and has made two landfalls and is covering a lot of territory.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Home and garden ideas
Friday, August 24, 2012
Kitchen design (link)
Link: http://blog.kohler.com/2012/07/26/2012-house-beautiful-kitchen-of-the-year-by-mick-de-giulio-2/?RRID=590045
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Tropical Storm Joyce
NOAA link: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo_atl.shtml?201208212345
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Remodelled ranch (link)
Check out that oven too! Link: http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/mid-century-kitchen-and-living-room-remodel/pictures/index.html?nl=HGRM_082112_featlink2_midcentury-rwap-gallery
Note: I wrote a book, Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure, about our ranch remodel; you can read about it here: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71560
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Tropical Storm Isaac
(Thanks, Lloyd)
Update (8-23): TS Isaac has moved into the Carribbean and is still heading west. The spaghetti models are more in agreement now, and it may skirt the west coast of Florida when it moves into the gulf... The RNC is prepared to evacuate.
Update: Isaac is heading WNW, and the models mostly have it paralleling the west coast; it may become a category 1 in the Gulf.
Update (8-24): Isaac is heading NW now, and after moving to the west--according to the computer models--it's now moving east and closer to the west coast. We (the Tampa Bay area) should be impacted Monday.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Early American Life
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Tropical Storm Helene
(Thanks, Lloyd)
Update: Now it's a tropical depression.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tropical Storm Gordon
(Thanks, Lloyd)
Update (8-18): Gordon is now a category 2 hurricane and still heading for the Azores....
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Big ideas for small spaces
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The fall color palette (link)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Gardening and landscaping ideas
There are money-saving ideas and, of course, loads of beautiful photos of flowers, birds, butterflies, and children. I always learn something from the advice columns, and I love owls so I enjoyed that selection of photos too.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Mixing bedding patterns and fabrics (link)
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Practical ideas for your basement (link)
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Design Stars All Stars
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Tropical Storm Florence
Update (8-5): TS Florence is heading west and weakening.
Update (8-6): Not much left of Florence way out in the Atlantic.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Tropical Storm Ernesto
Update (8-5): TS Ernesto is still heading west, but it may not make it to a hurricane, and it looks like its projected path is further south now--and most of the computer models agree.
Update (8-6): TS Ernesto is heading WNW and may become a category 1 before making landfall in Mexico Tuesday.
Update (8-8): Ernesto made landfall as a hurricane and is now over water again and should become a hurricane before making landfall in Mexico again. It's still moving west.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Bathroom design decisions
Other articles focus on home insurance, blenders, and streaming to your TV. (This issue's a keeper for when I get around to doing some upgrades.)
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Joy's writing news

And here are my other e-books:
My latest e-book (story collection), The Doorway and Other Stories, is available only on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2 , but there are free Kindle apps on the wepage.
Hidebound: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY (SF) After Anfissa meets Ferenc, they flee to a planet where even the grass is deadly.
Pretty Pink Planet (free e-book): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615 (SF) Lori, an agent of SOESFOL, visits Prism to track down planet pirates and rescue aliens.
Hot Yellow Planet: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029 (SF) In tis Pretty Pink Planet sequel, Lori and Chiing continue their adventures.
I also have an audiobook: Sugar Time; it is three connected time travel tales: http://hadrosaur.com/audio_books.html
And I’m still waiting to hear from two different editors about my two SF novels.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Home design ideas
Friday, July 27, 2012
Kitchen countertops (link)
Btw, next time I'm going for quartz.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Design Star winner
(I still think Mikel was just as talented and would have made a great host. He was fun and relaxed.)
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Making the most of a small apartment (link)
Check out the before and after plans and her ideas. She thought outside the box: http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/making-a-tiny-apartment-livable/index.html?nl=HGRM_071712_subfeatlink_tinyapartment&sni_mid=47764&sni_rid=47764.405.250307
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Shrubs for shade (link)
Note: This is on the Preen website.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Kitchen choices (links)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Design Star
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Small kitchen suggestions (link)
Friday, July 6, 2012
Loving the color yellow (link)
Monday, July 2, 2012
Joy's writing news
My review of Time Machine Troopers (sequel to H. G. Wells' The Time Machine) is up at The New Book Review: http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/
And my short story collection, The Doorway and Other Stories, will be available free as a Kindle download on July 7. Don't forget that you can get a free Kindle app on the website:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Choosing paint colors (links)
Note: The color we chose for our kitchen was Compatible Cream (a Sherwin Williams color).
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
4th of July party ideas
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Home and entertaining ideas
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Tropical Storm Debby
(Thanks, Lloyd)
Update (6-24): We had almost two and a half inches last time I checked our rain gauge, and it's rained a lot since then. The west coast got 9 to 11" inches. There's street and causeway flooding, and the Sunshine Skyway is closed because of high winds. There are power outages and tornadoes here and there...
The spaghetti models are still all over the map, but Debby seems to be pointed north even though it's not moving at the moment. This means we'll be getting more rain, which we needed. We've been in a drought, and the Florida aquifer could use the rain, as could our waterways, some of which are impassable.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Homes and gardens, good food, and fun
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Kitchen appliance suggestions (link)
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/appliances-buying-guide/package/index.html?nl=HGRM_061912_centerlist2_kitchenappliances&sni_mid=45963&sni_rid=45963.405.242278
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tropical Storm Chris
Debby may form in the Gulf.
Update (6-21): Chris became a hurricane, but reverted to a tropical storm before I could get to the computer. Debby may form in the next 48 hours.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Beautiful bedclothes for your home (link)
Friday, June 15, 2012
Libraries for your books and for display (link)
http://www.hgtv.com/specialty-rooms/12-dreamy-home-libraries/pictures/index.html?nl=HGI_061312_featlink2&sni_mid=44973&sni_rid=44973.324.2112875
Thursday, June 14, 2012
More landscaping (soil and sod)
8:55: Quiet here. We're waiting for a load of sod. We were up early waiting, but they haven't come yet; it was iffy. We ordered one pallet of sod and a yard of dirt that'll have to be spread first.
9:55: No sod yet, but we just got a load of dirt; the pickup is up on the hill now. I think most or all of that went up on the hill. I think they'll have to bring more for the back yard, which will require a wheelbarrow since there's no way a truck can get into the back yard.
10:48: No sod yet. It wasn't cut yesterday; it's being cut now and will be delivered between noon and dark. The sod might not be laid until tomorrow, I suspect. The first load of dirt has been spread on the hill, and the contractors will bring another load of dirt later for the hill and the backyard. (There were big depressions on the hill--the worst was filled last year, but there were still big dips. Apparently a big oak came down up there.)
6:20: The sod was delivered; the sod guy was supposed to call a half hour beforehand (so the contractor would be here to pay him.), but he didn't; he called when he arrived here apparently. Anyway, our guys spent the day working in the area and had a snack (no time for supper) before returning here. They worked till about 8:20 'cause they wanted to finish the job. So that's done finally. (We wanted it done before the rainy season.) Now we'll hope for rain every day for 30 days, or else we have to water the sod each day.
The hill and the backyard are the last big outside projects at our new house. Some day I may try to draw our landscape; it's a number of mini-ecosystems.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The Doorway and Other Stories (free ebook)
The Doorway: Nessa stumbles into the time corridor and faces danger.
Guard Dog: Sequel to The Doorway. Nessa meets an old friend who needs her help.
Stray Cats: Cats, humans, and a mad scientist.
Pilot's Course: What happened to change this girl's life?
The Princess Quest : The princess needs a barbarian to help her on her quest.
When Danger Rules: Reesa came back to rescue the remaining members of her family. Now she had to avoid being killed by her cousin, who wanted the throne, and the new ruler of the planet, who didn't want a throne, and the ones she had come to rescue...
Home Not: When Grief's Aunt Chelsea died, his Uncle Sandro saw his chance, and Grief was at his mercy... Adventure.
What Price a Friendly Freep: Aliens and humans and space pirates.
Too Tight: Petals has a close call...
Royal Guardians: Kara and her companions, including a temple cat, land in Florida after escaping from another dimension.
Old Rex: They killed Rex, but he came back when she called him.
Friday, June 8, 2012
The electric color of the month (link)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Midcentury modern (link)
http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/interior-details-for-midcentury-modern/pictures/index.html?nl=HGRM_060512_featlink1_interior-midcentury&sni_mid=44072&sni_rid=44072.405.367020
Btw, my family had shag carpet when I was a kid, and when a dog throws up on it, that is almost impossible to clean!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Craftsman style (link)
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Travel, entertaining, and Southern cooking
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Pretty Pink Planet on Freebie Friday
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Joy's writing news update
I’m happy to have some of my old stories in one place. Except for The Princess Quest, which is a humorous fantasy, and Old Rex, a ghost story, the rest of the stories are all science fiction adventures of different types, involving aliens, time travel, symbiotes, and humans searching for a home and/or family. All the stories have been published elsewhere–sometimes more than once–over the years, except for Royal Guardians. And you don't need a Kindle! There's a free app on the webpage.
In the meantime, Pretty Pink Planet is always free: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615 (SF)
Lori, an agent of SOESFOL, visits Prism to track down planet pirates and rescue aliens.
And my other e-books include: Hidebound: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY (SF)
After Anfissa meets Ferenc, they flee to a planet where even the grass is deadly.
Hot Yellow Planet: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029 (SF)
In this Pretty Pink Planet sequel, Lori and Chiing continue their adventures.
Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71560 (Non-fiction)
How one woman bought and remodeled a foreclosure; it didn’t even have a kitchen sink!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Fun choices (link)
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
This is one hot kitchen! (link)
Monday, May 21, 2012
Architecture in fiction
It was two years since Susanne had stayed in the Jade House. It was a miniature palace which derived its name from the green stones of its facade and the green tiles of its roof. Over the doorway was a single piece of polished jade into which had been carved the Chinese characters for 'The Flight of the Heron.' Upon its bronze doors was pictured the long-legged water bird on the wing."
From Underground Retreat (Reynal & Hitchcock, 1946) by Maribelle Cormack and Pavel Bytovetzski
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Decorating and entertaining ideas
There are also a variety of room design, party, and craft ideas--and a story about a rescued Beagle named Eureka... The Real Estate Sampler focuses on Eastlake stick-style homes, while a landscaper uses a mixture of foliage plants. And there are some intriguing recipes. Looking forward to summer!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Glass sinks (link)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Curb appeal (link)
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Design Star (new season)
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Innovative hammock: The Wave
This hammock makes its own shade. "Standing on a single point from which it rises and curls into an elegant and sun-shaded oval, the Wave is constructed of stainless steel and fabric. Its unique shape and balance point make it resilient to wind and rough-housing, and the semi-transparent fabric is enough to block 86 percent of the sun’s rays." Check it out at: http://blog.hgtvremodels.com/2012/05/13/the-wave-hammock/?nl=HGRM_051512_bottom2link1_wavehammock&sni_mid=41971&sni_rid=41971.405.460864
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Architecture in fiction
From Stardust by Robert Parker
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Getting rid of all that clutter isn't easy (link)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Kitchen cabinets (link)
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Monday, May 7, 2012
The A to Z Challenge (reflections)
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Detour Trail (a novel of the frontier)
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Doorway and Other Stories (Kindle freebie)
Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2
Story teasers:
The Doorway
Nessa stumbles into the time corridor while helping a friend.
Guard Dog
Sequel to The Doorway. Nessa travels to the time of Earth’s first contact.
Stray Cats
Cats, herps, and humans–sometimes interchangeable.
Pilot’s Course
Terran humans in the far future settled on other planets. Heroine plots new course… (Won 2nd place in the Florida Freelance Writers Association’s Florida State Writing Competition–Andre Norton Fantasy/SF Short Story division 1995.)
The Princess Quest
Sword & Sorcery: The princess and the barbarian…
When Danger Rules
Reesa came back to rescue the remaining members of the family she loved. Now she had to avoid being killed by her cousin, who wanted the throne, and the new ruler of the planet, who didn’t want a throne, and the ones she had come to rescue…
(Excerpt in Writer’s Digest Nov. 2000 and Excerpt in Writing Clinic (special issue) 2003)
Home Not
When Grief’s Aunt Chelsea died, his Uncle Sandro saw his chance, and Grief was at his mercy… Adventure.
What Price a Friendly Freep
Aliens and humans and spaceships.
Too Tight
Close call…
Royal Guardians
Heroine and companions land in Florida after escaping from another dimension.
Old Rex
D.A.’s daughter’s dead dog (ghost story).
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Home office design ideas (link)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Zipping along, we finally arrive at Z!
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Joy's writing news update
The podcast is available via iTunes, Google’s Feedburner, Podbean (when it catches up), Podcasters (which takes even longer) or Podcast Alley (which doesn’t list the episodes but will let you subscribe).
iTunes (item 1), Google’s Feedburner (final item), Podbean, Podcasters or Podcast Alley.
It's also still available at Flash Fiction Fridays:
http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/flash-fiction-friday-028-refugees-in-the-caves-by-joy-v-smith/
My review of Punctuation by G. Miki Hayden is in the May/June issue of Working Writer.
My latest e-book (story collection), The Doorway and Other Stories, is now available on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2
My other e-books include: Hidebound: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY
(SF) After Anfissa meets Ferenc, they flee to a planet where even the grass is deadly.
Pretty Pink Planet (free e-book): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615
(SF) Lori, an agent of SOESFOL, visits Prism to track down planet pirates and rescue aliens.
Hot Yellow Planet: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029
(SF)
In this Pretty Pink Planet sequel, Lori and Chiing continue their adventures.
Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71560
(Non-fiction)
How one woman bought and remodeled a foreclosure; it didn’t even have a kitchen sink!
And I'm waiting to hear back on my three novels: Strike Three (SF), Taboo Tech (SF), and Detour Trail (western).
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Yes! It's time to meet Amy Peterson!!
JVS: Amy, thanks for stopping by. I really enjoyed From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds. It was not only interesting and fun, but your tips were great! I thought that the combination made for not only an enjoyable read, but would help a new stepparent feel a little more confident at least. Have you gotten much feedback about that?
Thank you, Joy, for the comments—I’m so glad you enjoyed my book! I’ve heard from several stepmoms who said they could relate to the tips in my book, and I also heard from two women who said they wouldn’t run away if they found out the guy they were interested in had kids. That was all great to hear. One comment about my book that touched me was when Nikki of Purple Penguin Reviews wrote: “It helped me relate to my own stepmother in ways that I had never considered before. I fell in love with this book and I highly recommend it to anyone, whether you are a stepmom or not.” I was happy to hear that my book might be of help for stepkids, too.
JVS: I'm not surprised; you covered a lot of territory. I know that you're working on a sequel. What will it be about?
My “squeak-quel” is about a whole assortment of critters my husband, Mark, “always wanted.” This one starts with Mark claiming that his son, Conrad always wanted an aquarium, which I question based on the surprised look on Conrad’s face when we give him an aquarium and because he asks what he should put in it. Several frogs come and go, followed by two messy iguanas and finally Mark admits he’s the one that really wants critters. It turns out Mark’s list of “wants” is rather long. All in all, my home becomes habitat for frogs, iguanas, hedgehogs, ferrets, mice, gerbils, hamsters, dogs, a stray cat, fish, a rescued rabbit and a domestic duck. I also share fun encounters with the wildlife that I attract to our backyard.
JVS:Will the book have fun chapters like From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds did?
Yes. For example, one chapter is called “Goin’ Hog Wild,” and in that chapter, I introduce Sonic, the female hedgehog Mark fell in love with at the pet store. After Sonic is settled into our home, Mark decides Sonic needs a boyfriend and arranges for my dear sister to bring a male hedgehog from St. Louis to our home in Michigan. Louie, the male hedgehog, escapes from his cage several times and literally scales a wall to be with Sonic. The result: several unplanned litters of baby hedgehogs.
JVS: So it'll be about you, Mark, the children, and the critters?
Yes. My book will also show how each pet had a way of taking over the house and how I managed to spoil each one. For example, the chapter “Ferreting Out Another Want” is all about ferrets. We end up with four ferrets, and because they are mischievous, we have to cover up our potted house plants, rubber band our kitchen cupboards shut, and duct tape the underside of our Lazy-Boy chair. In this chapter readers will learn that our ferrets all liked raisins and Pop-Tarts; one liked bananas; another liked bagels bits with lots of butter.
JVS: Will it be as entertaining and full of helpful hints as much as From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds?
Indeed, my next book will be entertaining and humorous, with the little problem that a few of the animals die over the 17-year history covered. This book will also be filled with helpful tips throughout. For example:
· Fleas and ticks on a rescue rabbit hop more than a rabbit does.
· A domestic duck can be quite content in a house with two dogs and a cat.
· Fish find little humor when their tank leaks all over the floor.
· Hamsters get the most attention when kept on a kitchen counter.
I will also have photos of each of the critters on my web site. And finally, I have four photo books that I hope to convert into e-books, including:
· Purrkins, the Cat
· Bumpkin (about the domestic duck)
· Good-night, Big Wuzzy (about a ferret)
· Dusty, the Angel Pups
JVS: I know there'll be an eager audience for this, and I'm looking forward to it because I can relate. While I've had mostly cats and dogs, I also had a rabbit, parakeets and other birds in our household, as well as White's tree frogs--which aren't as common, but certainly not as much fun as Sonic!
I’m hoping there will be plenty for even veteran animal owners. For example, even as a veteran cat owner, you may find humor in the story of our $100 hairball.
Thank you again, Joy!
For a chance to win one of five (5) copies of the paperback version of Amy's book, go to her site: http://www.amylpeterson.com/ and comment that you're following her blog, liked her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/authoramylpeterson and can't wait to read either her book about being a stepmom OR her next one, about animals, and you'll be entered to win!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Xeriscape
Thursday, April 26, 2012
I found a really cool W: Winter
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Lots of fun words in V
Victoria--four-wheeled carriage dating from the time of the reticule
Venus' flytrap (I wrote a short story about carnivorous plants once: Carnies).
I pick vintage because I like vintage books, furniture, etc. My vintage books include the bound volumes of Chatterbox, which are very rare. My father let us read them early on, and so we colored in them (not bad, btw) and some of the books are truly tattered, but we replaced them over the years, except for one. Drat.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Unicorn is a rare U!
Monday, April 23, 2012
My choice for T is Toadhouses
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Home decorating ideas
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Sprinkler system
Friday, April 20, 2012
Reach into your Reticule
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Whoa there!! No, it's time for Q: Quadruped
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Poking around for P
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Let's pause for an O
Monday, April 16, 2012
The start of a New week and the letter is N!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds (upcoming author interview)
9th April - http://www.nilsa-rodriguez.blogspot.com/
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Kaput is today's K word
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Here's a J--and it's smiling!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Inventions
Monday, April 9, 2012
H is for hero--and heroine
Heroes: Ferenc (Hidebound), Grief (Home Not), Bolt (Detour Trail),and Cheng O'Flaherty (Rocky Falls Park).
Heroines: Anfissa (Hidebound), Lori (Pretty Pink Planet and sequel), Reesa (When Danger Rules), Nessa (The Doorway and sequel), Sugar (Sugar Time), and Juul (Seedlings).
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Ten Tips to upgrade your home (link)
Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!